Attracting over 2 million tourists per year, most people visit Siem Reap for the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. However, once in Siem Reap those willing to explore beyond the famous UNESCO World Heritage site will discover a vibrant city full of life, culture and delicious Khmer food. And at the center of it all, the downtown area with the bustling Old Market and Pub Street. If you’re looking for a place to stay that offers a great social experience at the best value, look no further than this list.
- Mad Monkey Hostel – Overall Winner
Sivatha Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Mad Monkey Hostel tops this list for the best social experience in Siem Reap. Yes, the facilities include a great pool, restaurant and rooftop bar but it’s activities like pub crawls, barbeques, sunset lake tours and live DJ parties that make it stand-out. And the best part? You get to be social and socially responsible too. Mad Monkey is involved in several projects around Asia that aim to support local communities. It is by far the most popular hostel in Siem Reap for backpackers and has the highest ratings compared to the volume of reviews. This is where we stay.
- Joyohostel
Oum Khun Street, Plum Tapoul, Khum Svaydongkum, Siem Reap
Close to the Lucky Mall, Joyohostel is in the quieter Taphul Village area but still a short 10-minute walk from Pub Street and the Night Market. The hostel features classic wooden bunk beds in both female and mixed dorm rooms, as well as a shared lounge, free wi-fi, and a 24-hour front desk.
- White Rabbit Hostel
0545, Wat Bo Road, Sangkat Salakamreuk, Siem Reap
Also a 10-minute walk from Pub Street but in the Wat Bo Area, you’ll find the White Rabbit with its colorful Alice in Wonderland themed decor and one of the biggest swimming pools in town. Guests can mingle playing board games and beer pong tournaments or simply get to know each other over a meal at the on-site restaurant which serves both International and Khmer cuisine.
- Inter City Hostel
Street 26, Watbo Sangkat Sala karmreuk, Siem Reap
Inter City Hostel is a short walk off King’s Road Angkor and stands out for its industrial feel with stacked shipping containers converted into rooms. The atmosphere is light and colorful, with social life happening on the courtyard where guests can relax on bean bag chairs spread around the swimming pool. There’s also a pool table, an on-site restaurant, and bikes available for rental.
- 1953 Siem Reap Hostel
Night Market Street, Stung Thmey Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
The closest to Pub Street on this list so far, 1953 Siem Reap is a no-frills hostel that excels in all the basics: clean, minimalist rooms with comfortable beds, a nice interior courtyard with an outdoor swimming pool and garden, its own restaurant, and a business center for digital nomads looking to squeeze some work in.
- Cozy Cloud
Funky Ln, Siem Reap
Cozy Cloud features modern interior design with big windows letting in the glorious Siem Reap sunshine. A seating area overlooking the pool makes for the perfect spot to work on your laptop for a few hours or simply relax on a comfy lounge chair petting one of the house cats. Angkor Night Market is only 7 minutes away by foot.
- The Local Time Village
Svaydangkum Commune #083, Taphul Village, Siem Reap
A 17-minute walk from Pub Street, the Local Time Village is not as close to the action as other hostels but it more than makes up for it with a quiet atmosphere and a local vibe. Guests have mentioned the unusually spacious rooms equipped with seating areas and flat-screen TVs to be a plus. The hammocks in the swimming pool garden are perfect for a mid-afternoon nap. Make sure to ask about a complimentary airport pick-up.
- One Stop Hostel
342, Sivatha Blvd, Opposite Cambodia National Bank, Siem Reap
When we think of One Stop Hostel, one thing comes to mind: the rooftop bar! And what’s better than a bar on a rooftop? A bar on a rooftop right above a dozen of other bars on pub street. If you enjoy the nightlife, dining out and being right at the center of it all then you can’t beat this location.
- Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap
7 Makara Street Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap
An Outdoor swimming pool? Check. Colorful Khmer-style decor? Check. Cocktails at the poolside bar? Check. Lub d Cambodia has it all. Even a co-working space. And the best part? All this 300m away from Siem Reap Art Center Night Market and 600m from Pub Street.
- Onederz Siem Reap
Next to Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap
Continuing with the rooftop theme, enter Onederz Hostel. Located near Pub Street but still far enough to provide guests a quiet atmosphere, the Onederz features not one, but two swimming pools, one of which on the rooftop where the sunsets just beg for some serious cocktail-in-hand chill session. The facilities are modern with plenty of space for organized activities and social interactions with like-minded people.
