about me, about us...
What makes this place so special? Its people! Learn more about our team!
In 2016, I arrived in Cambodia with an open heart and a sense of adventure, ready to explore like any other traveler. To my delight, I quickly fell head over heels for the culture and warm-hearted people! As a solo woman in this fascinating land, I decided to make it my home and embark on a journey to find my true purpose.
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After working as an architect, I took a bold leap and opened a hostel in Battambang in 2017. It was a thrilling challenge, but my passion fueled my determination! Most importantly, it ignited my mission to create job opportunities for local youth, helping them learn and grow through amazing interactions with travelers from all over the globe.
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In 2022, after the Covid period, I launched a second hostel in Siem Reap! While it came with its own set of challenges, I’m committed to pushing through, even with fewer tourists around. Today, I proudly employ 20 incredible staff members, including talented young locals from underprivileged backgrounds.
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And in 2025, our journey continues with the opening of The Place Hostel & Garden Bar in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia and a destination no traveler should miss. This cozy, social space invites guests to relax, connect, and experience the vibrant spirit of urban Cambodia. We’re excited to grow our community and keep creating opportunities for local youth, one stay at a time.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Battambang, Siem Reap, or Phnom Penh!"
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— Emma, Founder & CEO of The Place Hostels
Siem Reap
Phnom Penh
Battambang
Meet the Team & Our Mission
At The Place Hostels, we’re more than just beds and breakfast: we’re a crew of passionate locals and long-term expat who believe that travel should feel like coming home, wherever you land.
Our mission?
To create soulful hostels that blend Cambodian hospitality with the old-school backpacker spirit: affordable, friendly, full of character, and deeply connected to the local scene.
We want to keep it simple:
✨ Comfort without the fluff
✨ Real experiences over staged tours
✨ Local jobs and growth over big-brand vibes
✨ Hostels that travelers remember, and locals are proud of.
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