The Best Backpacker Hostels to Book in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Big, bright and welcoming, Lub d unites 222 guest rooms that span both private and shared lodgings. Accommodation is clean and neat, but the real highlight is the outdoor pool, plus there’s co-working space, a restaurant, bar, coffee shop and stacks of other communal areas. The location in the centre of town means you’re not far from excellent eating and drinking outlets, either.

The Twizt Hostel places a huge emphasis on design, from its lobby, decorated with sunny yellow and art deco touches, to the dorms and rooms, which are sleek and minimalist. The rooftop pool may be the coolest place to take a dip in all of Siem Reap, and the central location means a short walk to cafes, bars and restaurants – this is a hostel Cambodia can be proud of.

With private rooms and dorms sporting bold, clean lines in shades of yellow and black, Unity Hostel is the budget accommodation equivalent of a Mondrian painting. The staff here get lots of excellent feedback for their friendly and helpful service, and there’s an in-house restaurant and free coffee. It’s also just a short walk from Pub Street.

Just west of central Siem Reap is Cozy Cloud Backpackers Hostel. Budget-friendly accommodation here takes the form of clean, modern dorms with bunk beds sheltered by privacy curtains. A surprisingly extravagant dipping pool and an open-air communal area with beanbags are the perfect places to decompress after a sweaty day exploring Angkor Wat.

Bokre Angkor Hostel brings together dorms and private rooms in a handsome multi-storey building just outside the town centre. The inviting pool is what draws most backpackers out of their rooms, but other perks include a free airport and bus station shuttle, an in-house cafe and free water. Speak to the staff to book a tour of Angor Wat or a trip to the sacred Kulen Mountain, home to the largest reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia.

As the name indicates, the Pool Party Hostel has a youthful, fun and social vibe. Just south of downtown, it blends private rooms and dorms, all in minimalist whites with splashes of bright colour. The main focus is the central pool area, with an adjacent restaurant and bar, and it’s a nexus for budget travellers from around the world.

Housed in a smart multistorey building, the Chilled Backpacker offers a quirky budget stay. Accommodation takes the form of private rooms and dorms, the former with balconies overlooking the town, while the communal focus is on the central pool. Its convenient location – just a brief walk from the central market – is an added bonus

Siem Reap Pub Hostel combines a mixture of private rooms and dorms just at the edge of the city. The main draws here are the swimming pool, the bar and the overtly social atmosphere, which means this may not be the ideal stay for families. Its location near the night market does make it a clever choice for foodies, though.

Two hospitality-minded locals have opened their cosy home, located just outside the centre of Siem Reap, to guests. There’s lots of pleasant greenery, the private rooms are simple but comfortable and additional highlights include warm, family-like service and home-cooked meals. While the hostel is a little way from town, the owners provide a free shuttle service.