Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.
A few years back, Koh Rong Island consisted of a rugged jungle surrounded by stretches of white sand. Dotted with a few beach huts along the shore, the island was a secret paradise. Nowadays, the small Koh Touch village has been developed into a beach strip full of hastily built bungalows, restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall bars. It has become backpacker central and a great place for young travelers to party! If you’re not one to enjoy noisy nights out but still want to experience a beautiful isolated island, opt for a room away from the center of the village. To help you in planning your trip, here are our top picks for the best places to stay in Koh Rong for hotels and hostels.
Disclaimer: As Koh Rong is a small island, expect basic bamboo bungalows over five-star hotels. Take the island as it is and you’ll have a great time!
For a typical island paradise stay, Nature Beach should be one of your top choices. Located on a private beach overlooking clear waters, you will find yourself waking up and stepping straight onto the beach with no one else in sight. Choose between tents on the beach, tents on raised platforms accessible by ladders, or a variety of hardwood bungalows. All with basic furnishings, whichever room you choose, it will be clean and comfortable. Spend your days sipping on complementary coconuts, exploring the sea and trying some local Khmer cuisine at the in-house beach bar/restaurant. (Prices range from $10 a night for a tent up to $40 for a bungalow)
Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!
If you want comfort and a warm and social environment, stay at the Coconut beach Bungalows. A family run place, the staff really try to mix with all the guests and promote activities. They are known for the atmosphere they create, from a great selection of games and eating together, to campfires, releasing Chinese lanterns over the ocean and swimming with the bio-plankton at night. If this isn’t enough, the accommodation also offers a private beach with watersport activities and simple, comfortable rooms. (Prices start at $15 for a tent and $50 for a double room)
We've scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Check them out below.
If you want to be close enough to the party scene without all the noise that comes with it, you should check out Green Ocean Guesthouse. The accommodation itself is also quite social with common areas full of hammocks, badminton and volleyball games on the beach, and the owner’s dogs chilling next to you. The fan-cooled rooms are very basic but clean and comfortable. The highlight of your stay is said to be the all day boat trip. For $10 you can spend the day snorkeling, fishing Cambodian-style while drinking free beer, water and whiskey on the boat with a lunch buffet. The night is then topped with swimming amongst fluorescent plankton! (Prices start at $30 a night for a double room)
If you want a stunning view in the morning, High Land Beach Bungalow is a great choice! Located at the top of a hill, the walk up is worth it for the breathtaking view of Koh Rong and Koh Toch Bay. Rustic bungalows are nestled in the hillside simply furnished, as everything you need is seen from your balcony. With the peace and quiet of the jungle and relaxing sea views, you won’t want to leave your cozy bungalow! Another great thing about this place is that they offer early and late check in with no extra fees. (Prices start at $40 a night for a double/twin room with a sea view)
For a true Cambodian beach seclusion away from the tourist areas, Palm Beach Bungalow Resort is in the perfect location. This really is an unspoilt place. Situated in the jungle, you are just a walk away from the beach, a small village, and a stunning waterfall. The fan-cooled rooms are simplistic with private balconies offering a sea view. The resort itself houses an on-site restaurant and bar which serves delicious food and a range of cocktails. (Prices of bungalows range from $40-100 a night depending on the view)
Perfectly located a short walk from the main strip, you can choose if you want to have a relaxing evening when you stay at Paradise Bungalows. The bungalows are nicely decorated with an outdoor bathroom and sun terrace. The resort itself has a private beach, a restaurant and bar with on-site dining, and massage service. If you like to be social with the neighbors, a spacious lobby area with comfortable cushions, good cocktails, and the endless food is available. All things necessary for a good time in my opinion! (Prices start at $40 a night for a bungalow)
Arguably the best beach on the island, Reef on the Beach is located on 4K-beach which is meticulously well kept and tranquil. The bungalows are big and have a balcony where you can sit back and enjoy the simple life. Although away from the action of the center, there are nearby restaurants such as “The Nest” which are just a short walk away. Enjoy escaping life at the Reef on the Beach. If the seclusion ever gets too much, complimentary shuttle services to Koh Touch are available daily so don’t worry! (Prices start at $65 a night for a bungalow with a garden view)
