Happy Guesthouse

Happy guesthouse is an ok place to stay, I say only ok because it won't be everyones cup of tea due to the general backpacker'ness' of it and the abundance of happy tourists smoking weed. The staff are friendly and trustworthy, able to have a good joke and advise on where to go/who with etc. They have a pool table, seating area over the lake itself, TV and DVD player, selection of movies. When I'm back in the Penh I'll stop by and say hello, even if only to relax in the hammocks for a night or 2. Visal the motodup is a great guy and somehow affiliated.

This budget guesthouse is located to the north of Phnom Penh city centre on Boeng Kak lake. Its location affords HGH some fantastic sunsets and idilic views over the ever moving plant beds that float around the lake giving a different view depending on which way the wind is blowing and where the plants have settled.

The prices range from $5- $8US for a twin air conditioned room. The rooms are clean tidy and most have their own toilet and shower. The communal toilets and showers although not bad are certainly not as well kept as those within rooms so it is well worth paying the extra couple dollars!

The communal lounge and bar area is fantastic with a huge music system, massive tv with dvd and free pool table. Again all this is immaculately kept. Then you have the outside platform which overlooks the lake which is also top notch. The staff are fantastically friendly and helpful andthe food is of a good standard.

The close proximity to the lake is also the biggest draw back as it makes it a haven for mozzies, so just make sure you have your mozzie spray with you and you will have no problems with this place!

Upon arriving here, it became obvious that this hostel got its name not just because the owners are naturally 'happy', if you know what I mean. Let's just say there were optional extras - in a tiny plastic bag. Which we declined, of course.

Not bad, though. Apart from the mozzies, who absolutely tore me to shreds.