Any backpacker rolling through Cambodia on a wider South East Asia tour will inevitably find themselves in the capital Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is a sprawling, noisy metropolis filled with seemingly more motorbikes than humans to drive them. That said, it is not without its charm. The beautiful riverfront is lined with tasty restaurants and food stalls, parks, and bars where you can wet your whistle.
Locals in Phnom Penh have taken notice of the incoming backpacker hordes and the result has been an explosion of hostels in the city.
That is exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Phnom Penh for 2025!
With the aid of this guide, you will have the list of the best hostels in Phnom Penh before you as clear as day, so that choosing the right spot for yourself is as uncomplicated as possible.
I have done the dirty work of finding all of the best backpacker accommodation in the city, and I am certain that there is a hostel on my list suited for every traveler.
Choose from categories like the best party hostel, best hostel for couples, and best cheap sleep hostel in Phnom Penh.
Let’s jump right in and take a look…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Phnom Penh
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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The 10 Best Hostels in Phnom Penh
First up, we’re going to check out the overall top hostels in Phnom Penh, however, there are heaps of awesome neighborhoods and places to stay scattered around the city. Make sure you do your prior reading to book the right accommodation for your trip!
Mad Monkey Phnom Penh – Best Party Hostel in Phnom Penh
Of course, a hostel called Mad Monkey was gonna be the best party hostel in Phnom Penh. A staple in both the Southeast Asia and Cambodia hostel scene, Mad Monkey is a notorious hostel chain. But really, if a mingly sorta vibe of sociability and singlets is your kinda thing then you’ll love it at this Phnom Penh backpackers hostel. The staff are helpful and informative but also fun since they participate in the hostel’s nightly fun of drinking games and, well, just drinking mainly. If that ain’t your scene then don’t stay here, but for all things party, you probably couldn’t pick a better youth hostel in Phnom Penh. Also cheap.
Poolside Villa – Best Cheap Hostel in Phnom Penh
For the price, Poolside Villa is a steal. Just off Bassac Lane, you’re in a prime spot—only a short walk from restaurants, bars, and some top-notch live music.
The pool is an absolute saviour in the heat, ideal for that late afternoon cool-down. The dorms are no-frills but do the job, and the staff more than make up for it—they’re ridiculously helpful. They’ll even make sure you get your breakfast sorted if you’ve got an early bus. Now that’s what I call hospitality.
The Eighty8 – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Phnom Penh
With one of the cheapest dorm prices in town, Eighty8 is not only a bargain but the best cheap hostel in Phnom Penh. It’s got a pool, the staff are really friendly, and the location is just peachy if you’re stepping off – or planning to catch – a bus. It also has a newly launched all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast which will set you back all of $2. The WiFi is patchy and for some reason requires you to log in constantly, and the pool and other stuff in the hostel shows a bit of wear and tear, but for a travelers backpacking Cambodia on a budget, this is a solid, solid option.
Sacred Lotus – Vegan – Café x Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Phnom Penh
Sacred Lotus nails that laid-back vibe digital nomads are after. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel right at home, whether you’re staying a while or just stopping by. The staff are super friendly, and the atmosphere is all about chilling out, with a café/restaurant downstairs and a terrace where you can easily meet fellow travellers. The rooftop, surrounded by plants, is an absolute gem for unwinding.
What makes Sacred Lotus a gem for digital nomads is the on-site café. It’s the ideal spot to settle in, grab a bite, and power through some work for a few hours. The food is solid too. The dorms are basic but comfy, with beds offering more privacy than most. Plus, the location is spot on—just a stone’s throw from the Russian Market.
Onederz Phnom Penh – Best Overall Hostel in Phnom Penh
Ahh, see what they’ve done there? Onederz, one-derz, WONDERS. Get it? Ugh. Anyway, this place has some really, really lovely private rooms on offer – bright, simple, stylish, reasonably priced; which is why it’s the best hostel with a private room in Phnom Penh. What also helps seal the deal is the location, being right in the heart of the riverside area – that’s where all of Phnom Penh’s best bars and nightlife, cafes, and attractions are. It’s not a drinking or party hostel but seriously aren’t there enough bars in Phnom Penh for you to NOT worry about that? Oh, and the rooftop area is V pretty and has river views – lush.
Pooltop Phnom Penh
As promised, this place delivers an epic rooftop pool kitted out with chill vibes and cool city views. The rooftop’s got a pool table and darts board too, which just adds to the laid-back feel. Knocking back a drink at sunset up there is the ultimate way to finish the day—and those cheap beers definitely help.
