Over the summer I wrote a series of posts about my favorite hostels and guesthouses in Vietnam and Thailand. I’m not sure why I stopped, because there are a lot more countries I’ve visited with quite a few more places I’d recommend you lay your head during your travels.
I base my ratings and reviews of hostels on three main things: cleanliness, social atmosphere, and staff. At most of the following hostels, I ended up meeting really amazing people, had a good experience with the staff, and found the rooms to be clean.
Please keep in mind that I’m a budget-oriented traveler, who likes a good value for my money, meaning I won’t go for the cheapest, dirtiest option just to save a few bucks, but I won’t spring for a luxurious suite either.
So, though a bit out of logical order since I’ve mainly been talking about Germany recently, here are my favorite places to lay one’s head in Cambodia:
Siem Reap:
The Mad Monkey in Siem Reap is my favorite hostel in Cambodia. In fact, it might actually be my favorite hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Located 8km from Angkor Wat, it was close enough to cycle there for the sunset.
The social atmosphere at the Top Banana bar and the friendly staff make this an easy place to stay for a week (or more!). I met an amazing group of other backpackers here and, speaking with others who have stayed here, that seems to be a commonality. Apparently now they also have a pool! I would definitely recommend both the private rooms and the dorms here.
Phnom Penh:
Do you see a pattern here? The dorms, room pricing, and happy hour Angkor drafts were enough to keep me happy in the budget department, while the social atmosphere kept me coming back.
Even if you don’t stay at the Mad Monkey, assuming it’s booked, it’s a great place to go for drinks and hanging out, meeting other travelers, and even the awesome staff who made a wonderful recommendation to me for my next stop in Otres Beach:
Otres Beach, Sihanoukville:
When I stayed here and fell in love with Otres Beach, this place had no WIFI and was called Moonlight Rock. It has since upgraded and, as if it were even possible, is even better than before.
Though basic, it’s absolutely perfect for enjoying the white-sand and crystal blue water at the beach and surrounding Otres Beach, which is the extremely laid-back, little skater brother of Serendipity beach in Sihanoukville.
It’s a comfortable distance from the madness but still close enough for a night out, when desired. I loved the staff here, our memorable beach BBQs, and hanging out all together as one unit. As was common in Cambodia, I really felt like the staff, guests, and owners all meshed into one, which made it feel like home.
*Tip: go swimming at night and marvel at the blue phytoplankton that follows you like blue glitter!
Rabbit Island
Just go, and stay in a little hut
Rabbit Island didn’t have WiFi when I was last there, or even running water, but it was so secluded that my friends and I pretty much had it to ourselves. Think barefoot jungle treks, massages on the beach for next to nothing money-wise, and when the generators go off at night, the perfect opportunity to swim in the glowing blue water.
Kampot
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but that’s because as a solo traveler in Cambodia, I met really cool people every time I stayed in a Mad Monkey hostel, and I am a fan of the art all over their walls as well. As a one-time hostel artist myself, it’s a certain kind of hostel that will welcome creative people and give them the freedom to cover the walls in their art. Plus, they have a pool. That’s a BIG plus in a country as hot and humid as Cambodia.
Kratie
This place is pricier than the others but whatever you do, make sure you do go to Kratie, you do rent a bicycle, and you do ride all around the little dirt roads throughout the small towns along the Mekong. It was my favorite thing I did the entire time (which was a month) that I spent in Cambodia.
If you find yourself in Cambodia, and you definitely should, I hope you’ll give these a try and let me know what you think!
If you liked this post, check out my suggestions for Thailand and Vietnam!
*Post brought to you in collaboration with Mad Monkey hostels, because they’re awesome.
Ashley says
Thanks for the recommendations! I had a horrible hostel experience in Phnom Penh, so I wish I would have known about Mad Monkey.
Kristin says
Oh dear! Which was it?
Emma says
In Phnom Penh, I would recommend Envoy Hostel. It’s new, really clean and modern! I got some fantastic sleep there – I didn’t want to leave.
Kristin says
Haven’t heard of that one so I can’t vouch for it but I really did enjoy Mad Monkey.
Leonoor says
This post really comes at a wonderful time, thanks! I’m leaving for Cambodia in two weeks after I changed my plans this weekend from going to Malaysia to Cambodia and I’ve been reading all about it ever since.. I’ve been following you for quite a while now and I really like the way you write, (enjoyed your tips on the best books for traveling SEA as well, finished little princess and about to start ‘first they killed my father’) so I thought it was about time to leave a little thank you for all your tips! Hope you enjoy South-Africa, I’ve worked in a little provincial hospital in Hermanus for a few months and thought it was a stunning, yet difficult country..
Kristin says
Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m glad that you’ve found my blog helpful! That’s a great book to choose since you’re heading into Cambodia. I hope you’ll let me know how your time in Cambodia goes, especially if you take any of these suggestions! Happy travels
Pat says
I love everything about Mad Monkey– rooms, athmosphere, and the bar! Great place for solo travelers.
Kristin says
Agreed!
Nigel says
I’ve been in Otres for a week! It’s slightly more expensive than the rest of Cambodia but well worth it. I was fortunate to be sharing with 4 people so stayed at a place called Otres Lodge. Now I moved to a place called mushroom point which is really cool!
Kristin says
I’ve heard that. Might check it out if I can swing it in May.
Jenia from HTL says
Cambodia has the best deals on hostels! I have a few recommendations as well:
Battambang – Here Be Dragons – $8 for a double ensuite!! Amazing staff and sweet bar downstairs (and we aren’t young 20 something parties, so we don’t usually go for a bar/hostel combo, but this place just had a really chill vibe)
Kampot – Green House, very relaxed huts / restaurant on the river, and unlike other backpacker accommodations on the river no late night booming house music
Kep – Bacoma, best $10 bungalow I’ve ever rested in.
Winnie says
I’m absolutely loving this series. I’ll be doing my first completely solo adventure in SEA in a couple of months and your posts have been so helpful!
Kristin says
Glad you have found it helpful! I am working on a few other countries as well 🙂
Johanna says
Hey, I’m going to Cambodia in March and loved your ‘ultimate backpacking vietnam route’-article and wanted to ask if you could tell me which route you took in Cambodia?
Kristin says
I should write one for cambodia too! Siem Reap -> Phnom Penh -> Otres Beach -> Kep -> Kampot -> Rabbit island -> Phnom Penh -> Kratie -> Banlung -> North to Don Det, Laos