The BEST guesthouse/bars in Southeast Asia…

We’ve been backpacking in SE Asia extensively and what we’ve always found is that guidebooks just don’t give you the full low-down on accommodation and guest houses. They have a massive task to review all the guest houses in any one one place and the best they can offer is a quick sentence about how clean a place is or what the facilities are like… As a backpacker I wanted personal recommendations but that wasn’t always possible when I’d just been dropped in the middle of nowhere and everyone has their face in a guidebook.

So here is our list of the BEST budget guest houses in South East Asia…

1. Monkey Republic -

   Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

   This place has it all. Cheap rooms, great staff and the best music anywhere in town. If your looking for a party in Sihanoukville you should start there! Always filled with young happy people and great food. If it’s backpacker madness your after then Monkey Republic fills the hole… It’s my choice as best backpacker bar in SE Asia.

2. Treehouse Lodge -

   Koh Chang, Thailand.

   This has to be the worlds best beach bar (see picture above). It sits over the water and the waves lap at the rustic floor. If I was planning on building a beach bar I would copy this place… The food here is awesome and dirt cheap too. They’ve recently stopped providing accommodation but have another location on Koh Phangan which has sweet secluded bungalows on a quiet and beautiful beach.

3. Pinocchio Guest House -

   Sapa, Vietnam.

   In Sapa it’s all about the view and this budget guest house has plenty of it. Small log cabins perched on the top of a hotel, one of the cheapest options in town. The climb to the top is a bit of a killer but honestly… It’s worth it!

4. Sea View Resort -

   Koh Phangan, Thailand.

   A little more pricey but what you get for you cash is a great little beach hut right on the sands of Haad Rin. Ask to see the fire spinning from one of the staff, he keeps it very quiet but is one of the best in the world!

   
   

5. Serenity Bungalows -

   Koh Phangan, Thailand.

   Right on Haad Rin again but this guest house is up in the hills behind Mellow Mountain Bar. It’s often overlooked when the Full Moon Party rush happens but because they don’t take bookings they usually have spare rooms. The views of Haad Rin are stunning but the steps are a killer on a hot day.

6. Tie and Milly Sunflower Bar -

   Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

   A gorgeous beach bar that was build from the wreckage left by the Tsunami. Still struggling to get back on their feet but budget accommodation is on it’s way. Go there to watch the sunset!

7. YaYa Resort -

   Railay, Thailand.

   Tree house like tower blocks with large balconies and regular visits from monkeys. It’s in the more expensive part of Railay but still a good budget option.

8. Komala Indah 2 -

   Kuta Bali, Indonesia.

   Great little bungalows that vary in price from dirt cheap to inexpensive. All situated around a large and luscious garden just a minute from the beach… Free breakfast!

9. Okay Guest House -

   Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

   Clean and busy, a great hub to meet other travellers, arrange trips or tickets or just to chill out.

10. The Grocers Inn -

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    An oasis in KL’s vibrant China Town. A large roof terrace provides you with great views of the hustle and bustle. Clean rooms, free WiFi and best of all… Cheap.

Have you stayed in one of these places, found somewhere better or thing I’m barking right up the wrong tree?

Leave  a comment and let everyone know!

Aaron Bradford has written 386 articles. +Aaron Bradford is the leader, mentor and chief geek of HappyTimeblog. He put together the crack team of writers known by codename “The Firm“. He's a permanent traveller and a lifestyle hacker. Wanna know more? Check out my Bucket List or my About page... I'm here to show you how to live a Life Less Ordinary