The 8 Best Hostels In Kampot: From Riverside To Relax

Come find out the best hostels in Kampot so you can have the perfect stay on a budget. Whether you are a solo traveler looking to make friends, wanting something cheap but decent, or simply looking for the best of both worlds.

I have compared the price, facilities, amenities, and location- so come find out the top backpackers for all types of travelers in this ultimate guide!

Welcome to the cute and quaint city of Kampot in Cambodia. This is actually a really awesome backpacker hangout which really put it on the map as a must-visit destination.

It also makes the perfect stopover for a few nights in between the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville or vice versa. This city is located alongside the Kampot river, which helps add to the chill atmosphere.

I actually didn’t visit Kampot on my first trip. I have no idea why I didn’t, I guess I just didn’t see it in the itineraries I was researching so I didn’t know about it.

Though as soon as I knew I needed to go back to Cambodia to experience this incredible country again, I looked into what destinations I missed the first time around, and bam, there it was Kampot.

I remember seeing a video for one of the best hostels in Kampot, located on the riverside, and featuring a free-to-use waterpark for those staying. I mean what better way into a fellow backpacker’s heart than a good adventure and a bit of fun?

Though researching I quickly came to learn how many awesome hostels there are in Kampot.

Luckily, unlike many other parts of the country, and the world, not too many hostels shut down here in Kampot. Instead, quite a few used this quiet time to refurbish and modernize their facilities.

With the help of this list, you’ll be able to see what to look for when booking a hostel in Kampot! Ensuring you can book a bed confidently, in a decent location, and for a good price.

List Of The Best Hostels In Kampot

Overall Best Hostel in Kampot – Karma Traders Kampot
Best Hostel in Kampot for Solo Travelers – Arcadia Backpackers
The Best Cheap Hostel in Kampot – Yellow Sun Hostel
Best Cheap Private Room in Kampot – Kampot Cabana

How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia: 12Go Asia

How To Choose The Best Hostels In Kampot

There is a relatively mixed bag of hostels in Kampot, both the good and the bad. I am here to divide the two options so you don’t end up booking somewhere horrible!

Though in all honesty, I travel in more of a glampacker style and there aren’t too many options that cater to this in Kampot. I mean you can’t go wrong with sturdy wooden bunk beds that have pullover curtains. Though luckily for me, and for you if you are a fellow glampacker there are a couple of hostels in Kampot that cater to this.

Nonetheless, there are also cheaper options available that have a great social atmosphere, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. So you don’t need to worry too much, nor do you have to look far.

So when choosing the best hostels in Kampot, some things I took into account are:

Price

You will find prices of hostels in Kampot are super affordable, basically just like the rest of Southeast Asia. For the more basic hostels at the cheaper end of the list prices are generally $5.00 or $6.00.

This will get you a fan-cooled dorm room and basic bunk beds. Though if you were to increase your budget slightly you will be able to find a comfortable bed in a hostel with a great social atmosphere and amenities.

Personally, I recommended budgeting around $8.00 for a hostel dorm room in Kampot per night. This will also you to stay somewhere comfortable, with a great atmosphere, and perhaps even a pool.

However, if you are planning to stay in a private room you will need to up your budget to around $20.00 per night. Fingers crossed you are traveling with a friend or as a couple so you have someone to split the price with.

Location

Basically, when it comes to locations of the best hostels in Kampot you have two different choices. The first choice is that of a city center location. This will keep you close to all the cafes, restaurants, and basically city living.

Here you should basically be able to walk around the majority of the time, though may need to take a tuk-tuk if you decide to visit one of the pepper farms this region is known for.

The second choice you have is that of a riverside location. There is a huge variety of accommodations, from hostels to resorts, all set along the river, and there is a good reason why. Here you have the perfect place to cool off, relax with nature, and also have some impressive views of the nearby mountains.

The downside of booking this location is you will need to take a tuk-tuk or hire a motorbike to get around. Though for the most part, they are only a ten to fifteen-minute drive out of the city center.

Amenities

Now there is not a huge list of hostels I would recommend in Kampot. Though the ones I do are all pretty decent in terms of the amenities they offer. Some of the poorer hostels didn’t survive Covid, though I am sure plenty more will start popping up again.

One awesome thing about some of the riverside hostels in Kampot is the included river activities. This may be slides, rope swings, tubing, and more. This is a great way to cool off and meet some other travelers.

