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The Best Backpacker Hostels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh is just one of historic cultural sights to take in in the Cambodian capital
The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh is just one of historic cultural sights to take in in the Cambodian capital | © Peter Stuckings / Shutterstock.com

These affordable places to stay in one of Asia’s most budget-friendly cities, Phnom Penh, set you up in decked-out dorms with a side serving of rooftop bars, pools and sunset barbecue nights – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

When it comes to backpacker-friendly cities, Phnom Penh ticks all the boxes. Be it tucking into delicious street food, exploring local markets or checking out historic cultural sights, it’s possible to live it up in the Cambodian capital without breaking the bank. You’ll also find plenty of hostels throughout the city that cater to backpackers on a budget. Here are the best hostels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Mad Monkey Phnom Penh

Hostel

Large mixed dorm at Mad Monkey Phnom Penh
Courtesy of Mad Monkey Phnom Penh / Expedia.com

If you’re looking for a social and community-minded stay, Mad Monkey is the place for you. The hostel organises a range of activities for its guests to come together and explore the city, including sunset riverside tours, pub crawls and a cruise along the Mekong River. The shared and private rooms are clean, cosy and colourful, and you’ll also find a swimming pool, restaurant and rooftop bar that offers weekly sunset barbecues.

Feliz Hostel Cafe and Bar

Hostel

Outdoor dining area at Feliz Hostel Cafe & Bar
Courtesy of Feliz Hostel Cafe and Bar / Expedia.com

Backpackers who prefer a more chilled, laid-back atmosphere can make a beeline for this hostel. Take your pick from dorm-style or private rooms, which come minimally furnished with contemporary design cues. There’s a rooftop bar and restaurant for those who prefer to dine in, and the hostel also provides bikes for exploring the nearby Independence Monument and Wat Langka temple.

Goldie Guesthouse

Hostel, Guesthouse

Double room at Goldie Guesthouse
Courtesy of Goldie Guesthouse / Expedia.com

Located in the bustling BKK1 neighbourhood, this clean and cosy spot is ideal for those who want a quiet space to return to after an action-packed day of sightseeing. As only private rooms are offered (with space for up to three guests in some rooms), it’s a popular option among guests who are willing to spend a little more for a space of their own. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at the on-site spa, then head out for dinner at one of the many excellent Cambodian restaurants nearby.

Stay Inn Hostel

Hostel

Hippie van murial at Stay Inn Hostel
Courtesy of Stay Inn Hostel / Expedia.com

Popular among solo backpackers, this no-frills hostel offers compact rooms equipped with all the essentials. Rooms are clean and minimally decorated, with dorms featuring bunk beds and colourful murals. As far as sightseeing goes, Stay Inn Hostel is located just around the corner from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and is also within walking distance of the Tuol Tom Pong Market.

B52 Hostel

Hostel

Large mixed dormitory at B52 Hostel, Phnom Penh
Courtesy of B52 Hostel, Phnom Penh

For the quintessential backpacker experience, you can’t go wrong with B52 Hostel in Phnom Penh. It’s smack-bang in the heart of the action, with exciting bars, restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity. Rooms come in dorm and private configurations, all fully air-conditioned. The hostel offers a bike rental service for guests and also includes a restaurant where you can tuck into local and international grub.

Lovely Jubbly Villa Hostel

Hostel

Outdoor pool area at Lovely Jubbly Villa Hostel, Phnom Penh
Courtesy of Lovely Jubbly Villa Hostel, Phnom Penh

Most hostels don’t come with an on-site swimming pool – but this one does. Located within a large villa, this self-dubbed party hostel is perfect for those who want a lively and sociable stay. Besides the expansive swimming pool, there’s that all-important bar, plus a restaurant and pool table. Dorms are rather roomy, set up in a mix of bunk beds and singles.

The Share Phnom Penh Hostel

Hostel

Mixed dormitory at Share Phnom Penh Hostel, Phnom Penh
Courtesy of the Share Phnom Penh Hostel, Phnom Penh

This charming hostel with shared dorms and female-only rooms best suits solo travellers looking for a budget-friendly stay. You can choose to grab a meal at the on-site restaurant and bar, or opt to explore the area’s many food options. Avid sightseers will be glad to know that it’s located near prime attractions, including the Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia and Kandal Market with its street-food stalls.

Sla Boutique Hostel

Hostel

Living area at Sla Boutique Hostel, Phnom Penh
Courtesy of Sla Boutique Hostel, Phnom Penh

Situated on a quiet street in the heart of the city, this bright and funky hostel gets its name from the Khmer word for betel nut. It offers a range of contemporary shared and private rooms – all equipped with windows that let in plenty of natural light and fresh air. The hostel also takes being green seriously: water is heated using solar power, rooms are equipped with energy-saving lights and you’ll find plenty of oxygen-filtering indoor plants scattered throughout the property.

Be a true backpacker and head north to the best hostels in Siem Reap, bookable with Culture Trip.

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