My Favorite Hostels Around The World

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My Favorite Hostels

(Jump to a Country if you want to get straight to the list)

Brazil
Colombia
Chile
Nicaragua
Guatemala

Mexico
Thailand
Vietnam
Cambodia
Philippines

How I Choose a Hostel

I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels throughout my travels, and one thing I’ve learned is that choosing the right hostel can make a big difference in your overall experience. A good hostel isn’t necessarily the cheapest, the most popular, or even the one with the highest rating. It’s the one that offers the best combination of location, comfort, atmosphere, and value for the money.

Whenever I’m looking for accommodation, I spend a good amount of time browsing Hostelworld, comparing prices, and reading recent reviews. I generally look for hostels with ratings of at least 8.4, although the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. I’ll usually read 10–15 recent reviews to get a better idea of what guests are actually experiencing. Reliable Wi-Fi, hot showers, cleanliness, and a comfortable place to sleep are some of my basic expectations. Little extras like privacy curtains, bedside outlets, air conditioning, or a good fan can also make a difference.

My priorities change depending on where I’m traveling. In a big city, location and access to public transportation might be the deciding factors. In Rio de Janeiro, I particularly appreciate hostels with a quiet area where I can work on my computer. In smaller destinations like Jardín or Salento, Colombia, I’m more interested in the atmosphere, surroundings, and overall experience than being right in the center of town.

Price matters, too, but it’s always relative. Southeast Asia has an excellent backpacking hostel network, with plenty of comfortable and affordable options. In more expensive destinations, a hostel that includes breakfast or offers a few extra amenities might represent better value than a cheaper alternative. And in places with lots of party hostels, I pay closer attention to the atmosphere, facilities, and whether the property matches the kind of experience I’m looking for.

I’ve put together this collection of hostels across Latin America and Southeast Asia, close to 95% of them being in travel destinations that I’ve personally visited. I’ved used a combination of personal stays, recommendations from other travelers and trusted backpacking resources, and my own research. Where possible, I’ve included different options within the same city, since not every traveler is looking for the same thing.

Whether you’re after a lively social hostel, somewhere peaceful to relax, or simply a comfortable and affordable base for exploring, I hope this list helps you narrow down your options and find a place that suits your travels.

Without further ado, let’s get started!