If you are wanting value for money then booking a hostel with free breakfast and water will help save a little bit extra each day. Some hostels even include free coffee and tea!

Quite a few of the hostels on this list organize events such as pub crawls and have an excellent social scene. Perfect if you want to meet other travelers!

One thing to be aware of is often cheaper hostel dorm rooms won’t have air conditioning. Rather they will have a fan, I have stayed in both during my travels in Southeast Asia. Though for getting a good night’s sleep in a room with randoms I highly recommend booking air conditioning.

The last thing I think is important to note is quite a few hostels turn off the air conditioning during the day. I guess this forces you to go out and explore, though I will leave it up to you whether you book one of these hostels.

Overall Best Hostel In Kampot – Karma Traders Kampot

Welcome to my number one choice for a hostel in Kampot, Karma Traders. This is a popular choice with travelers in the area and there is a good reason why. No matter whether you are traveling in a group, solo, or appreciating a little bit of luxury on a budget, this is a perfect choice.

Here you will find comfort in your new home away from home. Enjoy the delicious family dinners while meeting new friends, or sip on a tasty cocktail on the rooftop bar.

There is also an incredible view from here over to the nearby Bokor Mountain, it’s the perfect place for sunset. You can find on site a swimming pool as well, providing the perfect opportunity to cool off in the Cambodian heat. There are also daily events, Is anyone down for Taco Tuesday?

You have a choice of 4-bed or 6-bed dorm rooms, as well as private rooms. As you can see you won’t be sharing with a crazy amount of people, and it also, statically, lessens the chance you will get stuck with a snorer in your room.

Each bed here has a personal electrical socket, and reading light. The rooms also have air-con, which is a lifesaver in the Cambodian heat.

- $$
- Swimming Pool
- Sunrise Yoga
- Max 6 Per Dorm Room

CHECK BEST PRICES

relaxing around the pool area at karma traders hostel in kampot

Honorable Mention Best Hostel In Kampot – Monkey Republic

The runner-up for the best hostel in Kampot goes to Monkey Republic. This is another popular spot with travelers visiting this destination. It is in an awesome location right smack bang in the center of the city, though not on a busy road so there is minimal street noise.

There are also plenty of delicious restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby for those foodies, as well as one onsite.

There may not be a pool here, but they still have a gorgeous lush tropical garden where you can hang out and meet other travelers. There are even daily yoga classes held onsite for $5.00.

This place had a huge upgrade during covid, and their efforts show. You can enjoy a clean and modern stay at this awesome hostel.

The dorms all have air conditioning as well as privacy curtains, individual electrical sockets, and reading lights. Under the beds, you will find a locker that will fit your whole backpack.

Though one of my personal favorite things about this spot is there is one bathroom for every four beds. This means minimal lining up for a shower, or when you are busting to use the toilet. I have stayed in way too many hostels that only have one or two bathrooms for every 12 people.

- $$
- Onsite Restaurant & Bar
- Recently renovated
- Air-conditioned rooms

CHECK BEST PRICES

Best Hostel in Kampot for Solo Travelers – Arcadia Backpackers

Now if you have done the tiniest bit of research into hostels in Kampot it is likely you have come across Arcadia Backpackers. This is actually one of the places that put Kampot on the backpacker map, enticing numerous travelers throughout the years.

Though be aware it is located in the village of Snam Brampi, a short drive out of the city center. Here you will find an impressively built hostel right on the river’s edge. If you wanted to sleep somewhere that also doubles as a waterpark, then this is the place.

Onsite you will find Cambodia’s original waterpark featuring a waterslide, swings, blob, kayaking, and a climbing wall. All this is included for free to staying guests, though you can also pay a fee to visit as an outsider.

They also offer plenty of activities providing you with the chance to meet other travelers including sunset cruises and jungle trekking.

There are either 4-bed or 12-bed dorms available, though there are different levels in the 4-bed including deluxe and superior, the difference being air conditioning and river views.

Though just generally the rooms are pretty basic here, even the superior ones, so prepare yourself accordingly and read reviews. Just be aware that the wifi doesn’t reach the rooms, so if you are wanting to call home you will need to do this in one of the common areas.

$$
Water Park!
Daily Activities
Riverside Location

CHECK BEST PRICES

the waterpark at arcadia one of the best hostels in kampot

Best Cheap Hostel in Kampot– Yellow Sun Kampot

If you are looking for a hostel stay on a budget then check out Yellow Sun Kampot. This is a relatively new spot in Kampot, though, with an awesome riverside location, it will no doubt grow in popularity very fast.

