Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Happy Elephant Hostel
A social backpacker hostel in the heart of Siem Reap near Pub Street. Clean dorms and private rooms, rooftop bar with nightly events, and friendly atmosphere make it perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
The Happy Elephant Hostel is a sociable backpacker property located on Street 9 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, within easy walking distance of the Pub Street entertainment district and the Old Market. Its central position allows guests to reach major nightlife venues, street-food stalls, and independent restaurants on foot, while the temples of Angkor are a short tuk-tuk ride of approximately 15 to 20 minutes away.
The hostel offers a selection of mixed and female-only dormitory rooms as well as private rooms with en-suite facilities. Dormitory beds are fitted with individual reading lamps, personal power sockets, and lockable under-bed storage, meeting the practical needs of long-term backpackers. Private rooms include air conditioning and access to shared bathrooms cleaned multiple times daily.
Social life centres on the rooftop bar, which hosts nightly events ranging from beer-pong tournaments and movie screenings to live acoustic music. A simple complimentary breakfast is served each morning in the ground-floor common area, providing a natural gathering point for guests to plan temple itineraries together or arrange shared tuk-tuk transport. The tour desk assists with bookings for sunrise Angkor Wat runs, quad-bike adventures, Tonlé Sap floating village day trips, and local cooking classes. Laundry service, luggage storage, and motorbike rental are available on request. The hostel's staff are experienced at helping first-time visitors to Cambodia navigate the Angkor pass system and temple opening hours.
Amenities
- rooftop bar
- free breakfast
- free wifi
- lockers
- common area
- tour desk
- laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +855 92 345 678
Location
Street 9, Siem Reap
13.3620, 103.8560 — View on map
Highlights
- Central Street 9 location a short walk from Pub Street nightlife, the Old Market, and local restaurants in central Siem Reap
- Mixed and female-only dormitories with individual reading lights, power sockets, and lockable under-bed storage for backpacker essentials
- Rooftop bar hosting nightly social events including movie screenings, live music, and games for guests and independent travellers
- Complimentary breakfast included in all room rates, served in the ground-floor communal area each morning
- On-site tour desk arranging Angkor sunrise runs, Tonlé Sap excursions, cooking classes, and shared tuk-tuk bookings
Tips
- Book female-only dormitory beds well in advance during peak season (December–January), as these fill faster than mixed dorms
- The hostel-organised shared tuk-tuk to Angkor is significantly cheaper than a private hire — ask at reception the evening before departure
- Store valuables in in-room lockers even during daytime; the area around Pub Street sees occasional opportunistic petty theft
- Angkor Archaeological Park passes are sold only at the official Angkor ticket office; ignore touts near the hostel offering discounted passes
- Check the rooftop events board on arrival to identify which evenings are worth staying in versus exploring Siem Reap's independent restaurant scene
FAQ
Does the Happy Elephant Hostel have private rooms?
Yes. Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms are available alongside mixed and female-only dormitories. Private room rates remain competitive with budget guesthouses in the surrounding area.
How far is the hostel from the Angkor temples?
The hostel is located in central Siem Reap, approximately 6–7 kilometres from the main Angkor complex. Tuk-tuks are readily available outside, and a round-trip day hire typically costs around USD 15–20 depending on the itinerary.
What time is the complimentary breakfast served?
Breakfast is typically served from 7:00 am to 10:00 am in the common area and usually includes toast, eggs, fresh fruit, and hot drinks.
Are lockers available in the dormitories?
Yes. Secure under-bed or wall-mounted lockers are provided in dormitory rooms. Guests should bring their own padlock or purchase one at the front desk.
Accessibility
The hostel is a multi-storey property with stairs between floors and no passenger lift. The rooftop bar is accessible only via stairs. Guests with mobility limitations should request ground-floor private rooms if available, though the property is not designed for full wheelchair accessibility.
When to visit
November through February brings dry and cooler weather most suited to the high volume of temple sightseeing that forms the basis of most guests' itineraries. The rainy season from June to October offers lower prices and fewer crowds at Angkor, with lush surrounding landscapes and manageable morning conditions before afternoon showers.