Common Grounds Hostel, Pai - Review

The accomodation was recommended to me while I was visiting Chiang Mai :
“You need to stay at the Common Grounds hostel, there’s no other option.”

So, I did.
And 3 months later – I did again.

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Why I Love Staying at Common Grounds, Pai

Location:

Common Grounds hostel is a chilled & extremely social hostel located in the best spot – right in the centre but tucked away in a little street close to the river, making you feel much further out than you actually are. Winnings.

The bus station and the AYA scooter rental (recommend this one as they have an insurance option) are 2 min walk away. Hospital is close too, incase you end up being one of the many injured people walking around Pai after a little scooter incident.

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Hostel:

The common area / bar / reception is my favourite spot at the hostel. It’s perfect to hang out at and meet other travellers. There are hammocks, mats, bean bags, pool table, normal tables and so on making it the ultimate chilling spot.

The hostel dorms vary in sizes, starting with 4 beds. They’re very clean and have everything you need – aircon, fan, locker, wardrobe (to share) and bathroom (with hot shower).

If you fancy some privacy – Common Grounds hostel offers private rooms as well. Quite basic, with just a fan (no aircon), double bed, private bathrooms and storage. In general, they are quite old, simple, wooden sheds but I stayed there for 2 nights and had no complaints whatsoever.

After checking in, you will find a bottle of water, towel and soap on your bedside table, which is a super nice touch.

There is also free tea & coffee plus water refills at the reception.

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Staff:

People that work there are amazing and make you feel right at home, there are different activities organised pretty much every evening – from beer pong to flip cup or even movie nights etc depending on what the majority feels like doing.

At around 11pm, most people go out to bars as the reception closes and the hostel becomes much more quieter – so no worries if you would like to have a night in.

During my first stay, I was invited by one of the staff members to join them on a scooter day out, which made it super easy to get to know everyone while visiting the best spots in Pai. They also will recommend you the best places to visit, restaurants, bars, where to rent your scooter from and anything else that you may possibly wonder about.

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General Experience(s):

At the Common Grounds hostel – everyday is a rather interesting one. Even if you are doing nothing.
There is always someone to chat with, go on an adventure with or just chill in the hammocks.

I would recommend this hostel to everyone, no joke. If I could – I would’ve stayed there much longer. Both of my visits were so much fun and I wouldn’t change anything.

Keep in mind that the hostel gets booked up really quickly so make sure to plan ahead! They do usually keep a few beds for walk-ins but that usually goes early in the day.