Backpacker Hostel in Yangon: A Full Review

Jake from Florida shares the following notes:

If you're a backpacker who's made their way around Southeast Asia, you've probably experienced the full spectrum of hostels—from grungy, dimly lit rooms in Bangkok to cozy spots on the beaches of Cambodia. Well, Backpacker Hostel in Yangon is somewhere in the middle, but it’s definitely leaning towards the cozy side.

First off, let me say this: the location is amazing. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown Yangon, just a short walk from the Sule Pagoda and not too far from Shwedagon Pagoda. When I arrived, tired and sweaty after a long bus ride, I was relieved that it was easy to find. Compared to some hostels I've stayed at in Southeast Asia (looking at you, random hut in Laos with zero signs), this was a breath of fresh air.

The rooms are simple but clean, and honestly, that’s all I needed. The dorm rooms are laid out with pod-style beds that are stacked in bunks. Each pod has its own curtain, giving you privacy that you rarely find in dorm-style accommodations. The beds are firm, but comfortable enough, and the linens were fresh when I arrived. I noticed the lockers beneath the beds were spacious—big enough for my backpack and some extra space for souvenirs (which is more than I can say for some places I've stayed). There's also air conditioning, which felt like a lifesaver after walking around in Yangon’s heat all day. The pod-style beds are a nice touch, with curtains for privacy, individual reading lights, and power outlets. It reminded me a bit of the capsule hostels I tried in Japan, just without the ultra-modern tech. You still get your own little cocoon, which makes it feel a lot less cramped compared to those twelve-bed dorms you find in places like Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, it's quiet at night, which, let's be real, is not a guarantee at a lot of hostels in this part of the world. But mornings are a different story. The sounds of Yangon come alive early—roosters crowing from nearby backyards, the distant hum of motorbikes steadily growing louder as more people hit the roads, and the chatter of street vendors as they set up their stalls for the day. The clanging of pots and pans echoes down the narrow streets, as the food stands start preparing breakfast, with the distinct scent of frying garlic and onions wafting through the air. You can hear the rhythmic thudding of someone chopping vegetables and the hiss of oil as fried dough hits the wok. There’s also the occasional bark of a stray dog chasing a motorbike, the creaking of rusty carts being wheeled to their positions, and the singsong calls of vendors advertising their produce. It’s chaotic and lively—a symphony of activity that rises with the sun and makes sure you're up bright and early, ready to take on the day, whether you like it or not.

The best part, though? The staff. These guys were so friendly and helpful. They helped me book bus tickets to Bagan, and even gave me recommendations for places to eat that weren’t in any guidebook. In other hostels in Southeast Asia, I sometimes feel like just another tourist passing through, but here, the staff actually made an effort to talk to me. One of them even tried to teach me a few Burmese phrases, and laughed (kindly) when I butchered the pronunciation. It felt genuine, and that's rare.

One of the clerks, Min, and I actually ended up becoming friends. After a few days of chatting whenever I passed by the front desk, he invited me to grab beers after his shift. We went to a small bar down the street that I never would have found on my own. The place was packed with locals, and Min ordered a couple of Myanmar beers for us. We talked about everything—from his life growing up in Yangon to my travels across Southeast Asia. He even shared some funny stories about tourists he'd met at the hostel. It was one of those evenings that make traveling feel so worthwhile—a genuine connection, a glimpse into local life that you can’t get from just visiting the sights. I left that night feeling grateful, not just for the beers, but for the chance to see Yangon through his eyes.

As for amenities, it’s got everything you’d expect—a decent breakfast, which usually consisted of toast, eggs, and some fresh fruit. The toast was always served with butter and a few different types of jam, and you could even get peanut butter if you asked nicely. The eggs were typically fried or scrambled, and there was always a bowl of fresh fruit—usually bananas, papayas, or sometimes watermelon. Occasionally, they would also serve a local rice dish, which was a nice change when you wanted something more filling. The coffee was instant, but after a few sips, it was enough to kickstart the day. There was also tea, which the locals preferred, and it was strong and sweet, just the way they liked it. The Wi-Fi was surprisingly reliable for Myanmar, and it was strong enough for me to video call my family back home. There’s also a nice communal area, which is set up with a few couches and bean bags, making it easy to strike up conversations with other travelers. I ended up chatting there late into the night on more than one occasion. The walls are decorated with colorful murals that give the space a lively feel, and there's a bookshelf with a mix of old paperbacks left behind by previous guests. Sure, it’s not as flashy as the hostels in Siem Reap with their rooftop pools or the artsy spots in Chiang Mai, but it has a charm of its own. It’s more about the people, the location, and the experience than the flashy extras.

So, if you're passing through Yangon and need a place to crash that’s comfortable, clean, and well-located, Backpacker Hostel is definitely worth considering. I found a blog about Yangon hostels before I came, and it was really helpful for me, so I thought I'd share my own thoughts here as well, hoping it helps someone else too. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’ll give you what you need—and after a long day exploring Yangon, that’s more than enough.