Mad Monkey Hostel Review + traveler's thoughts [2024]

Choosing the right accommodation for an upcoming trip can be tough — especially if you’re looking for a hostel. A central location, a lively atmosphere, clean showers, good safety features… all these factors can play a huge role in deciding whether the hostel you’re considering is really the best hostel for you.

If you’re on the lookout for hostel recommendations for a backpacking trip to Asia, you’ll probably have heard of Mad Monkey Hostels. If you want to find out more about them, we’re here to give you a deep dive into this popular hostel chain. Ready? Let’s take a look.

What Is Mad Monkey Hostel?

Mad Monkey is a chain of hostels with a number of locations around Southeast Asia, plus one in Australia. Guests in search of a party hostel tend to love Mad Monkey — they’re renowned for their wild events and fun activities, and they have an amazing atmosphere and a friendly team of staff.

But as well as being great for party animals, Mad Monkey Hostels are also socially responsible, aiming to have a positive impact on local communities.

When the founders of the chain decided to open up their first hostel, in Cambodia, they wanted to create a perfect party hostel that also created jobs for local people. They now pride themselves on providing excellent opportunities for staff members, helping them develop their skills and learn English, and they provide sponsorship for healthcare services too.

They also work closely with charities in the local areas and try to be environmentally conscious in the way the hostels are run.

All this means you can have a fun stay that will have less of an impact on our planet — it’s a win-win!

Who Owns Mad Monkey Hostels

Three friends co-founded Mad Monkey Hostels: Tom Edwards, Steve Vaile, and Alex Darroch. Make sure you don’t confuse the Mad Monkey chain with another group of hostels in Australia with the same name! 

This chain, also called Mad Monkey, was set up by two Sydney locals, Peter Mcleay & John Paull. Their version of Mad Monkey has locations around Australia, including Sydney and Cairns.

Where Is Mad Monkey Hostel?

Mad Monkey Hostels have 14 locations around Asia, plus one in Sydney, Australia. In fact, this hostel chain is one of the biggest in Asia: More than 350,000 guests stay in their branches in Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia each year.

If you want to stay in a Mad Monkey hostel, there are:

• Four locations in Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Koh Rong Samloem
• Four locations in Thailand: Bangkok, Koh Phangan, Pai, and Chiang Mai City
• Four locations in the Philippines: Cebu City, Boracay, Nacpan Beach, and Siargao
• One location in Indonesia: Gili Trawangan (but two more are on the way soon!)
• One location in Laos: Luang Prabang
• One location in Australia: Coogee Beach (Sydney)

The Gili Trawangan location is a particular favorite among guests because of its amazing waterfront location. It’s right on the water and has a 12-meter infinity pool for soaking. You can also choose to stay in a teepee instead of a basic dorm room here. It’s simply gorgeous!

Potential guests should be aware that there’s a hostel in Goa, India, with a similar name to the Mad Monkey chain — the Funky Monkey Hostel. This might sound similar, but it’s a separate company, so don’t get them confused!

What Facilities Are Available in Mad Monkey?

Each Mad Monkey hostel has slightly different offerings, but they all have plenty of facilities and events to keep you entertained, comfortable, and safe.

The Siem Reap hostel, for example, has air conditioning and security lockers for all guests, a pool, a rooftop beach bar, and restaurant, and events every night.

The Bangkok branch also has a bar and restaurant, as well as an outdoor pool and a central location just minutes from Khao San Road.

As well as the usual hostel facilities, the Phnom Penh hostel also has a super-helpful visa processing service. If you’re planning to continue your travels with a trip to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, or Singapore, staff will be available to help you sort out the right visa.

And of course, all Mad Monkey Hostels have Wi-Fi and places to store your stuff, so the traveling essentials will definitely be covered!

How Much Is a Stay in Mad Monkey?

Prices at Mad Monkey Hostels vary from location to location. A bed in a dorm room in Phnom Penh can cost as little as $8.25 a night, but beds in the Sydney branch cost more — prices start at $20.69, and there’s a two-night minimum stay.

If you’re planning a longer stay in one of the Mad Monkey Hostels, or if you’re planning a long-term trip around Southeast Asia, you could choose to invest in a Golden Ticket instead. The Golden Tickets are 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day passes that allow you to stay in any Mad Monkey Hostel at a hugely discounted price. They cost $109, $199, and $239, respectively, giving you savings of up to 67%. What a steal!

Alternatively, you could bag yourself a free stay if you’re creative!

Mad Monkey offers great opportunities for writers, bloggers, vloggers, photographers, musicians, and DJs. If this is you, you could exchange your skills for a free stay! Just check out the hostel website’s Creative Hub and get in touch to organize your trip.

Book a Stay at Mad Monkey

So, now you know a little more about Mad Monkey Hostels, you’ll probably want to book your stay. You can reserve a room online at their website, but most of them are also listed on Hostelworld, where you can also read detailed reviews from guests.

Once you’ve sorted out your accommodation, it’s time to organize the rest of your trip.

Luckily, Pilot is here to help.