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Sihanoukville used to be the ultimate backpacker haven—cheap beach huts, dirt-cheap beer, and an atmosphere that made leaving near impossible. Sadly, those glory days are long gone. Overdevelopment has transformed the once-laid-back coastal town into a chaotic construction zone, and trust me, you don’t want to stay there.
But don’t write off the region just yet. The real gems now lie off the coast on the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. These two slices of paradise are where you’ll find the best hostels, the best beaches, and the kind of backpacker energy that Sihanoukville lost years ago.
To help you dodge the duds and land in the best spots, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Sihanoukville—not just in the city but across the islands too (where you’ll want to spend the majority of your time).
Whether you’re after a social party hostel, a chilled-out beachfront bungalow, or something in between, I’ve got you covered.
Photo: @taya.travels
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Best Hostels in Sihanoukville
If you’re figuring out where to stay in Sihanoukville, then I’d skip the city completely and head straight to the islands. My favourites are from a mix of both Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloam—AKA absolute paradise. Let’s check ’em out.
Nest Beach Club – Best Overall Hostel in Sihanoukville
Nest Beach Club holds the iconic Nestival; a festival so legendary that it’s worth staying here just to experience it. I am not ashamed to say that I spent waaaaaaay too long at this hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Legendary Nestival
- Happy Hours
- Super Social
It’s an utter remote paradise – signal doesn’t reach the dorms that are tucked further into the jungle so (gasp!!!) you spend less time doom-scrolling and more time actually connecting with those around you. The dorms are no frills and absolutely what you’d expect in the middle of the jungle on the edge of the beach. Despite this they still have curtains on the dorm and ensuite bathrooms that are cleaned regularly (just don’t expect a hot shower).
What this place lacks for in shiny amenities it makes up for in impeccable vibes, with daily events held every single day and a backpacker crowd which for some unknown reason can’t leave the island. “One more day” is a common phrase around these parts. This hostel holds a special place in my heart and I’d come back to Cambodia just for it.
Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sihanoukville
As far as remote islands go, you won’t be too pressed to find friends at the island’s only beachfront hostel. Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem features a rooftop with a beautiful view, air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds and lockers, and a clean and modern communal bathroom.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site Restaurant
- Lots of Games to Play
- Daily Events
Despite it being remote paradise, digital nomads will actually do alright here! The Wi-Fi is reliable, the communal spaces are cosy and good enough to crack on with some work. PLUS being away from the big crazy party vibes of Koh Rong might actually do you some good for the ‘ol productivity.
The rooftop offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains. They host a nightly BBQ and offer a variety of games, making it easy to meet new travel pals.
Mad Monkey Koh Rong – Best Party Hostel in Sihanoukville
Mad Monkey Koh Rong is the ultimate spot for beach bums and party animals alike. True to its name, this place brings the chaos with happy hours, daily events, and those infamous party reps making sure the good times never stop. If you’re after the best party hostel on the island, this is it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site Restaurant
- Beachside Location
- Daily Events
Dorms are clean and comfy—no complaints there. Bathrooms are a bit meh, and it’s cold showers all around, but that’s island life for you. The social vibe more than makes up for it, with daily activities, a buzzing atmosphere, and staff who go all out to keep the energy high.
Killer food, cheap drinks, and something happening every single night. If you’re here to party, you’ve just found your home base.
The Lost Boys
This place is all about the simple pleasures—quiet beaches, swaying hammocks, and some seriously good grub. The family BBQ night is the real star of the show, bringing travellers together over top-tier food and solid vibes.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Island PARADISE
- On-site Bar
- Beachside Location
Fair warning: no Wi-Fi. They’re all about real connections, not internet connections. If you’re glued to your phone, this might not be your spot, but if you’re up for embracing island life properly, you’ll love it.
Rooms are clean, food’s spot on, and the beach is a little slice of calm. Just be ready for a bit of a trek if you’re heading to Long Set Beach—20 minutes to Nest, 40 to the far end where the restaurants are. But Kaoh Touch Beach and its pier are only five minutes away, so you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Seashell Guesthouse, Bar and Tattoos – Best Hostel for Couples in Sihanoukville
Seashell Guesthouse is smack bang on the beach of Koh Rong Sanloem, where the sound of waves and the sea breeze set the tone for your stay. Almost every room has a sea view, so you can wake up to paradise without even leaving your bed.
The bar and chill area is where the magic happens—backpackers swapping stories over drinks, lounging with a view, and soaking up the laid-back island vibes. The atmosphere makes it ridiculously easy to meet people and make travel mates for life.