The location? Spot on. Everything’s within easy reach. If you’re travelling with your partner, those private rooms are well worth the splurge, bringing some serious hotel vibes. With a chilled-out atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and unwind.
RSIII Central Phnom Penh – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Phnom Penh
It may have a name like a Star Wars droid, but wow – like, seriously WOW. This place is super nice. Coolest hostel in Phnom Penh. It’s just… so nicely done. Polished concrete, pale wood, spacious dorms (including tables and chairs) with big bunks, and a sick cafe area that is basically an ultra hip coffee shop-looking sorta area – this space is why we say it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Phnom Penh. And not ONLY is the decor super cool, the view from this cafe is… well, there are various wats to look at with an incredible 360-degree vista of the city. It’s 100% a top hostel in Phnom Penh – AND ONE OF THE CHEAPEST!
More Best Hostels in Phnom Penh
If you’re planning on backpacking around Phnom Penh for longer than a 3-day touring itinerary, then maybe you’ll want to see what other accommodations are in town? In that case, we got you covered: here are the honorable mentions!
Feliz Hostel Cafe and Bar – Best Hostel for Couples in Phnom Penh
Wow, now this is NICE. Beautiful rooftop restaurant with perfect service, spacious hip bar downstairs, and V nice but not over-the-top rooms in between, this is the best hostel for couples in Phnom Penh. It lacks a party atmosphere, which is first and foremost probably not what you’re after when you’re travelling as a couple – so that’s great. The private rooms are really quite something, with a simple, modern look to them and really big comfy beds. As far as a Phnom Penh backpackers hostel goes, this is bordering on hotel; but of course, it has dorms and they are V cool actually. Top location also.
One Stop Hostel Phnom Penh – Best Cheap Hostel in Phnom Penh #3
A very nice place with a very nice restaurant and very VERY nice staff, this is a lovely budget hostel in Phnom Penh. As we’ve already gathered, it’s a very nice place. How so? Well, it’s super cheap. That makes things nice. Second of all, the breakfast on offer for $2 (comes with a drink) V tasty. They also offer a free shower after check-out – it can get sweaty killing time waiting for a (usually) delayed bus. The dorm beds all have individual plug sockets and lights, which we appreciate. There’s not much of an atmosphere, but if all you need is a base, well, this is a great choice.
Panorama Mekong Hostel
Ok so with that name in mind, what are you thinking? If you’re thinking of river views, you’d be correct (you can also see some of the Phnom Penh skyline, too). Panorama Mekong Hostel offers up its stunning vistas via a stylish and spacious rooftop-ish bar – the sort of privilege you’d have to pay A LOT for in other parts of the world. Luckily for you, this is a budget hostel in Phnom Penh and the prices are honestly amazing. Amazingly cheap, we mean. It’s also been recently renovated and everything’s done in the trendy SE Asian way (polished concrete and sturdy metal bunks, obviously).
Why you should travel to Phnom Penh
Well, friends, you have made it to the end of the road of my best hostels in Phnom Penh 2025 list.
Phnom Penh is a fun city to explore though exploring ALL of the different hostels available here is not so fun.
There are some great hostels and well, to put it nicely, some thoroughly disappointing unmentionable ones.
After reading this guide, all of your work is done. You are now in full possession of all of the best hostels in Phnom Penh!
The point of writing this guide was to leave no hostel stone unturned. I have put all of the best hostels in Phnom Penh under the spotlight so you can easily book your own spot.
I know it always feels good to book your hostel with confidence. That is exactly how you should feel upon reading this list!
Where you stay matters. Book the hostel from my list that caught your eye, and you can focus more on what’s important: experiencing all of the magic this bustling city has on offer…
Still can’t choose? Feeling overwhelmed by all of your options? I understand…
If you are still on the fence about which hostel to book, I recommend just booking my top overall pick for best hostel in Phnom Penh: Onederz Phnom Penh.
Travel Safety Tips for Phnom Penh
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
If you’re still, concerned about whether or not Cambodia is safe, check out our dedicated travel safety guide for lots of useful tips and advice.
More Epic Hostels in Cambodia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Phnom Penh.
Planning an epic trip all across Cambodia or even Southeast Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel and accommodation guides around Cambodia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Phnom Penh has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Cambodia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Phnom Penh before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
