Hostel Name: Baan Mek Hostel
Address: 25/8 Nimmanhemin Road. Soi 15, Chiang Mai, Thailand
During my extended visit to Chiang Mai I ended up staying in a few different places in the Nimman area. One of those places was the Baan Mek Hostel, which turned out to be one of the coolest hostel concepts I’ve seen in my travels.
I don’t usually stay in hostels in Asia (especially in Chiang Mai, where guesthouses are so cheap), though this is not your usual hostel.
Baan Mek is called a hostel but there are no dorm rooms. Instead there are private pods. While I have seen some hostels that market their dorm beds with curtains as private pods, these truly are private rooms. The walls and sliding doors are Japanese-style which helps in saving space. And unlike a Japanese capsule hotel, these pods have room to stand and keep your luggage in.
My accommodation had a single bed which fills the length of the compartment. There is a night stand to the side of the bed and enough room to place your bags at the other end.
Like a hostel their are shared shower and toilet facilities, which like the rest of the hostel was clean and modern. The area with the sinks would have been better with some hooks or shelfs to place toiletries.
The reception and common area is a comfortable area to hang out, with a variety of tables to sit at.
The wifi was good in my room and in the common area. The owner/manager was friendly and helpful as well. She made me feel welcome during my stay and one night I was sick there and she accompanied to the doctor late at night. There’s nothing worse than being sick when you are away from home, so having a friendly person to help made a big difference.
I read some reviews where people where surprised at the small rooms. If you stay here expecting a guesthouse room then this is not for you. If you are used to staying in hostels then the private space will be welcome.
Overall this is a cool place for short-term stays in the Nimmanhemin Road area. Book the Baan Mek Hostel online or search for more hotels in Chiang Mai.
For first-timers to Chiang Mai see my guide on the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai.
