CLR Top 30 F&B and Hospitality: Alex Darroch - Co-Founder of Mad Monkey Hostels

Cambodia Leadership Review

Since launching the first Mad Monkey in Phnom Penh in 2011, Alex Darroch has helped grow the brand into one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic social hostel networks, now spanning seven countries.

In this interview, Alex reflects on the journey from a small shophouse to a regional brand known for community, culture, and connection. He shares insights into leadership in the fast-moving hostel space, the evolving expectations of Gen Z travelers, and how Mad Monkey is blending fun with purpose—especially through new projects like Koh Sdach.

Pioneering Social Hostels in Southeast Asia

CLR: As Co-Founder of Mad Monkey, you’ve helped shape one of the region’s most recognizable hostel brands. What does leadership look like in Southeast Asia’s fast-moving hostel industry, and how has your vision evolved as the brand has expanded across multiple countries?

It’s been an incredible journey since we opened the doors to the first Mad Monkey in Phnom Penh back in 2011. We started with fewer than 40 beds in a humble double shophouse, and today we operate more than 2,500 beds across 24 properties in 7 countries.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of a shared vision, relentless hard work, and a culture that has remained true to its roots. Leadership in Southeast Asia’s hostel industry means staying agile and deeply tuned in to the evolving needs of the modern traveler, especially in the post-pandemic era.

It also means leading with purpose. From the beginning, our goal wasn’t just to build a chain of hostels — it was to create a platform that brings people together, supports local communities, and inspires cultural exchange. That’s still the heart of our mission today. As we’ve grown, our vision has matured. We’ve put a lot of work into our brand standards — things like a lively F&B venue with daily events, custom-designed signature tours, curated onward travel support, and always having a pool, great food, and, of course, a clean and comfortable bed.

But what makes Mad Monkey special is our people. Many of the team who helped open our first hostel are still with us today, and that continuity has helped us retain our culture and values as we’ve scaled. Ultimately, we believe that great leadership in this space is about fostering a strong culture, delivering consistent guest experiences, and empowering local teams — all while remaining authentic and adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape.

Koh Sdach: Redefining the Island Experience

CLR: With Mad Monkey Koh Sdach launching in a remote, culturally rich fishing village, what makes this location special for the brand? How are you balancing the party vibe Mad Monkey is known for with growing demand for wellness, sustainability, and authentic local immersion?

Our confidence in Koh Sdach stems from our strong supply chain and our understanding of the island’s development vision. We knew that if we built the right experience, one that respects the location and offers something genuinely different, travelers would come. We’re approaching this site a bit differently by placing more focus on sustainability, wellness, and authentic local immersion.

We’re working closely with the local fishing community to develop culturally enriching experiences — from snorkeling and traditional monk blessings at the nearby pagoda to future offerings like Cambodian cooking classes. We’re also committed to regular beach cleanups and community support initiatives to ensure we leave a positive footprint on the island.

While Mad Monkey is known for its social, high-energy atmosphere, Koh Sdach is giving us the chance to expand beyond just the bar and events. However it’s never a Mad Monkey without a party and we have daily and nightly events to ensure the madness isn’t far away.

Youth Travel Trends: The New Backpacker

CLR: What major trends are you seeing among Gen Z and millennial travelers across the region? How is Mad Monkey adapting its concept—from design to events to wellness—to meet the changing expectations of today’s socially conscious, digitally connected backpackers?

Travel habits are evolving faster than ever, especially among Gen Z and millennial travelers. Expectations, values, and spending habits have all shifted dramatically since we opened our first hostel in 2011.

As founders and leaders, it’s our job to stay ahead of those changes — to recognize emerging trends and let go of what might have worked in the past but no longer resonates today.

At Mad Monkey, we’re not trying to transform into a wellness retreat — that’s not who we are. We are still MAD MONKEY But we’ve fully embraced a “play hard, recover harder” mindset that balances fun with well-being.

Yes, we still create unforgettable social experiences and nightly events, but now we’re complementing that with healthier food options, fitness spaces, cold plunges, steam and saunas along with activities that help travelers feel good, recover, recharge and start all over again. Today’s backpackers want more than just parties — they want experiences that are meaningful, sustainable, and Instagrammable, yes — but also authentic.

Whether it’s starting the day with a swim in the ocean, joining a walking tour, hitting the gym or having a bloody mary with new friends, we’re designing spaces and programming that reflect the full spectrum of what young travelers are looking for now.

Elevating Cambodia’s Backpacker Scene

CLR: Cambodia has long been part of the Southeast Asia backpacker circuit. In your view, what more can be done to strengthen Cambodia’s position as a must-visit destination for young travelers? What role can operators like Mad Monkey play in shaping the country’s global reputation?

Cambodia has incredible potential to become a leading destination for young travelers — and there are some exciting developments underway that could support that. The opening of the new Phnom Penh International Airport and the expansion of regional flight routes will significantly improve accessibility. There’s also growing momentum around opening sea borders, which would allow smoother travel between Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam — a game changer for regional connectivity. As operators, we have a big role to play. Hostels can’t just cater to the party crowd anymore — we need to elevate our offerings across the board.

That means improving facilities, service standards, and guest experiences, while also showcasing Cambodia’s incredible diversity — from its cultural heritage and cuisine to its stunning natural landscapes and adventure opportunities. At Mad Monkey, we see ourselves not just as a place to stay, but as a platform for positive impact.

We’re committed to sustainable tourism, investing in our staff, and working closely with the local communities in which we operate.

It’s our responsibility to help protect and promote the destinations we’re in — making sure that we’re not only creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, but also contributing to the long-term growth and global perception of Cambodia as a must-visit travel destination. With stronger marketing and collaboration across the industry — especially highlighting Cambodia’s food, history, islands, and eco-tourism opportunities — we believe the country can take its rightful place on every backpacker’s bucket list.

Scaling with Purpose

CLR: As Mad Monkey continues to grow regionally and globally, how do you ensure that each new property retains the brand’s core values of community, fun, and impact? What are your priorities in expanding the network while staying true to the original mission?

For us, everything starts with community — and that begins internally, with our team. As we expand, we make it a priority to integrate into the local community by participating in grassroots initiatives and creating meaningful employment opportunities. The majority of our staff are hired locally, which not only supports the regional economy but also brings authentic cultural experiences to our guests. It’s this local connection that gives each Mad Monkey its unique personality while still feeling part of a global family.

While we have strong brand pillars — community, fun, and positive impact — we don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. Each property is designed to reflect the character of its location, from the architectural style and F&B offerings to the tours, events, and even how guests are welcomed.

We believe in letting the local culture shine while delivering the core Mad Monkey experience: a place where travelers can connect, contribute, and create unforgettable memories. s we continue to grow, our focus is on scaling with purpose.

A That means remaining intentional about where we go, how we operate, and the legacy we leave behind. We’re not just building hostels — we’re building experiences that enrich both the travelers who visit and the communities we serve. At Mad Monkey, we remain intentional about where we go, how we operate, and the legacy we leave behind. We’re not just building hostels, we’re creating experiences that enrich both the travelers who stay with us and the communities we call home.

Since opening our doors in June 2011, Mad Monkey has proudly supported a range of CSR initiatives across Cambodia, including the Cambodian Children’s Fund, the Cambodian Buddhism Association, Epic Arts, The Rabbit School, and many more. To strengthen our commitment, we’ve united our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts under a new initiative we’re proud to call MadLove.

As part of this initiative, Alex will be taking on the incredible challenge of completing a full Ironman later this year to raise funds for The Rabbit School, an organization close to our hearts that supports children with disabilities through inclusive education. CLR