About Us
Hello, Future Islander!
Looking for more than just a place to sleep?
The Islander is Chiang Mai’s home for social travelers who are down for drinks, music, laughs, and late nights.
PRIVATE ROOMS HAVE A 2-NIGHT MINIMUM
This is a SOCIAL HOSTEL, we host nightly events to get people talking, drinking, and vibing. If you’re not into making new friends or getting a little rowdy, this probably isn’t the spot for you (and that’s totally fine).
We’re Alex and Kate, partners in life and in running this wild little paradise. Kate's a local from Chiang Mai and I’ve been around long enough to call it home. With our amazing crew, Aummy and Taya at reception, and Ei behind the bar, you’ll always be surrounded by friendly faces and helpful legends.
What’s the vibe?
We built The Islander to feel like a backpacker family house party. Think chill mornings, action-packed days, and unforgettable nights. Our staff speaks English and Thai, and our common areas and bar are perfect for meeting people and starting the night off right.
Need adventures? We’ve got you.
We’re not just about the parties. We’re also a fully licensed tour agency, so you can book epic activities straight from the hostel. No scams, no stress – just solid fun with other backpackers.
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Doi Inthanon treks
- Thai cooking classes
- Motorbike rentals
- Chiang Rai temple tours
- City bike rides
- Minivan tickets to Pai and the islands
- Slow boat to Laos
Not sure what to do? We’ve got insider tips and hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to join the Islander family?
We’re all about the vibes, the people, and the good times. So if you're down to party, connect, and experience Chiang Mai like a local – your bed’s waiting.
See you soon!
Why Stay With Us
In summary, this is why Islanders loved their stay.
Amazing Vibe
We are revered for the atmosphere in our hostel. Islanders describe us as inviting, open and outgoing.
Comfortable Stay
All our dorms and private rooms host clean and comfy beds, controllable air conditioning, strong WiFi, and ample space.
Great Location
Our hostel is close to some of the best spots in Chiang Mai. The streetfood market is a 2 min walk, and some of the best temples are within 10 mins!
Tours and Night Activities
We love to bring Islanders together! Every day we host evening activities to start your night together.
Gallery
Get a better idea of the vibe of our hostel and all facilities by exploring the pictures below!
- All
- Social
- Rooms
- Facilities
Activities
We are a fully licensed tour operator. As such, we can organize all mentioned tours for you.
We organize full and half day tours to one of the elephant sanctuaries close to Chiang Mai. During your visit, you will do several activities with the elephants, like feeding the elephants and mud bathing with the elephants. Rest assured we only work together with ethical and sustainable eco-tourism sanctuaries.
Visit the highest point in Thailand together with us. During the trek, you will walk the Kew Mae Pan Trail, making your way to the top. Your guide will also take you to the incredibly scenic pagodas, an authentic hilltribe market and two local Karen villages.
We understand. Chiang Mai is the epicenter for the worldly renowned Northern-Thai cuisine. We offer two different options: a full-day and a half-day cooking school, depending on how much of that Thai magic you want to bring home. Khao soi, pad thai, panaeng curry, Thai spring rolls, yom tum: you'll give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money afterwards!
During this full-day tour, you will visit three of the most well-known and beautiful temples in all of Thailand: the White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House.
The standard eco trek is a 3D/2N trek through the rugged wilds of Chiang Mai province. In this three day trek you will use bamboo raft to visit remote hilltribe villages (Karen), visit an elephant sanctuary to feed, bathe and play with the elephants, cook Thai food on a campfire underneath the stars, trek to the highest point in Thailand (Doi Inthanon), and visit some amazing waterfalls to cool down during the day. You'll hike around 2-6 hours per day, so you'll need a good physical condition for this trek!
Laos is called "the land of a million elephants". Apart from a million elephants (don't pin us on the exact number ;)), Laos is known for amazing scenery, ethnic villages and of course, most sacred of all, tubing in Vang Vieng. The most fun way to enter Laos is with the famous slow boat. In two days, you will cross the Thai-Laos border and sail the Mekong to Luang Prabang.
Renting a scooter is the way to do it if you're looking for complete freedom. In our hostel, you can rent scooters in all price categories, depending on how quickly you want to eat the tarmac. When you rent a scooter from us, you can opt for either a cash or passport deposit.
When you feel confident on a bike, and want to explore an authentic part of Thailand that not much tourists visit; do the Mae Hong Son Loop. The loop is 600km long, taking you through beautiful, pristine mountain-swept roads in the neighbouring Mae Hong Son province. During your drive, you'll regularly see the scenery change. You'll also have the possibility to explore beautiful Thai villages like Ban Rak Thai and hilltribe (Karen) villages like Huai Suea Tao. The loop can be done in 4 days, but we advise you to make it a bit longer to enjoy this authentic part of Thailand!
Kingkong smile zipline is located on the top of the mountains at Maetonluang village. You will be wheeeeeeeee'ing through the rainforest, a mountain valley and the jungle on a total of 16 different ziplines. Also, you will abseil from a mountain ridge, and test your fear of heights on both a glass bridge and a sky bridge. Perfect for thrill seekers!
Remember the television program Total WipeOut? It's that but on steroids. The Grand Canyon Water Park hosts an inflatable water-based obstacle course over a kilometer long. Challenge your friends to find out who is the Thai WipeOut champion! Included in your ticket is also the use of a kayak at the canyon, the giant slider and the zip line! Let your inner ten-year-old out in a day of splashing fun at the water park!
Become an Islander!
Are you ready for the time of your life in authentic and historic Chiang Mai? Book now and become part of the Islander family!
Contact
Please send us a message if you have any questions or requests. We prefer questions and bookings via our Instagram. If you don't have Instagram, you can fill in the email form below. We're always happy to help. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
47/5 Nantaram Road
Chiang Mai, 50100
info@theislanderhostel.com
+66 93 576 4959