They’ve got four private rooms (two with insane ocean views, two overlooking the village) and a couple of 8-bed dorms. Evenings mean beach bonfires, board game battles, and family dinners, while the days are packed with boat trips and adventures. You won’t be bored, that’s for sure.
Onederz Sihanoukville – Best Cheap Hostel in Sihanoukville
Being the only hostel in Sihanoukville city itself, Onederz Sihanoukville is the cheapest hostel both on the mainland and on the islands so you know you’ve found a gem here. Clean, quiet and comfortable, this place is the ultimate unwind before heading to the islands or, in my case, recovering from them.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to the Pier
- Chill Vibes
- Clean and Modern Amenities
Maybe you wanna get some work done before hitting the islands off Sihanoukville, or maybe you just want somewhere to answer some emails in peace – whatever it is, this is a chilled little spot for getting the job done. You can type like a demon then somersault into the pool without even having to move very far.
Clean, comfy, and close to loads of restaurants and bars, rooms here are set around an outdoor pool with tables and chairs indoors and outdoors. The Onederz chain is known for its no-nonsense, clean and modern amenities, and this spot is no different.
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View on OspreyOnederz Koh Rong – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Sihanoukville
Onederz Koh Rong is the latest of their long Cambodian resume and has all the same gems that you’d expect at any other of their hostels.The staff here genuinely go out of their way to make sure you’re sorted—whether it’s booking onward travel, sorting events, or just making you feel at home. From the cleaners to the bar staff, everyone’s got that friendly, welcoming vibe. The food’s solid, showers are spotless, and the beds do the job. Definitely worth a return visit.
No organised activities, but Mad Monkey is right next door if you’re after the party scene. Otherwise, there’s a pool table, guitars, ping pong, beer pong, and sun loungers for a more chilled vibe. Oh, and plenty of adorable dogs kicking about.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels In Sihanoukville
Those hostels don’t take ya fancy? The islands just off of Sihanoukville are a backpacker’s dream for hostels. There’s a ton more to check out, let’s dive into them…
Hacienda
Chilled vibe, cool people, this is actually situated in a little village not too far from Sihanoukville itself. So you get to immerse yourself in the village life of Sihanoukville rather than go where everybody else goes. If that sounds good to you, well, that’s cool!
Staff at this Sihanoukville backpackers place are really nice and friendly, and the atmosphere is just super calm. If you’re looking for a place to kick back and read a book, this might just be the place for you. It is – however – just a tad (read: very) basic.
Footprints Beach Hostel
Great little location on the beach. Fun environment: chill or party as you see fit. The dorm is… open air. Fine if you like a cool breeze, not so fine if you aren’t really into sleeping in the elements. Don’t panic though ’cause there’s also boutique style private rooms at this Sihanoukville backpackers hostel.
The lounge is nice and is a place where you can watch movies on a rainy day (plenty of those in rainy season), and they even have a boxing gym. Which is just perfect if you like boxing. It’s a 30 min walk into the centre of town, but you can just grab a tuk-tuk if you wanna go.
Mushroom Point
Why is this called mushroom point? We’ll tell you why. The individual huts look like little mushrooms like you’re staying in a tiki version Toad’s kingdom. Designed and built by an artist. And you have to pay for the privilege.
It’s a nice idea, of course, that all the huts are nice and ecological and whatnot. But you might get a few, hmm, froggy mates, gecko friends, and various other… small creatures popping in during the course of the night. But generally this cool hostel in Sihanoukville – actually in nearby Otres – is great, especially if you’re unfussy and like nature.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Sihanoukville
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Sihanoukville.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Sihanoukville
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sihanoukville.
What to Pack for your Sihanoukville Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Sihanoukville?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $5 – $9+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Sihanoukville for couples?
A perfect place to relax and unwind, Kactus – The Hidden Treehouse is a top-rated hostel for couples in Sihanoukville.
Final Thoughts on Sihanoukville’s Hostels
Sihanoukville might not be the backpacker paradise it once was, but the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have more than picked up the slack.
It’s the closest I’ve ever come to true remote island paradise WITH a backpacker crowd to keep you company. Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines don’t come close to the magic that these islands seem to hold. The downside? You’ll have to pass through Sihanoukville to get to them…
But don’t worry, what you’ll be greeted with is well worth the journey. My absolute favourite is Nest Beach Club—an unmissable hotel with a legendary festival held every week. It’s just as good as it sounds.
Just don’t get too comfortable—you might end up extending your stay a little (or a lot) longer than planned.
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Cambodia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Sihanoukville 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.
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