Explore Hong Kong, backpacker-style
‘Hong Kong’ and ‘budget’ are rarely words you’d expect to go together – the bustling, metropolitan city of Hong Kong is an inquisitive traveller’s dream, but the sky-high prices of living often deter the budget-conscious from even considering it as a travel destination.
This list of 10 incredible hostels in Hong Kong will prove that it is very possible to explore the city on a budget, without forsaking comfort and convenience. And after all, the hostel experience is all about embracing the warm community of travellers and making new friends. Here are 10 swanky hostels that provide the perfect environment to do just that.
1. The Mahjong Boutique Hostel
This amazing hostel resembles one of those super cool hipster cafes forever popping up on your instagram feed. The stylish interior combining both Oriental and Western influences lends the hostel a warm, minimalistic feel that you’ll be glad to return to after a tiring of travelling. They even have cute little mahjong tile cushions in the common area where you can relax and mingle with other travellers.
The Mahjong is conveniently located in the atmospheric neighbourhood of Kwa Wan, and is within easy walking distance to attractions such as Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront promenade, Mongkok Ladies’ Market and the Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district.
The Mahjong Boutique Hostel
Price: From SGD 26/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 1/F, 2A Ma Hang Chung Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
2. Urban Pack Hostel
This swanky hostel provides an urban chic living environment at a super affordable price. The interior is tastefully designed to give off such a sleek, modern feel, you’ll almost wonder if you’re living in an upscale apartment in New York.
Urban Pack boasts iMac stations, unlimited ultra-speed WiFi, a PlayStation, and even a massage chair that guests can use for free. It’s located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the heart of Hong Kong, a stone’s throw away from Tsim Sha Tsui Metro Station, Kowloon Park, the Avenue of Stars and many other museums. Scrumptious local delicacies can also be found in every corner, in case you’ve got a case of the nibbles.
Urban Pack Hostel
Price: From SGD 24/Night (Book Now!)
Address: Unit 1410, 53-55 Haiphong Road, Haiphong Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
3. Hop Inn on Carnarvon
Each living space in Hop Inn has a fresh breath of life by talented local artists and illustrators, who have adorned the hostel walls with their playful artwork and designs. The common area features a foosball table and board games which you can enjoy with newfound friends, and there’s even a rooftop terrace where you can unwind and take in the view of Hong Kong at dusk.
Hop Inn on Carnarvon is a quick 3 minute walk away from Tsim Sha Tsui Metro Station, and within easy reach of major attractions such as the Victoria Harbour, Cultural Centre and Arts Museum.
Hop Inn on Carnarvon
Price: From SGD 27/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 9/F, James S Lee Mansion, 33 – 35 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
4. Yesinn @ Yau Ma Tei
Yesinn @ YMT is a friendly, comfortable hostel in the heart of Hong Kong’s Kowloon District. The dorm rooms are clean, modern, and boast inviting shades of green. The common areas and corridors are also decorated with artistic murals exuding the traditional charm of Hong Kong City.
Located a short walk away from Yau Ma Tei Metro Station, Yesinn@YMT is situated near attractions such as the buzzing Temple Street Night Market and the historic Tin Hau Temple.
Yesinn @ Yau Ma Tei
Price: From SGD 22/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 1B, Wing Sing Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
5. Wontonmeen Hostel
Wontonmeen Hostel is more a congregation of creative minds than a backpacker hostel – artists, musicians, writers, designers, curators, and even wing chun disciples all live in this quirky block. Wontonmeen also opens their doors to cultured, inquisitive travellers who love meeting other artists-in-residence and learning more about different trades and local culture.
Wontonmeen hostel is located in Sham Shui Po, the cultural heart of Hong Kong. Unlike the soaring skyscrapers and glitzy business districts of the Hong Kong city centre, Sham Shui Po is down-to-earth and boasts a multitude of atmospheric markets, eateries, and buildings dating back to the 1930s. The hostel is also a just a short walk away from Prince Edward Metro Station.
Wontonmeen Hostel
Price: From SGD 28/Night (book via hostel website only)
Address: 1/F, 135 Lai Chi Kok Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
6. YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
This retro-themed hostel is a blast to the past – the common rooms and cafes are tastefully styled with tiled walls and flooring with cute 60s furniture to match, and the dorm rooms evoke nostalgia with the common theme of white and green. The hostel even houses a heritage museum where you can learn more about the district’s unique culture and colourful past.
