Mad Monkey is the budget pick in Phnom Penh and one of the most social places to stay in the city. The hostel stands at 30-32 Street 242 in the Chaktomuk area of Daun Penh, close to the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the riverfront. It has a large range of beds: standard dorms of four, six, eight, ten and twelve beds, including female-only dorms, as well as double, triple and quadruple private rooms and a deluxe double. Facilities include a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a nightclub, laundry, lockers, luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk, and the staff help with tour and ticket bookings. The hostel runs its own activities, such as an S-21 and Killing Fields tour and a Khmer family dinner, which makes it easy to meet other travellers. It is energetic and lively, so it suits those who want company and a bargain bed rather than silence.
Location and getting around
The hostel is near the riverfront in the Chaktomuk area, within a short walk or tuk-tuk ride of the Royal Palace, the National Museum, the riverfront promenade and many restaurants and bars. The Russian Market and the memorial sites are a tuk-tuk ride away, and the staff can arrange tuk-tuks and day trips.
Rooms
The booking page lists eleven room types: standard dorm beds in four, six, eight, ten and twelve-bed rooms, female dorms, and private double, triple and quadruple rooms plus a deluxe double. Rooms have air conditioning, and the dorms include sheets, with lockers for valuables. There is no elevator, so expect stairs.
Who it suits
Backpackers, solo travellers and groups of friends who want to meet people, join tours and keep costs low. It is not a quiet retreat, with a bar and nightclub on site, so light sleepers should pick a private room away from the noise or choose a different hotel in this guide.
Good to know
The property class on the booking page is two, reflecting a hostel standard. Bring a padlock for the lockers if you prefer your own, and check what is included with the bed. Because the hostel runs tours, you can book the memorial sites through the front desk, and the organised dinner is a friendly way to eat your first night.
Why stay here
- ✓Pool
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Dorms from four to twelve beds
- ✓Female-only dorms
- ✓Private rooms
- ✓Lockers and luggage storage
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
Good questions
What kind of rooms does Mad Monkey Phnom Penh have?+
It has dorms of four to twelve beds, including female dorms, plus private double, triple and quadruple rooms and a deluxe double. Check the booking page for current rates.
Is Mad Monkey a party hostel?+
It has a bar and nightclub on site and a social atmosphere, so it can be lively. Light sleepers should choose a private room or another hotel in this guide.
Does Mad Monkey arrange tours?+
Yes, the front desk assists with tours and tickets, and the hostel lists its own tours, including a visit to S-21 and the Killing Fields and a Khmer family dinner.
