0 reviewed party hostels · verified ratings
Koh Sdach isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of Cambodian nightlife, but that’s exactly why it’s worth a look. This small island, just off the coast near the Thai border, is home to Mad Monkey Koh Sdach, a hostel that’s become a magnet for backpackers who want a mix of beach days and party nights. The hostel’s rooftop bar is the main hub, where buckets of rum and Coke go for $3 and the crowd spills onto the sand by midnight. Most nights, the action stays on-site, but if you’re keen to explore, the fishing village itself has a handful of beachfront bars where locals and travellers mix over cheap beers and sunset views. The hostel scene here is tiny but tight-knit: expect a crowd that’s up for boat parties, beach volleyball, and impromptu fire shows, all without the crowds of Koh Rong or Sihanoukville.
How to get to Koh Sdach from Sihanoukville
How Koh Sdach's nightlife zones break down
This is where Mad Monkey Koh Sdach is located, and it’s the epicentre of the island’s backpacker scene. The hostel sits on a private stretch of sand, with a rooftop bar, pool, and beach volleyball court. The area is small: just the hostel, a few bungalows, and a handful of beach bars: but it’s where most of the nightlife happens. Expect a mix of partygoers and travellers looking to unwind.
The heart of Koh Sdach, this fishing village is where you’ll find the pier, local markets, and most of the island’s budget guesthouses. The streets are lined with seafood stalls, small bars, and family-run restaurants. It’s quieter than King Island but has a more authentic feel, with fishing boats coming and going at dawn. The beach here is rocky, but the sunset views are worth it.
A 15-minute walk from the main village, Long Beach is a quiet stretch of sand with a few hammocks and palm trees. There are no bars or restaurants here, just a handful of bungalows and the occasional fisherman. It’s the perfect spot to escape the hostel crowd and watch the sunrise. Bring water and snacks: there’s nothing for sale once you arrive.
Bars, clubs and live music in Koh Sdach
The only real party spot on the island, this rooftop bar is where backpackers gather for cheap buckets, fire shows, and themed nights. Expect reggae, EDM, and the occasional live band. The crowd is a mix of hostel guests and day-trippers from nearby islands. Happy hour runs from 6 PM to 8 PM, with $2 beers and $3 cocktails.
A no-frills spot right on the sand, where locals and travellers drink $1.50 beers and watch the sunset. The music is usually reggae or Khmer pop, and the vibe is relaxed until around 10 PM, when it picks up. Try the grilled prahok ktis (a Cambodian dip) with your drinks: it’s a local favourite.
Organised by Mad Monkey or local fishermen, these boat parties take you around the nearby islands with a cooler full of beers and a sound system blasting reggae or EDM. Most trips cost $10–$15 and include a stop at a secluded beach for a bonfire. Bring sunscreen and a towel: you’ll be in the water within an hour.
Held on the beach behind Mad Monkey, this weekly fire show draws a crowd for its mix of acrobatics, poi spinning, and live drumming. Entry is free, but drinks cost $2–$3. The show starts at 9 PM and lasts about an hour, followed by an impromptu dance party. Bring bug spray: the sandflies come out after dark.
A hidden gem in the village, this bar is run by a local family and serves cheap cocktails made with fresh coconut water. The crowd is mostly Cambodian fishermen and a few backpackers in the know. It’s cash-only and closes by midnight, but it’s the best spot for a quiet drink with a view of the fishing boats.
What's on in Koh Sdach
More party hostel destinations