Siem Reap on a Shoestring: A Mad Monkey Review & Ethical Adventures

Just checked out of The Mad Monkey in Siem Reap and my head is buzzing – not just from the $2 cocktails, but from the incredible people I met and the experiences I crammed into a few short days. If you're looking for Siem Reap social hostels that won't break the bank while offering a chance to connect with fellow travelers and support the local community, read on! This is my Mad Monkey Siem Reap review, focusing on ethical tourism Cambodia and how to experience the magic of Angkor without emptying your wallet.

The Mad Monkey boasts a prime location, just a short tuk-tuk ride from the infamous Pub Street. You're close enough to the action to easily join the party, but far enough away to actually get some sleep. Speaking of which, stepping inside the hostel is like entering another world.

Around 7 PM, the common area comes alive. String lights cast a warm glow over the scene: a kaleidoscope of accents mingling in the air, the constant clinking of Angkor beers, and the faint, lingering smell of sunscreen mixed with the tempting aroma of street food spices. It’s the perfect spot to swap travel stories and plan your next adventure.

Budget Backpacking & Unexpected Connections

Let’s talk money. At just $7 a night for a dorm bed, The Mad Monkey is undeniably budget-friendly. But the real value lies in the people you meet. Take Sarah, for instance, a digital nomad Siem Reap warrior battling the notoriously fickle hostel Wi-Fi.

I overheard her frantically preparing for a video conference. When I asked how it went, she showed me a speed test: a measly 3 Mbps download speed. Ouch! She managed to power through by buying a local SIM card for $5. Apparently, that's a common workaround for digital nomads here. Afterwards, she said she was heading to The Desk co-working space (near Wat Bo Road) for reliable internet.

Then there was David, a spiritual seeker fresh from a ten-day silent retreat. I managed to catch him for a quick chat.

"So, ten days of silence... was it worth it?" I asked.

"Ten days of silence was tough, but I feel more present," he replied with a serene smile. He'd been at the Dhamma Kamboja Vipassana Meditation Centre (Traing Village, Sangkat Kok Thlok Krom, Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia), which he highly recommended for anyone looking to disconnect and reconnect with themselves.

The Notorious Mad Monkey Pub Crawl

No Mad Monkey experience is complete without joining the infamous pub crawl. We started at X Bar's rooftop, where reggae music blasted and $2 cocktails flowed freely. The vibe was high-energy, and the views were pretty spectacular. Next, we moved onto Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, a drastically different scene. Low lighting, Chinese lanterns, and expertly crafted $4 cocktails created a more sophisticated atmosphere.

One memory from that night stands out. We were at a random bar, and a guy, convinced he was a professional dancer (he definitely wasn't), tried to teach our group the Macarena. The chaos that ensued, with everyone completely out of sync and laughing hysterically, perfectly captured the spirit of the night – silly, spontaneous, and unforgettable.

Ethical Eats: Amok Trey at Romdeng

Cambodian cuisine is a must-try, and I highly recommend the Amok Trey (fish amok) at Romdeng Restaurant. This creamy, coconut curry-infused dish features flaky white fish and a rich, satisfying flavor. But Romdeng is more than just a delicious restaurant; it's an ethical choice. They train former street children, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities. It cost $8, but knowing that my money was going towards a good cause made it taste even better.

You can find them here: Romdeng Restaurant.

Angkor Wat Sunrise: A Breathtaking (But Crowded) Experience

Waking up at 4:30 AM is never fun, but for Angkor Wat at sunrise, it's absolutely worth it. The pre-dawn darkness was thick, and the throngs of tourists were already gathering. But as the first rays of light began to paint the sky, everything changed.

The colors of the sky reflected in the moat, creating a mirror image of the magnificent temple silhouettes against the fiery horizon. A shared sense of awe washed over the crowd. It's truly an unforgettable sight.

However, it's impossible to ignore the environmental impact of mass tourism here. The litter, the noise, and the strain on resources are undeniable. It's a stark reminder of the importance of responsible travel.

Beyond Donations: Investing in Local Artisans

Instead of just handing out donations, consider supporting local communities by purchasing ethically sourced goods. I visited Artisans Angkor (Stung Thmey Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia; https://www.artisansdangkor.com/), where I witnessed the intricate silk-making process firsthand. From the silkworms to the dyeing techniques to the traditional weaving looms, it's a fascinating and labor-intensive craft. Artisans Angkor provides employment and training to young Cambodians, helping them preserve their cultural heritage and create sustainable livelihoods.

Navigating Siem Reap: Embrace the Remorque-Moto

Forget PassApp – embrace the local remorque-moto (tuk-tuk) drivers! I negotiated a fare with Sokhom, a friendly driver, for a ride from The Mad Monkey to Angkor Wat. It cost $15, but it was more than just a ride. I learned a few basic Khmer phrases from him, and he shared stories about his family and life in Siem Reap. It's these small interactions that truly enrich the travel experience.

A Close Call & Unexpected Kindness

My trip wasn't without its challenges. I was pickpocketed near Pub Street. The crowded street, loud music, and disorienting atmosphere made it the perfect environment for petty theft. I felt a tug at my pocket, and realized someone had grabbed my wallet. Luckily, I'd planted a fake wallet as a decoy.

Sokhom, who happened to be nearby, saw what happened and immediately took off after the thief on his remorque-moto. I couldn't believe it! After a short chase, he managed to recover my real wallet (the thief clearly wasn't interested in the decoy) and return it to me. I was incredibly grateful for his help. It was a testament to the kindness and honesty of the local people.

Final Thoughts: Siem Reap on a Budget & with a Conscience

My stay at The Mad Monkey in Siem Reap was an unforgettable experience. It's a great place to meet people, explore the temples, and immerse yourself in Cambodian culture without breaking the bank. But it's also important to be mindful of the impact of your travels and to support ethical businesses that are making a positive difference in the community. By choosing local transportation, eating at restaurants like Romdeng, and purchasing ethically sourced souvenirs from places like Artisans Angkor, you can help ensure that your visit benefits the local people and helps preserve Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Support ethical tourism in Siem Reap! Visit Romdeng Restaurant and Artisans Angkor to make a difference.