Reliable hostels in Southeast Asia: Chains worth booking every time
Across Southeast Asia, certain hostel names start popping up again and again, whether in travel blogs, on Hostelworld or from conversations with other backpackers. After a while, you begin to lean towards them because they almost always guarantee a good experience. Of course, it all depends on what you value most as a traveller. For me, that means cleanliness (non-negotiable), privacy (bonus points for curtains or pods), convenience (close to attractions or good food) and free food, because who doesn’t love a free breakfast? These are a few hostel chains I’ve come to rely on across Southeast Asia, and what makes each one stand out in its own way.
Lub d
Lub d hostels never disappoint. They’re a little pricier than your average Southeast Asian hostel, but in my opinion, they’re absolutely worth it. Every one I’ve stayed at has had great facilities, fun events, and a bar serving exactly the kind of food backpackers crave. Of course, trying local delicacies is part of the travel experience, but sometimes you just need a cheese toastie or a plate of chips and Lub d has you covered. The beds are fantastic: comfortable, private and well thought out. Each bed comes with a curtain, plug sockets and lights, making them feel like little capsules. There are separate areas in the dorms to keep your bags, complete with hangers and a locker big enough for your entire backpack. It’s those small details that make a big difference when you’re living out of a rucksack. The bathrooms are another standout feature. They’re spacious, modern and clean, with light-up mirrors, hair dryers and even irons in some venues. It might sound simple, but when you’ve been travelling for months, those touches feel like pure luxury. You can unpack your bag late at night or early in the morning without worrying about disturbing anyone else, which is a total game-changer. Lub d is also great for socialising without it being overwhelming. Most locations host regular events, from quiz nights to cooking classes, so there’s always something happening. If you’re travelling solo, it’s easy to make friends without the pressure of a constant party atmosphere.
Mad Monkey
Mad Monkey is perhaps the most famous party hostel chain in Southeast Asia. Created in Cambodia, it’s now spread across the region and even into Australia, though the vibes between the continents are quite different. In Asia, Mad Monkey hostels tend to lean into the backpacker party scene, with lively bars, games, and nightly events that make it impossible not to meet people. Some spots even include breakfast. If you’re travelling and working, these hostels might not be ideal for productivity. However, they’re perfect if you fancy a bit of fun after a week of quiet beach towns or cultural sightseeing. I sometimes check into a Mad Monkey for a weekend just to blow off some steam and have some fun. The social energy is infectious, and you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by new friends heading out for dinner, bar crawls or pool parties. That said, not every Mad Monkey is conveniently located, so it’s worth checking the map before you book. Some are a little far from the main attractions or transport hubs like on Koh Rong in Cambodia, Gilli T in Indonesia and El Nido in the Philippines. But once you’re there, the staff are always welcoming, and the vibe is reliably upbeat.
Sabai Sabai (Laos)
Technically not a chain, but Sabai Sabai deserves a mention. The name literally means “chill chill” in Lao, which perfectly sums up the atmosphere. There are only a couple of these hostels, but both capture that relaxed, community-driven vibe that makes travelling through Laos so special. I absolutely loved staying here. The pools in both locations were fantastic, and the breakfast was genuinely one of the best I’ve had in Southeast Asia. It was the kind of place that made it easy to settle into a routine. I actually spent around two weeks between the Sabai Sabai hostels, partly because they were so comfortable and partly because they were great for working remotely. The beds were another highlight, offering privacy with curtains, plug sockets, lights, and even small lockers built right into the bed. Those details make such a difference when you’re travelling long-term. You could tell that whoever designed the space had actually stayed in a few hostels before and knew what travellers really need.