Despite its name, Mei Ho House Youth Hostel is open to backpackers of all ages, although if you book directly from their website, you’ll need to purchase a Youth Hostel Association membership at the door for 70HKD (below 17 years old) or 150HKD (above 17 years old).
The hostel is located just a short walk away from Sham Shui Po Metro Station, within easy access of major attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ladies’ Market, Temple Street Night Market and Star Ferry Pier.
YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel
Price: From SGD 35/Night(Book Now!)
Address: Block 41, Mei Ho House, Shek Kip Mei Estate, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
7. Yesinn @ Causeway Bay
This vibrant hostel almost boasts every. single. colour in a pack of Skittles. It was also recently renovated, so everything will be in tip top condition. Hang out with fellow travellers in the cozy common room, or kick back and relax with a good beer at the rooftop garden.
Yesinn @ Causeway Bay is minutes from Causeway Bay Metro Station, making it a great starting point to explore the rest of this dynamic city. Causeway Bay is also bursting with a vast array of shopping areas, from the high-end boutique shops of Times Square to the haphazard roadside stalls of Jardine’s Crescent street market.
Yesinn @ Causeway Bay
Price: From SGD 23/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 2/F, Nan Yip Building, No.472 Hennessy Road (entrance on Tang Lung St.), Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
8. Check Inn HK
This family-run hostel is sure to make you feel right at home with its chill vibe and warm hospitality. The hostel arranges tons of fun activities for their guests, and you can get to know fellow travellers by taking part in their pub crawls, hiking tours up Hong Kong peak, dim sum tours and island hopping adventures.
Check Inn HK features cozy common areas, clean, comfortable dorm rooms, a bar top overlooking the exciting flurry of Hong Kong’s streets, a library, and even a lovely white piano for you to play to your heart’s content. The hostel is located within easy walking distance of Wan Chai Metro Station and Times Square, making it a great place to base your adventures in Hong Kong.
Check Inn HK
Price: From SGD 34/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 2/F, Kwong Wah Mansion, 269-273 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
9. Ho Ho Hostel
The young couple Maggie and Spencer running Ho Ho Hostel are dedicated to providing a warm, comfortable refuge for travellers who are seeking to discover the true, authentic Hong Kong. Take part in their regular biking tours, running groups, hiking trips, and free walking tours around Old Kowloon where you’ll get a fresh local perspective on this dynamic city.
Ho Ho Hostel is a few steps away from Jordan Metro Station, and within easy walking distance of Temple Street Night Market, Shanghai Street, Jade Market and Victoria Harbour.
Ho Ho Hostel
Price: From SGD 28/Night (Book Now!)
Address: Flat E, 2/F, National Court, 240 -252 Nathan Road, Jordan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Website
10. Jockey Club Mt Davis Youth Hostel
Located on the northwest tip of Hong Kong, this is a hostel with a grand view. The crowning glory of this hostel is its unconventional location atop Mt Davis. You’ll wake up to splendid views of Victoria Harbour and Tsing Ma Bridge at the 270 degree sea view observation deck, or watch the city lights flickering from afar come nightfall. The dorm rooms are super sleek and modern, and the cozy common room boasts fun board games.
The location may seem pretty inconvenient, but fret not as there is a free shuttle bus service running regularly between the hostel and the city centre, and a convenience store on the hostel grounds. It’s the place to stay if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some time taking in the splendour of nature. You can even embark on a historic walk to the WWII Mount Davis Battery relics from the hostel!
As this is a youth hostel, you’ll be required to sign up for membership at the door if you book directly from their website.
Jockey Club Mt Davis Youth Hostel
Price: From SGD 24/Night (Book Now!)
Address: 123 Mount Davis Path, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Island
Website
A different taste of Hong Kong
With all these incredible hostels, budget-conscious travellers won’t have to think twice about picking Hong Kong as your next travel destination. The best part: booking will be made super convenient with the DBS Online Travel Fair!
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Get to Hong Kong from $268 all-in
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This article is brought to you in partnership with DBS Cards.