The Complete Guide to Shapel Hostel and Cafe, Chiang Mai

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai’s historic old city, Shapel Hostel and Cafe offers budget-friendly comfort that blends perfectly with the laid-back Northern Thai lifestyle. Ideal for solo backpackers, small groups, and family travelers alike, this centrally-located guesthouse puts you steps from ancient temples, night markets, and some of the city’s best street food, without the premium price tag of downtown resorts. Whether you’re in town for a week of temple hopping or a digital nomad working remotely, Shapel delivers convenience, clean accommodation, and a welcoming, community-focused vibe that makes it a standout pick in old Chiang Mai.

Hotel Overview

Shapel Hostel and Cafe is located at 263 Moon Muang Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, right along the iconic moat that encircles Chiang Mai’s old city. The property caters to every travel style, with spacious family rooms and cozy private non-smoking units, all fitted with modern air conditioning, bedside outlets, and daily housekeeping for a comfortable stay. Free high-speed WiFi covers the entire property, and private rooms include flat-screen TVs with Netflix, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.

Shared facilities are well-maintained, including a fully equipped common kitchen with a fridge, microwave, washing machine, and electric kettle for self-catering. All en-suite bathrooms feature hot showers, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries, with towels and extra linens available for a small additional fee. On-site amenities include a popular in-house cafe serving traditional Thai coffee and breakfast, free private parking with accessible spots, secure lockers for valuables, and 24/7 CCTV coverage for peace of mind. The multilingual staff speaks both Thai and English, and offer fast check-in and check-out to keep your itinerary on track.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are all within a 15-minute walk of the hostel:

• Wat Phra Singh: This 14th-century Buddhist temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most revered, famed for its stunning Lanna-style architecture, gilded chedi, and tranquil walled gardens. Don’t miss the annual Yi Peng lantern festival procession that starts here each November.
• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Just 10 minutes’ walk from Shapel, this sprawling open-air market is the best place in the city to pick up handwoven textiles, handmade silver jewelry, and traditional Thai souvenirs, with dozens of street food stalls serving Northern Thai specialties like khao soi and sai oua.
• Three Kings Monument: Located at the heart of old city, this historic monument honors the three founding kings of the Lanna Kingdom, and sits adjacent to the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, where you can learn centuries of local history for a small entry fee.

Travel Tips

Note that higher floors of the property are only accessible via stairs, so if you have mobility concerns, be sure to request a ground-floor room when booking. Extra towels and linens incur a small surcharge, so pack your own if you’re looking to cut costs. The hostel is just a 10-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport, and songthaew (shared red truck) taxis pass the main entrance regularly for easy travel around the city. Book in advance during peak season (November to February) to secure your preferred room type, as the hostel’s central location makes it a popular pick for travelers.