If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, picking the right kind of accommodation can totally shape your trip. Hotels are fine, sure — clean rooms, towels that get replaced daily, and maybe a breakfast buffet if you’re lucky. But if you’re on a tighter budget, traveling solo, or just hoping for more of a shared experience, a hotel might not be what you actually need.
That’s where hostels come in. They’re not just cheaper. They change how you travel.
You meet people — like, all the time
It’s not that you can’t meet people in hotels, it’s just… you probably won’t. Everyone stays in their rooms, maybe nods at you in the elevator, and that’s about it.
Hostels, on the other hand, are full of people in the same boat. You’re all new somewhere, most people are down to chat, and it doesn’t feel awkward to just say “hey, what are your plans today?” It’s easy. Some of the best conversations in hostels happen over breakfast, in shared kitchens, or while waiting for the Wi-Fi to cooperate.
You can be introverted, socially drained, whatever — you’ll still end up meeting people. It’s kind of unavoidable in the best way.
You’ll save money (and probably do more with it)
This one’s obvious, but worth saying: hostels are cheaper. And in most places around Southeast Asia, like Thailand or Vietnam, that gap adds up fast.
Instead of spending $30 a night for a budget hotel, you can get a bed in a dorm for $6–10. And that’s often with free coffee, sometimes breakfast, and occasionally a pool. Private rooms at hostels are usually still way cheaper than hotels, and you don’t lose the community vibe.
More leftover money = more food, more tours, more flexibility.
You don’t have to plan everything
This is one of the best things you’ll realize after a few weeks on the road: hostels take a lot of the mental load off. You don’t always need to research things ahead of time. Someone’s already been there, done that, and is more than happy to tell you what’s worth it and what’s not.
And the staff? A lot of them are locals or travelers who stuck around. They’ll tell you where to get the best food, which waterfalls are actually worth it, and what scams to look out for.
You end up doing stuff you never would’ve found on your own.
Hostels fit the go-with-the-flow kind of travel
One of the best things about backpacking Southeast Asia is how flexible everything can be. You might show up somewhere planning to stay for two nights and end up staying a week. Or you meet someone who’s headed to Laos tomorrow and suddenly… so are you.
Some hostel brands even offer multi-location stays, which can make things even easier if you’re country-hopping. You stay in one, and the next stop already feels familiar — same booking system, same vibe, often even the same community of travelers moving along the same route.
Hostels are made for backpackers — hotels aren’t
Hotels are built for comfort. Hostels are built for people doing what you’re doing.
You show up late? No big deal. Want to stay an extra night? Easy. Want to book a ride to the next city? They probably know a guy. Plans change fast when you’re backpacking — and hostels roll with it.
Places like Mad Monkey make it even easier with locations across Southeast Asia. Once you’ve stayed at one, it’s kind of nice knowing what kind of vibe you’re getting into at the next stop.
And honestly… it’s just more fun
Not every hostel night is wild. But some of the best nights? Definitely started with “just one beer” at the hostel bar.
You might find yourself on a last-minute group hike, or playing cards with strangers-turned-friends, or getting invited on a trip to the next island over. It’s that kind of spontaneity that’s hard to find if you’re tucked away in a private hotel room watching Netflix.
The Bottom Line
If all you need is a place to sleep and recharge, a hotel might be fine. But if you’re backpacking and want to actually feel like you’re part of something — even for a night or two — hostels are where it’s at.
You’ll meet people, hear stories, share meals, mess up your plans in the best way, and probably laugh more than you expected. It’s not always perfect, but it’s always worth it.
Curious where to start?
Check out Mad Monkey Hostels if you’re after social stays, good vibes, and easy access to Southeast Asia’s best backpacker hubs. You’ll probably arrive alone—and leave with a few new travel buddies.
