Press Releases
Nov
How Social Hostels Are Redefining Gen Z Travel and Modern Tourism
Hostels used to be known purely as a cheap place to crash. Today, they’re booming for a totally different reason: travelers actually want to be there. Social hostels have evolved into high-energy hubs where friendships form instantly and adventure feels built into the walls. For Mad Monkey, this isn’t a trend — it’s their entire identity. “Gen Z travelers don’t just want to see the world — they want to belong to it,” said Niall Charles, Chief Operating Officer at Mad Monkey Hostels. “Everything we create is built around that idea. Our spaces, our events, our partnerships, it’s all designed to help travelers connect with the places they visit and the people they meet.” Each Mad Monkey property brings its own flavor, but the ethos stays the same: shared spaces, open energy, and curated events that make meeting people effortless. Morning yoga, island-hopping tours, Khmer cooking classes, sunset rooftops, live music nights, and hostel-wide games bring travelers together in ways that feel natural and unfiltered. This social-first approach taps directly into Gen Z’s shifting travel values. They’re less interested in polished luxury and more drawn to experiences that feel authentic, human, and culturally grounded. Mad Monkey meets that demand with a mix of adventure, local partnerships, and laid-back chaos that captures the magic of being young, curious, and on the road. Beyond the social vibe, today’s travelers also care deeply about impact, and Mad Monkey weaves that into everyday operations. Across all properties, the brand runs sustainability-minded initiatives, community partnerships, and guest-led efforts to give back. Whether it’s supporting local suppliers, hosting coastal clean-ups, fundraising events, or collaborating with grassroots organizations, the focus remains the same: leave every destination better than you found it. These efforts aren’t marketed as grand campaigns. They’re woven into how the team works, lives, and connects with local communities. That authenticity resonates deeply with Gen Z, who want to have fun but also want their choices to reflect what they care about. Mad Monkey creates a space where both can happen at the same time. The rise of social hostels signals a broader industry shift: travel is no longer about consuming a destination; it’s about connecting with it. Young travelers aren’t chasing luxury, they’re chasing a sense of belonging. They want to meet people, dive deeper, create memories, and walk away with stories they’ll tell for years. With its ongoing expansion across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mad Monkey is at the front of this movement, shaping the future of modern tourism and proving that travel can be wild, meaningful, and community-driven all at once. 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.
Nov
How Mad Monkey Hostels Is Redefining Responsible Travel Across Southeast Asia
Mad Monkey has always been known for its lively hostels, where backpackers meet over foam parties, poolside DJ sets, and local tours. But beyond the fun, the brand’s Mad Love program channels this energy into real-world impact. Across all locations, Mad Monkey hosts charity nights, donation drives, community clean-ups, and partnerships with local NGOs, helping travelers contribute to local education, environmental projects, and empowerment programs. “Mad Love is at the heart of everything we do,” said Alex Baker, Global Operations Manager at Mad Monkey Hostels. “We want our guests to have unforgettable experiences while knowing they’re giving back to the communities they visit. It’s part of who we are — social, lively, and purposeful.” Recent highlights demonstrate the program’s growing impact. Mad Monkey Siem Reap and Hanoi recently climbed to Level 2 on Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability, marking a significant step in the brand’s eco-conscious operations. Across all hostels, Mad Love events continue to support local schools, women’s empowerment initiatives, beach clean-ups, and other community projects. Guests are directly involved, turning their travel experiences into meaningful contributions The program proves that responsible travel doesn’t need to be formal or corporate. Guests might spend the afternoon on a cultural tour or pool games, then join a fundraiser or volunteer activity in the evening. It’s this mix of connection, fun, and impact that makes Mad Monkey’s approach unique. As the brand expands further across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mad Love ensures that every guest experience leaves a positive footprint. By combining vibrant social spaces with meaningful community engagement, Mad Monkey is showing the world that responsible travel can be dynamic, authentic, and fun — and that the future of social hostels is rooted in community, culture, and care. 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.
Nov
Mad Monkey Rolls Out ‘Ask for Angela’ to Boost Safety for Solo Travelers
It’s a simple code with a powerful purpose: ensuring everyone can have fun and feel safe while traveling. “Backpacking is all about meeting people and creating memories — but that should never come at the cost of feeling unsafe,” said Alex Baker, Global Operations Manager at Mad Monkey Hostels. “Ask for Angela gives our guests the confidence to enjoy the community vibe that Mad Monkey is known for, knowing support is always there if they need it.” The rollout is part of Mad Monkey’s Solo But Never Alone campaign — a long-term initiative focused on empowering solo travelers, especially women, through safety programs, community-driven events, and staff training. The campaign also includes safety-focused signage, awareness drives, and a commitment to expanding safety practices beyond bar areas — into dorms, social spaces, and tours. Visible Ask for Angela posters are now displayed throughout all Mad Monkey properties, reminding guests that help is just one question away. Every team member, from reception to bar staff, has undergone training to recognize and respond with care and discretion. Mad Monkey has always been about connection,” added Baker. “The Ask for Angela program helps us make sure those connections happen in a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe.” The introduction of Ask for Angela underscores Mad Monkey’s commitment to creating spaces built on connection, respect, and care — all while keeping the fun, social energy the brand is known for. For more information on Ask for Angela, visit: https://madmonkeyhostels.com/ask-for-angela-safety-for-solo-travelers/ 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.