Bodega Hostels
If you’re in the mood to party, Bodega is always a safe bet. You’ll find their hostels dotted across Thailand, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia, and you can usually spot them a mile off from the laughter, music and friendly chaos spilling out of the bar. These hostels are built for fun and are ideal for anyone looking to meet people fast. Within a few hours of checking in, you’ll probably have a group of new mates ready for the next pub crawl or beach day. What makes Bodega stand out for me is how effortlessly social they are. The staff are usually travellers themselves, so they understand exactly what backpackers want like a mix of games, good music, cheap drinks and plenty of activities. You can expect themed nights, karaoke sessions and the famous Bodega pub crawls that are known across the region. The dorms themselves are fairly simple but do the job well, with clean beds, lockers and air conditioning to help you recover after a night out. While it’s definitely not the place to catch up on sleep or get work done, it’s the kind of hostel where you’re guaranteed to make friends and stories to laugh about later. For me, Bodega represents the lively, carefree side of travelling Southeast Asia, and it’s perfect for those times when you just want to let loose and have a good time.
Onederz Hostels
Onederz is one of those names that immediately puts you at ease. You’ll find them in Cambodia, and they’ve really nailed that balance between being social and still allowing for a bit of peace and quiet. The dorms are spotless, the beds are comfortable, and their pools are surprisingly lovely for what you pay. What I appreciate most is the consistency. You always know what you’re walking into, which is reassuring when you’re hopping from city to city. They’re not necessarily the most party-focused hostels, but they’re ideal if you enjoy meeting people, chatting by the pool, and still getting a decent night’s sleep.
A special mention has to go to Onederz Phnom Penh. I thought this hostel was brilliant. It felt more like a hotel than a hostel, with comfy rooms and a great atmosphere. The rooftop bar and restaurant were a highlight, with fantastic drinks, delicious food, and a social but laid-back vibe that made it easy to meet other travellers. The pool was also a real bonus, especially for a city hostel. Phnom Penh can be hot and hectic, so being able to cool off and relax by the water was perfect. Then there’s Onederz Koh Rong, which might just be my favourite hostel I’ve ever stayed in. This one is right on the beach, and while it’s not the most luxurious spot, the overall chilled-out vibe more than makes up for it. You can literally step out of your dorm and onto the sand. The relaxed pace of life made it the perfect place to unwind. It’s the kind of place where time stops mattering and you end up staying longer than you meant to.
How to choose the right hostel for you
Finding the right hostel can make or break your travel experience, especially when you’re on the road for weeks or months. Here are a few things I’ve learned to look out for when booking:
1. Location matters more than you think: A cheap hostel might look tempting, but if it’s miles from everything, you’ll spend more on transport and time. I always check walking distance to food, attractions and public transport before booking.
2. Read reviews properly: Don’t just skim the star ratings. Read the most recent reviews, especially from solo travellers, to get a sense of cleanliness, staff friendliness and atmosphere. Reviews can reveal if a hostel has gone downhill or if it’s recently improved.
3. Decide your vibe: Do you want a party hostel, a social but relaxed one or somewhere quiet to get work done? Knowing your mood before booking helps avoid the dreaded “wrong vibe” situation.
4. Check the facilities: Little things make a big difference: curtains on beds, decent lockers and clean bathrooms. If you’re working remotely, make sure there’s reliable Wi-Fi and common spaces where you can focus. I always try to find somewhere with a pool too, this can make a huge difference when it’s super hot.
5. Look at photos, not just descriptions: Hostel listings can be optimistic, to say the least. Photos usually give you a better sense of whether a place looks cared for or neglected.
6. Free breakfast and extras: It sounds simple, but a free breakfast saves both time and money, especially in pricier cities. Some hostels also offer free walking tours, family dinners or bar crawls, which are great for meeting people. I also find a hostel tour desk very useful too. Choosing the right hostel isn’t about finding the cheapest bed, but about finding the right fit for your travel style.
Hostel chains might not sound as romantic as the quirky, family-run guesthouses or hidden gems you stumble upon by chance, but when you’re bouncing between cities and countries, a bit of consistency can make all the difference. These are the names that, for me, make travelling Southeast Asia smoother, cleaner and far more enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, temple hopping or just trying to decide where to have your next coconut shake, knowing you’ve got a reliable hostel waiting for you at the end of the day makes the adventure all the better.
