The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker
by the TopOfHotel team
The Chilled Backpacker is the cheapest central hostel in Siem Reap — steps from the Old Market and easy on any budget.
The Chilled Backpacker is the cheapest central hostel in Siem Reap — steps from the Old Market and easy on any budget.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The Chilled Backpacker is the last entry on this list, but for backpackers and budget travelers it ranks first — rates start at around $14 a night in one of the most central spots in Siem Reap, right by the Old Market. There are 25 private rooms alongside shared dorms, and the wooden furniture gives the place a warm, lived-in feel. It is not fancy, but it is clean and works well, and guests consistently praise both the cleanliness and a location that punches above the price.
Food and amenities
The free Wi-Fi is fine without being fast, lockers are provided for your gear, and there is a small common area that is enough to sit, relax and chat with other travelers. There is no pool and no restaurant, but you are surrounded by a good spread of cafes and local eateries, so eating is never a problem.
Location and getting there
Location is this hostel's strongest card. It is near the Old Market and just a few minutes on foot from Pub Street. Angkor Wat is about a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride at roughly $3-5 each way, which on a tight budget makes this base genuinely good value.
Things to know before booking
This is a small hostel, so the dorms can get crowded in peak season — book a private room if you want more space. Facilities are limited: no pool and no on-site restaurant. The Wi-Fi works but is only just adequate, so it is not the place for heavy uploads or long video calls.
Our take
The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker suits backpackers, solo travelers and anyone genuinely watching their money. The location is excellent, the price is the lowest around, and the vibe is friendly for travelers of every nationality. If your budget is tight and you want to stay in the middle of town, this is an easy call.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Rates start at around $14 a night, which makes it the cheapest place to stay in central Siem Reap.
- The location is the real draw — it sits near the Old Market and you can walk to Pub Street in a few minutes.
- The rooms are kitted out in wooden furniture that gives the place a warm, lived-in feel rather than a stripped-back budget look.
- You can choose between 25 private rooms and shared dorms, so solo travelers and those wanting a bit more privacy both have an option.
- Guests rate it 8.2/10, repeatedly calling out how clean it is and how good the location is for the money.
- It is a small hostel, so the dorms can feel crowded during peak season.
- Facilities are limited — there is no pool and no on-site restaurant, though plenty of cafes and eateries sit nearby.
- The free Wi-Fi works but is only just adequate, so it is not the spot for heavy uploads or video calls.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Siem Reap
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Siem Reap — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Book a private room rather than a dorm if you are visiting in peak season, when the shared rooms fill up and get crowded.
- There is no restaurant on site, so plan to eat at the cafes and local eateries around the hostel, or walk over to Pub Street.
- Take a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat — it is about 15 minutes and runs $3-5 each way, so budget for the round trip.