Oct
Mad Monkey Expands Ha Giang Loop Tours After Record Demand
The Mad Monkey Ha Giang Loop has earned a loyal following among young travelers for its mix of breathtaking mountain scenery, unforgettable nights, and genuine connection. Many guests return to experience it again, with some joining the Loop two or three times, and a few earning a place in the Ha Giang Loop Hall of Fame after completing it six, seven, or even eight times. “It’s the unbeatable mix of stunning views, that famous Mad Monkey energy, and the friendships formed with our Easy Riders and tour leaders that make this tour so special.” said Chris Gibson, General Manager of Mad Monkey Hanoi. “Every trip feels like a family — just a louder, wilder, more scenic one.” Traveler feedback continues to capture the spirit of the journey. One recent Google review reads: “Best experience, great laughs and unbelievable stops for the best views. Friendships made with all Easy Riders, in such a short time the bond was amazing. Probably one of the best experiences while traveling — these guys definitely know what they’re doing. Couldn’t have asked for any better.” With new departures launching this November, the Mad Monkey Ha Giang Loop keeps the adventure rolling — more riders, more memories, and the same unbeatable energy that’s made it a backpacker favorite in Vietnam. Learn more or book your next Loop here. 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.
Oct
Mad Monkey Hostels Levels Up Travel Safety and Connection with New Tech Features
Southeast Asia – October 2025 – Mad Monkey Hostels, one of Southeast Asia’s leading social hostel brands, has unveiled a suite of new digital features designed to make backpacking both safer and more connected. The update integrates seamlessly into the Mad Monkey website and app, reimagining how travelers experience hostels — from booking to check-out. As travel continues to evolve, Mad Monkey’s tech-driven approach focuses on enhancing connection, transparency, and safety, while keeping the fun and community spirit the brand is known for. 1. Join Group Chats Before You Even Arrive Each Mad Monkey hostel now has a dedicated WhatsApp group where upcoming guests can chat, share travel tips, and plan meet-ups before check-in. Whether it’s finding a buddy for the sunrise hike or coordinating a night out, connection starts before you even drop your bags. 2. See Who’s Staying When You Are — Coming Soon Through guest profiles, travelers can see who else will be at the hostel during their dates. It’s a simple way to build trust and familiarity, helping solo travelers feel safer and giving everyone a head start on making friends. 3. Discover What’s On — Instantly The new “See What’s On” section showcases all upcoming events and experiences in real time — from pool parties to cooking classes — so guests can join safely organized activities and never miss a moment of the fun. 4. Digital Check-In for a Smoother, Safer Arrival Mad Monkey’s digital waiver system replaces traditional paper forms with a secure online check-in. This speeds up arrivals, ensures guest verification, and keeps essential information accessible in case of emergency. 5. Add Your Social Handles to Stay Connected Guests can now link their Instagram handles to their profile to make it easier to stay in touch with new friends they meet on the road — turning fleeting travel friendships into lifelong connections. 6. See Who’s Leading the Adventure A new “Leaderboard” feature highlights the most-traveled guests — those who’ve stayed at multiple Mad Monkey locations across regions. It’s a fun, gamified way to celebrate loyalty, inspire exploration, and build community across borders. 7. Meet the Mad Monkey AI Bot — Now in Uluwatu Currently live at Mad Monkey Uluwatu and rolling out across all hostels soon, the new AI bot helps guests with everything from event info to maintenance requests. Guests can ask what’s happening that night, find out weekly activities, or maintenance issues directly through the system — ensuring faster response times and safer, more seamless stays. “Our mission has always been to create meaningful connections — and these features take that to a whole new level,” said Luke Coleman, Head of Technology at Mad Monkey Hostels. “These updates make it easier for travelers to connect, feel safe, and have fun. That’s what travel is really all about.” All features are now live across Mad Monkey hostels and integrated into the new version of Mad Monkey app and website, giving guests more ways to connect, explore, and feel at home anywhere in the world. About Mad Monkey 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.