Mad Monkey in the news
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.
Jan
Mad Monkey Elevates Global Backpacker Culture Through Strategic Investment from Best Nights VC
With properties spanning seven countries—including the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Australia—Mad Monkey has become a global benchmark for hospitality that blends high-energy social experiences with social impact. Each year, the group welcomes hundreds of thousands of young travelers, facilitating over one million #BestNights through a commitment to community, inclusivity, and “open doors for open minds.” Niall Charles, COO of Mad Monkey, sees the partnership as a perfect alignment of two brands dedicated to the art of celebration. “The synergy between Mad Monkey and Jägermeister goes straight to the heart of what we do,” says Charles. “Jägermeister is an iconic symbol of the world’s best nights, and at Mad Monkey, we provide the stage where those memories are made. This collaboration allows us to scale our experience-driven model into new markets and elevate global backpacker culture, ensuring that every guest leaves with a lifelong sense of belonging and adventure.” The investment from BNVC is a cornerstone of the firm’s “Emerging Markets Strategy,” identifying Mad Monkey as a premier platform for fostering authentic human connections in the travel space. By joining forces, both brands aim to co-create a new standard for nightlife and social interaction within the hospitality industry. For the team at Best Nights VC and Mast-Jägermeister SE, the partnership represents a shared belief that the most impactful social moments often happen far from home. “For us at BNVC and Mast-Jägermeister SE, this partnership is a natural fit. Best Nights don’t only happen at home; they happen while traveling, meeting new people, and sharing unique experiences while experiencing different cultures. Mad Monkey embodies what Best Nights VC was built to support: safe, inclusive, high-energy environments where people connect, celebrate, and discover.” Looking forward, Mad Monkey plans to utilize this partnership to accelerate its expansion into new territories and further enhance its event-driven programming. From today, the two companies will collaborate to deliver more meaningful travel experiences and a stronger global community, one #BestNight at a time. 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.
Dec
Ironman for Impact: Mad Monkey Co-Founder Pushes 226km to Raise $8,000 for Cambodia’s Rabbit School
The significant donation was the result of Darroch’s grueling Ironman Western Australia journey—a 226km endurance race—where $4,000 was raised through the incredible kindness of friends, family, and supporters. To maximize the impact, Mad Monkey matched the total amount raised, doubling the final contribution to $8,000. For Darroch, the mission was deeply personal. As a parent of a child who is autistic and has a speech delay, he knows firsthand how essential specialized support and early intervention are for families. “It was an absolute pleasure to hand over this donation,” said Alex Darroch. “As a parent, I understand how challenging this journey can be and just how important the right support and awareness are—not only for the children but for entire families. Access to specialized education and care can make a life-changing difference, and seeing this community come together to support Rabbit School has been truly humbling.” To make this donation possible, Darroch pushed through a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km full marathon. The funds delivered will go directly toward strengthening the school’s education system and clearing the waiting list for new students. Where the Impact Goes: While the donation has been delivered, the “Big Push” for education continues. Mad Monkey remains committed to its long-standing partnership with the Rabbit School to ensure that every child in Cambodia has access to the care and education they deserve. How to Support the Rabbit School The community is encouraged to continue supporting the school’s mission through the following channels: 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.