Need to know where to stay in Chiang Rai? I originally booked 4 nights at the Connect Hostel, and then decided to have an additional two, because I liked it so much! There are so many things to do in Chiang Rai, particularly if you love beautiful Buddhist temples. Most travellers will see what they want to see in Chiang Rai in 3/4 days, I just loved the Chiang Rai temples and I enjoy slow travel.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai – Connect Hostel
I booked Connect Hostel through Booking.com and it was easy to find, on Phahonyothin Road. I jumped in a taxi from the official Taxi station at Chiang Rai Airport and got to my hostel for just 120 Baht.
Connect hostel is perfectly located on the main road and just a 10/15 minute walk down to the Night Market.
Dorms and Rooms at Connect Hostel Chiang Rai
Dorm rooms are around 330 Baht per night and there is also a twin room available (I think it’s 750 Baht for this). They have designed the dorms with lockers under the bed (don’t forget your padlock) and separate toilet and shower which speeds things up in mornings.
Such a little added extra, but makes all the difference when you are hosteling – each bed has it’s own plug outlet and mini storage shelf for gadgets, making it comfortable and easy to organise your things.
Breakfast and Kitchen
The hostel is clean and friendly, with good kitchen facilities. I spent a lot of time working up in the dining room, because it’s so light and airy, with a luscious ‘plant wall’ and unlimited tea and coffee.
In the morning, you get a light breakfast of toast and jam with fruit, plus tea and coffee. You can also use the kitchen to make your own simple food like noodles.
Reception Services – Tours and Bike Hire
The reception desk staff are extremely helpful. They have towels that you can use and they will help you to plan any trips that you want to by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Bikes at Connect Hostel Chiang Rai are free of charge, and Chiang Rai is a very safe and easy city to cycle – much less traffic than Chiang Mai and Bangkok. You can easily cycle to Wat Klang Wiang and Wat Doi Tong from the hostel. For the slightly further temples including Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) they will organise a tuk-tuk to do a temple tour for you and wait outside each one. Two temples near to the city was around 350 Baht and three temples (White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House) was 700 Baht. Well worth the money and they do not rip you off.
Reception also can help to book you on a tour of the Golden Triangle, main temples and Karen Hill tribes for just 1000 Baht for a full day (long day but good!)
I became very close to aunty Sue who helped me to see all of the temples in the area. She also would bring me books on the temples of Chaing Rai to help with my work!
*I always declare sponsorship on my blog and I a grateful to have received 2 free nights at Connect Hostel, Chiang Rai. In addition, this article may include some affiliate links. These help me to stay travelling and bring this information to you for free!