Mad Monkey in the news
Feb
Mad Love: Community Impact Report 2025
The Clean Water Project: Impact Across the Loop Access to clean water remains a top priority. This year, we achieved a major milestone in Northern Vietnam: Supporting Students & Education: Building Brighter Futures Education is the cornerstone of sustainable change. In 2025, our properties focused on everything from infrastructure to nutrition and sports: Protecting the Environment: Preserving Our Paradise We are committed to ensuring that the natural beauty of our destinations is preserved for future generations: Community Support Initiatives: The Spirit of Giving Back When our communities face challenges, the Mad Monkey family steps up with heart and action: Sustainability Milestones: Climbing the Staircase We are focused on minimizing our footprint and leading the way in responsible hospitality: As we close the chapter on 2025, we are proud to share that we collectively raised over $14,300 for various charities and organizations. While this figure represents our shared commitment to giving back, the true measure of our efforts lies beyond monetary value. It’s in the countless smiles, strengthened communities, and opportunities we’ve helped create in the places we call home. Together, we’ve shown that meaningful change is possible when we combine purpose with passion. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey in the years to come. See the full 2025 Community Impact Report Here
Feb
Bringing the Team Together Through Adventure
Our team members have been absolutely crushing it lately. They have gone above and beyond to make sure every guest who walks through our doors feels like they have found their tribe. To say thanks, we decided to return the favor. We packed our top-performing team members off on an all-expenses-paid, dust-in-your-teeth, soul-on-fire adventure through the Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam. Why We Invest in the Vibe People often ask us why we spend so much energy on these kinds of trips. The answer is simple. At Mad Monkey, we know that if you want to give people the time of their lives, you have to start with a team that actually has a life worth talking about. Sending our crew to the Ha Giang Loop was not just a reward. It was a strategic move to remind everyone that we are all part of the same wild story. When our team is inspired and connected, that energy naturally flows directly to our guests. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so we made sure their cups were overflowing with mountain air and adrenaline. Real Connection Drives Real Experience In our world, “Customer Experience” is not a corporate KPI. It is a feeling. It is the energy that ripples through a hostel when the team is genuinely connected and fired up. By bringing our team members together on the road, we are doing more than just sightseeing. We are building the engine that drives our brand. “Just got back from the Ha Giang Loop with the Mad Monkey crew, and it was unreal. Riding through the mountains with Fiatz (Chiang Mai), Randy (Nusa Lembongan), Izzy (Gili T), Jessica (Phuket), Lin (Phnom Penh), and Alex, the founder, was an absolute laugh. Stunning views, endless “happy water,” and plenty of chaos along the way. Huge thanks to my driver (Mao) , who made the roads feel safe while letting us have a proper blast. By the end, we were all tight as a crew, making memories that’ll stick for years and the song ‘“just the way you are” is still stuck in my head.” – Harry Slynn, Guest Experience Manager of Mad Monkey Koh Sdach “My Ha Giang Loop experience with Mad Monkey was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, the team created an environment that felt welcoming, led by Nicky and Chris, where we met our other Mad Monkey friends Izzy, Harry, Jessica, Randy, and Lin. As another surprise, Alex, our founder, joined us for an amazing time hanging out with the boss. The journey itself was breathtaking, with dramatic mountain passes, endless winding roads, and landscapes that felt almost surreal. The Ha Giang Loop is already an iconic adventure, but Mad Monkey elevated it into something truly memorable. It wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience I’ll carry with me long after the ride ended.” – Fiatz, Guest Experience Manager of Mad Monkey Chiang Mai The ROI of the Extra Mile Some might look at an all-expense trip as a luxury, but we see it as an investment in our secret weapon: our people. Returning from the mountains, our team members aren’t just “refreshed”—they are inspired. That glint in their eyes says this crew is ready to take our guest experience to a level the big hotel chains haven’t even dreamed of yet. They have shared the meals, the breakdowns, the sunsets, and the local rice wine. That is the energy they are bringing back to the floor. To our guests: Get ready. The crew is back, they are bonded, and they are more pumped than…
Feb
Mad Monkey Hostels Selected for the Cloudbeds Collection for Excellence in Community-Driven Hospitality
Handpicked from tens of thousands of properties globally, Mad Monkey was specifically honored in the “Designed for connection” category. This distinction is reserved for properties built around people and place—businesses that prioritize shared experiences, community, and fostering meaningful connections between travelers. “We are honored to be included in the Cloudbeds Collection,” said Kyle Kenny, Commercial Director at Mad Monkey Hostels. “Our focus has always been on creating more than just a place to stay; we build environments where travelers can truly engage with each other and the local culture. This recognition highlights our commitment to staying true to our independent roots and our mission of social impact.” The Cloudbeds Collection highlights properties that push the boundaries of traditional hospitality to create authentic, community-focused stays. Mad Monkey stood out among hundreds of global nominations for its commitment to: As Mad Monkey continues to grow its global footprint, it remains dedicated to being a sanctuary for the curious and the adventurous. Moving forward, the brand will continue to be a primary place for connection, ensuring that every guest leaves with more than just photos, but with new global friendships and a deeper sense of community. Travelers can explore the full Cloudbeds Collection and view Mad Monkey’s featured profile at cloudbeds.com/cloudbeds-collection. About Mad Monkey Hostels Mad Monkey is a leading hostel operator in Southeast Asia, known for experience-driven stays that blend affordable accommodation with community, adventure, and unforgettable social energy. With locations across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Australia, Mad Monkey is more than a place to stay – it’s a place to belong. About Cloudbeds Cloudbeds is the leading platform powering hospitality, serving tens of thousands of hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals in over 150 countries. The Cloudbeds platform helps partners grow revenue, streamline operations, and deliver memorable guest experiences.