If you are wanting to get out of the city and into nature look no further as here you will be located right along the Kampot River and surrounded by impressive mountains.

They may not have such a large waterpark as Arcadia, but it is still an awesome spot to hang out and chill. They have plenty of sun loungers, tubes, and a slide.

Kayaks and scooters are also available to rent for those interested in exploring by water or road. Happy is held daily from 6 pm to 8 pm where you can get two for one cocktails.

Be aware the dorm rooms are a bit more on the basic side, though with such an affordable price can you really complain? Just be aware there is no air conditioning, but there are fans in the rooms allowing you to still cool down.

$
Riverside Location
Social Atmosphere
Motorbikes For Rent

CHECK BEST PRICES

riverside playground at yellow sun hostel in kampot

How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia: 12Go Asia

Best Cheap Private Room in Kampot – Kampot Cabana

Perhaps you aren’t keen on a dorm but you still want somewhere affordable to stay in Kampot. Well, luckily there is the perfect option for you over at Kampot Cabana. This is an excellent option for travelers on a budget, or perhaps who are not comfortable staying in a hostel just yet but still want to save some money.

Here you can find cute little bamboo bungalows in a jungle location. This is perfect for those wanting to escape the city, or simply just looking for a more unique stay. There is an assortment of rooms available, though the most basic has a fan, bed, and mosquito net with shared bathroom facilities.

$
Super Affordable
Delicious Onsite Restaurant
Cute Bamboo Bungalows

CHECK BEST PRICES

Eden Eco Village

Another excellent choice for travelers on a budget looking for an affordable private room is Eden Eco Village. Here you will be able to find a private room that is a little more luxurious than the above, and with a private bathroom (though it is just a shower and a bowl to urinate in, for poops you need to use one of the communal composting toilets).

You will find a delicious restaurant on site serving both Western and Khmer cuisine. It is also once again in an incredible riverside location with jungle vibes all around.

The rooms here are really incredible with a design that has incorporated nature into it. Some rooms have absolutely incredible views with hammocks looking over the river.

Just be aware this is an eco-hotel so that means composting toilets. If you haven’t used one before, it’s no big deal, but just something to be aware of prior to booking.

$$
Free Kayaks & Tubes
Riverside Location
Onsite Restaurant

CHECK BEST PRICES

bungalows along the river at eden eco village

More Best Hostels In Kampot

The Magic Sponge

The Magic Sponge has been around in Kampot for a while and is another popular spot for travelers. Though since covid it seems they may have taken away their dorm rooms.

Nevertheless, it is worth double-checking if they have popped back up again. This is a cool hangout run by a gentleman called William who from memory is either Canadian or American. I visited this place a few times during my visit to Kampot and he was always so lovely.

There is a delicious restaurant on site serving up homely favorites as well as Khmer dishes. Seriously the menu is next level, so even if you don’t choose to stay here it is still worth visiting the restaurant. All private rooms have a television with Netflix so you can catch up on your favorite shows from home.

$
Swimming Pool
Tour Desk

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no bunk beds to be found at magic sponge hostel in kampot

Nomads Hostel

Located in a more local part of town this is the perfect spot to stay and come to experience the real Kampot. They do aim themselves as a spot for digital nomads, though short-term guests are more than welcome as well.

Actually, they offer a huge assortment of tours through the hostel so you will not get bored here and will be able to experience all Kampot has to offer.

There is a wide variety of rooms available from dorm rooms, and private rooms, all the way to fully furnished apartments. Their apartments have kitchens, though there are also two shared kitchens onsite for those staying in shared rooms.

Jump into one of the two jacuzzis, have a game of pool, or work out in the gym. Seriously this spot is pretty good value for money.

$
Incredible Tours Run Through The Hostel
Kitchens
Gym

CHECK BEST PRICES

view over the countryside from nomad hostel

So Where To Stay in Kampot?

Make sure you don’t make the same mistake as my first time around and add Kampot to your Cambodia itinerary. Whether you are wanting to check out the chill city vibes, or enjoy life riverside, it is definitely a spot worth visiting.

There is a little bit of everything here, whether you are looking to party or relax. So, with the help of the best hostels in Kampot guide, I hope you have found the perfect place to stay in this lovely city.

Do you own or work for a hostel and want to be featured? Let us know over at [email protected]

How I Book Cheap Transport In Cambodia: 12Go Asia

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