Pool Party Hostel Siem Reap: A Beautiful Disaster (and How to Survive It)

Let's be brutally honest, if you're looking for a tranquil, zen-like experience in Siem Reap, Pool Party Hostel ain't it. The noise level here is insane. We're talking bass that rattles your bunk bed until 4 AM. Every. Single. Night. Generic EDM remixes blare, punctuated by drunken shouts and the occasional off-key karaoke attempt. Yet, somehow, like a seasoned traveler who's seen it all (and maybe drank a little too much), I managed to snag some sleep. Three nights of questionable decisions and questionable music later, I’m here to give you the lowdown on this beautiful disaster.

Location and Affordability: Prime Real Estate for the Slightly Inebriated

Forget Pub Street; this place is a stumble away from Angkor Night Market! Seriously, you can practically smell the street food from the pool. And the best part? A dorm bed will only set you back around $5 USD a night. That’s less than the cost of a watered-down cocktail on Pub Street. The common area is… well, it’s an experience. Think neon lights reflecting off the pool's surface, beer pong tables stained with a kaleidoscope of spilled drinks, and the ever-present aroma of cheap beer mixed with sunscreen. It's a beautiful disaster.

Sleeping Arrangements: A Sardine Can of Backpacks and Broken Dreams

Picture this: a 16-bed dorm. Now, cram those bunk beds as close together as humanly possible. Add a generous sprinkling of sweaty backpacks, discarded flip-flops, and the low hum of conversations in a dozen different languages. Top it off with the incessant snoring of a middle-aged German man and someone playing tinny music through their headphones at 3 AM. That, my friends, is the symphony of sleep at Pool Party Hostel. Earplugs are your best friend. Seriously, invest in some industrial-strength ones. You'll thank me later.

Beer Pong Tournament: Where Dignity Goes to Die

Every night, the hostel hosts a beer pong tournament. The atmosphere? Imagine a frat party exploded inside a glow-stick factory. Loud music (generic EDM, naturally), flashing lights, and drunken shouting are the name of the game. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to participate. Let’s just say my beer pong skills peaked in college (and were mediocre even then). I lost horribly. Like, epically horribly. But hey, I made some "questionable" friends in the process. We bonded over shared humiliation and questionable life choices.

Food Experience: Tarantulas, Crickets, and Other Culinary Adventures

Okay, let's talk food. Specifically, the culinary delights (or horrors, depending on your perspective) offered by Mrs. Srey, the street food vendor stationed near the Angkor Night Market entrance. I tried deep-fried tarantulas and crickets. It's not for everyone, but hey, when in Cambodia… The tarantula was surprisingly… crunchy. The legs were the worst part – spindly and unsettling. The abdomen had a slightly nutty flavor, but also a hint of dirt. The crickets were less intimidating, more like salty, crunchy popcorn. Would I eat them again? Probably not. But I can now say I've eaten a tarantula. That's gotta be worth something, right?

Transportation: PassApp and Grab – Your Budget-Friendly Saviors

Getting around Siem Reap on a budget is surprisingly easy thanks to PassApp and Grab. Download the apps, and you're good to go. You can hail tuk-tuks or moto-taxis for a fraction of the price of a regular taxi. However, be prepared for a few challenges. Language barriers are common, so having your destination written down is helpful. Drivers often don't know the exact location, so be prepared to guide them. And always confirm the price before you get in! Inflated prices are a thing, especially for tourists. Pro-tip: negotiate a little – it's expected.

Ethical Shopping: Upcycled Fashion and Existential Crises

After a particularly raucous night, I stumbled (literally) into a shop called "Rehash Trash." They sell clothes and accessories made from upcycled fishing nets. Talk about a juxtaposition. Here I am, nursing a hangover fueled by copious amounts of cheap beer, contemplating buying an eco-friendly bag made from discarded plastic. The irony was not lost on me. But hey, even the most hardened backpacker has a conscience (somewhere).

Temple Visit: Sunrise, Selfies, and Sensory Overload at Angkor Wat

Sunrise at Angkor Wat: beautiful, spiritual, and utterly chaotic. The crowds are immense. Think sardines packed into a can, only the can is an ancient temple. Finding a decent photo spot is a battle. You'll be jostled, bumped, and photobombed by a legion of selfie stick-wielding tourists. And don't even get me started on the drones buzzing overhead like angry wasps. Despite the chaos, Angkor Wat at sunrise is undeniably breathtaking. The way the light hits the temple, the ancient stones glowing with a golden hue… it's magical. Just try to ignore the hordes of people and find a moment of peace amidst the madness.

Sustainability: Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room (and the Plastic in the Pool)

Let's be real, Pool Party Hostel isn't exactly a beacon of sustainability. The amount of plastic waste generated by the party atmosphere is staggering. Empty beer cans, plastic cups, and discarded water bottles are everywhere. It's difficult to be environmentally conscious in that environment. Sometimes, you just have to accept that backpacking and eco-friendliness don't always go hand-in-hand. It’s not an excuse, but a reality.

Responsible Tourist Guide: A Few Counter-Intuitive Tips

Here are a few tips to consider for a more responsible trip, and they might seem counter-intuitive:

• Haggle Aggressively (But With a Smile): Don't be afraid to haggle aggressively with vendors at the night market. They expect it, and it's part of the culture. The initial price is almost always inflated for tourists. Just do it with a smile and a sense of humor. Getting the best price is sometimes considered skillful bargaining, not exploitation. It’s part of the cultural exchange.
• Don't Donate to Child Beggars: As heartbreaking as it is, avoid giving money to child beggars. It perpetuates a cycle of poverty and can incentivize parents to keep their children out of school. Instead, consider donating to a reputable organization that helps children in Siem Reap, providing education, healthcare, and safe shelter. One great organization is called "Friends International", and they focus on keeping kids safe, off the streets, and in education.

Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?

Pool Party Hostel is not for the faint of heart. It's loud, chaotic, and occasionally overwhelming. But it's also incredibly social, surprisingly affordable, and located in a prime spot for exploring Siem Reap's nightlife. If you're a budget traveler looking for a party atmosphere and don't mind sacrificing a little sleep (and maybe a little dignity), then Pool Party Hostel might just be your perfect cup of questionable tea. Just pack your earplugs, your dancing shoes, and your sense of humor. You're going to need them.