Jan
Mad Monkey Celebrates Major Wins at 2026 HOSCAR Awards: Voted Among the World’s Best Hostels
Now in their 24th year, the HOSCARS are uniquely determined by the global backpacker community. This year’s winners were distilled from reviews of over 7 million bookings, with travelers rating hostels on their social atmosphere, staff energy, value, and ability to create a “home away from home.” As solo travel continues to surge, with 58% of travelers now prioritizing human connection above all else, Mad Monkey has proven itself as the ultimate destination for those seeking adventure with a soul. The Standout: Mad Monkey Chiang Mai Leading the charge with a spectacular performance, Mad Monkey Chiang Mai solidified its status as a global icon of social travel. The property swept four major titles, proving that its blend of legendary parties and Northern Thai charm is unmatched: Adventure Capital King: Mad Monkey Vang Vieng Securing its place as the heart of adventure in the region, Mad Monkey Vang Vieng took home two major titles this year. Voted as both the Best Hostel in Laos and the Most Popular Hostel in Vang Vieng, it continues to be the definitive base for travelers exploring the karst mountains and lagoons of Laos. City Landmark: Mad Monkey Phnom Penh In the vibrant heart of Cambodia’s capital, Mad Monkey Phnom Penh was celebrated for its electric atmosphere and consistent guest satisfaction. The property was officially ranked as the 2nd Best Hostel in Cambodia, cementing its status as a must-stay destination for travelers exploring Southeast Asia. Social Powerhouse: Mad Monkey Phuket Taking the title of Most Popular Hostel in Phuket, Mad Monkey continues to set the pace in Thailand’s busiest coastal destination. From legendary pool parties to a massive social scene, the property has cemented itself as the essential home base for travelers who want to be in the center of the action. “We are incredibly honored to receive these awards, as they are a direct reflection of our guests’ voices and the electric energy they bring to our properties.” said Niall Charles, Chief Operating Officer of Mad Monkey. “The HOSCARS are the gold standard of social travel. To be recognized as the ‘Best’ and ‘Most Popular’ across three different countries is a testament to our teams’ unwavering passion for creating a sense of belonging for every traveler who walks through our doors.” Looking ahead, Mad Monkey is set to build on this momentum by expanding its footprint into new territories and enhancing its digital experience to connect travelers even before they check in. With upcoming locations and a continued focus on immersive social events and legendary parties, the brand remains dedicated to defining the future of social travel and ensuring that the Mad Monkey community continues to thrive across the globe. About Mad Monkey Hostels Mad Monkey is a leading hostel operator in Southeast Asia, known for experience-driven stays that blend affordable accommodation with community, adventure, and unforgettable social energy. With locations across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Australia, Mad Monkey is more than a place to stay – it’s a place to belong.
Jan
Mad Monkey Launches Global eSIM to Solve Traveler Connectivity
While Mad Monkey properties are known for providing high-speed, complimentary WiFi, the journey between hostels often leaves travelers in a digital dead zone. From landing at an unfamiliar airport to navigating long-haul bus routes across borders, the lack of reliable data can turn a simple trip into a stressful experience. The Mad Monkey eSIM addresses this by offering high-speed data that works the moment a traveler enters a new country, bypassing the need for unreliable airport WiFi or the hunt for physical local SIM cards. In a significant shift toward a more integrated guest experience, Mad Monkey has embedded the eSIM purchase directly into its reservation ecosystem. Travelers can now secure their data connection as a simple add-on at the checkout page while booking their room. This “one-click” approach ensures that connectivity is sorted well before the traveler departs. “Our goal is to make travel as seamless and stress-free as possible,” says Kyle Kenny, Commercial Director at Mad Monkey. “We know the struggle of landing in a new country, sweating at the luggage carousel, and feeling immediately disconnected because your maps won’t load. By integrating Celitech’s technology, our guests are now connected before they even step off the plane, giving them instant access to transport apps, emergency contacts, and maps.” The Mad Monkey eSIM is priced aggressively for the budget-conscious backpacker, starting at just $5 USD for 1GB of data. Unlike traditional roaming plans or local SIMs that are locked to a single country, this eSIM is globally compatible. A single digital installation allows travelers to roam across all Mad Monkey locations in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as over 190 other countries. Key Technical and Community Benefits: The partnership with Celitech, a leader in programmable wireless connectivity, ensures that Mad Monkey guests have access to the most reliable networks at local rates. The Mad Monkey eSIM is available for immediate purchase at madmonkey.celitech.com and is now live as an add-on feature for all new hostel bookings. About Mad Monkey Hostels Mad Monkey is a leading hostel operator in Southeast Asia, known for experience-driven stays that blend affordable accommodation with community, adventure, and unforgettable social energy. With locations across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Australia, Mad Monkey is more than a place to stay – it’s a place to belong. About Celitech Celitech is the world’s first fully programmable eSIM platform, offering global cellular data through a proprietary API. Named “Overall Wireless Broadband Solution of the Year,” Celitech provides travel brands with a seamless way to offer premium international data to their customers, keeping them connected in over 190 countries.