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Hotel · Chiang Mai · Chiang Mai Province

What'S Up Chiang Mai

A sociable 3-star hostel in the heart of Chiang Mai, known for its saltwater pool, helpful staff, and spotless dorms.

  • Saltwater pool and sun terrace
  • Free on-site parking
  • City centre location, 1 km from Tha Phae Gate
8.4 Great 662 reviews Booking.com 8.4 · 662 reviews

About

What'S Up Chiang Mai

What'S Up Chiang Mai is a 3-star hostel tucked into the heart of Chiang Mai on Rachawong Road, in the Chang Moi District. The property sits just 1 km from the historic Tha Phae Gate and is right beside the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, making it an easy base for exploring the old city and nearby nightlife. Guests get free Wi-Fi, a small on-site restaurant, and a range of practical services – from luggage storage and currency exchange to tour assistance and a grocery shopping service.

The hostel centres on a saltwater pool set in a garden terrace, with sun loungers and a poolside snack bar for lazy afternoons. Mixed dorms are air-conditioned and come with private bathrooms, balconies, and comfortable single beds. A complimentary breakfast of toast, tea or coffee, and fruit is served each morning, and the bar keeps prices reasonable for food and drinks.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Off-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • Express check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Outstanding staff — Guests repeatedly praised the friendly and helpful team, with several calling them out as a highlight of the stay.
  • Saltwater pool and sun terrace — The pool area is a consistent favourite, described as fantastic and perfect for meeting other travellers, with sun loungers and a poolside snack bar.
  • Central yet quiet location — Sits in the city centre, a 1 km walk from Tha Phae Gate and close to markets, restaurants, and nightlife, yet rooms stay quiet enough for a good night's sleep.
  • Clean, modern dorms — Rooms are described as spacious, well-kept, and comfortable, with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies in the mixed dorm.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Small hostel scale — With only one dormitory room type listed, the property is limited in size and may not suit travellers seeking more private or varied accommodation.
  • Late check-in window — Check-in is restricted to 16:00–22:00, which could be inconvenient for those arriving late or needing early access to their room.
  • No pets allowed — The hostel does not permit pets, which may be a drawback for those travelling with animals.
  • Paid airport shuttle — Airport transportation is available but only as a paid service, so budget-conscious guests should plan accordingly.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Pool & Outdoor

  • Saltwater pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Poolside snack bar

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • In-room breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus
  • Vending machines

Services

  • Free parking
  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe deposit box
  • Currency exchange
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Express check-in/out

Wellness & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.4
Great 662 reviews

Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 662 reviews

Booking.com · 8.4 · 662 reviews
8.4Verified guest

“Wonderful stay – staff went out of their way to make it great. Comfortable single beds, lovely bonus of the pool, and the free toast, tea/coffee, and fruit breakfast was a nice touch. Highly recommend.”

8.4Verified guest

“Beds were cozy, facilities well-kept, staff friendly, pool area great, and rooms spacious and clean.”

8.4Verified guest

“Right in the city centre, close to bars and restaurants. Rooms modern and comfortable, showers had good pressure, and free shampoo/gel was provided. Pool area was lovely and staff helpful.”

8.4Verified guest

“Fantastic pool, clean rooms, helpful staff, and comfortable beds.”

8.4Verified guest

“Amazing experience – staff helpful and friendly, cleanliness really good. Facilities were great, especially the pool and the lounge. Location was within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants.”

8.4Verified guest

“Pool area was amazing, perfect for relaxing in the sun. Clean, well-maintained facilities, including cozy beds with privacy curtains. Conveniently located just a short walk from attractions, staff helpful, and breakfast well worth the price. Would definitely recommend.”

04 — Location

Getting around Chiang Mai

The property sits in Chiang Mai.

City Centre: The hostel sits on Rachawong Road in the Chang Moi District, surrounded by local markets, restaurants, and nightlife. It's a 1 km walk to Tha Phae Gate, the historic entrance to the old city.

Night Bazaar: Just a short stroll from the hostel, the Night Bazaar is a lively market area where you can browse local crafts, sample street food, and soak up the evening atmosphere.

Old City: A short walk from the property, the old city is home to dozens of Buddhist temples, cafes, and guesthouses – an easy area to explore on foot.

151/1-151/2 Rachawong Road, Chang Moi District, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, 50300, Thailand

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 16:00-22:00
Check-out
By 07:00-12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
40 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 22:00, and check-out is from 07:00 to 12:00.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, a complimentary breakfast is served each morning, including toast, tea or coffee, and fruit, as mentioned in guest reviews.

Is there free parking?

Yes, the hostel offers free on-site parking, with an off-site car park also available.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Is there an airport shuttle?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available for a fee. It's a paid service, so be sure to arrange it in advance.

The bottom line

What'S Up Chiang Mai earns its 8.4 rating with a winning mix of a sociable pool scene, genuinely helpful staff, and a central location that puts you steps from the old city. It's a strong pick for backpackers and solo travellers who value cleanliness and a friendly atmosphere over privacy – just be ready for the late check-in window and the hostel's compact scale.

8.4A reliable, friendly base for exploring Chiang Mai – best for those who don't mind dorm living.

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