I’ll be honest with you: Koh Rong wasn’t on my radar until I started doing research into an in-depth Cambodia trip. I’d heard of a bunch of ‘Koh’s’ (the Khmer translation of ‘island’) but would never have been able to point this one out on a map. And that is precisely what makes this little Cambodian island such a slice of paradise.
It feels totally removed from the buzz of inland Cambodia. Once I realized this place was a must-visit, the real issue began: where to stay in Koh Rong.
Picking the right spot to stay could be the difference between an ‘I could stay here forever’ holiday and a ‘get me outta here’ experience. And that’s where I come in, to pass my knowledge of this little island on to you.
Photo: @taya.travels
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Koh Rong?
TL;DR? These are three outstanding options for places to stay when your backpacking Cambodia trip inevitably takes you to the island. I’ve added a selection including accommodation for a variety of budgets which reflects the wide range of options for this area.
Tamu Koh Rong, Pagoda Beach
Glamping is one of the most wonderful ways to experience a tropical island like this. You’ll be able to hear the birds from your bed, watch the dappled light of the sun as it rises on the island, and live in nature without really living in nature.
But don’t let the word ‘tent’ fool you. These accommodations are anything but basic. They lie more on the luxury side than anything else.
Mad Monkey Koh Rong, Long Set Beach
Mad Monkey Hostels have a rep for being party starters, and this one is no exception. It’s the top budget-friendly pick for social travellers, whether on a solo mission or exploring with friends. At this top Cambodian hostel, the beach bar is the heart of the action, hosting regular events and keeping the vibes high every single day.
Happy Elephant, Koh Touch
Happy Elephant is the go-to spot for travellers looking for a simple and affordable place to stay in Koh Rong’s busiest beach town. It sits somewhere between a hostel and a guesthouse, with spacious ensuite rooms with everything you need to live an easygoing island life.
Koh Rong Area Guide – Best Places to Stay in Koh Rong
Koh Rong isn’t huge, but where you stay can completely shape your experience for better or for worse. It’s an island of natural beauty and unlimited possibilities, whether you’re after a party scene, a local Cambodian vibe, or a secluded beach retreat. Maybe you’re looking for a little bit of all of this or something in between?
Overall, it’s one of the very best places to stay in Cambodia with some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen!
Koh Touch is the busiest part of the island. This is where you’ll find most hotels, hostels, and other travellers. There is a big party scene here, with beach bars and plenty of nightlife. But it’s not all boozing and dancing. You can also expect easy access to boat tours, incredible snorkelling, and jungle hikes.
Long Set Beach, just a little walk from Koh Touch, has a slightly more relaxed vibe but is still close to all the action. I’d recommend this place to stay in Koh Rong for those who prioritize a day on the beach to a night in the bar but aren’t unhappy to switch it up every now and again.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Pagoda Beach is the perfect combination of a laid-back vibe and a little luxury. It’s home to some high-end resorts with spas, yoga decks, and infinity pools, and it is all about relaxation.
Naroth Beach is slightly remote and ridiculously beautiful. This area is for travellers looking for absolute tranquillity, paired with a side of authentic Cambodian hospitality. Anyone for a digital detox? This is the place.
And then there’s Preaek Svay, a local fishing village that runs at a slow pace. It’s far removed from the busy south of the island and is perfect for those who want to experience traditional island life. You won’t find much nightlife or shops around here, but you will find friendly locals, authentic Khmer food, and some unique overwater accommodations.
Koh Rong’s Five Best Areas to Stay in
Koh Rong is pretty big but feels extremely spread out. When looking at the different options for places to stay in Koh Rong (including safety), these five came out on top:
1. Koh Touch – Best Place to Stay in Koh Rong for a First-Time Visit
Koh Touch is the party hub of the island and, in my opinion, the best place to stay for your first visit. If you’re visiting solo or are here to meet other travellers, sip cocktails with your toes in the sand, and dance till the early hours under the stars, this is the spot for you.
It’s also where most ferries arrive on the island, which means it offers easy access to other boat tours and snorkelling adventures.
Sambath Sakseth Bungalow | Jungle Cabins in Koh Touch
Sambath Sakseth Bungalows are one of those places that are so unique and far from your day-to-day life that you’ll feel like you’re on vacation from the moment you arrive.
The accommodation is hidden in the jungle foliage, which is a short walk from the harbour and beach. Even being a five-minute walk from the action, it really feels like this is a hidden little paradise!
Ocean Lounge Bungalow Hostel Bar and Restaurant | Best Hostel in Koh Touch
Ocean Lounge Hostel is one of the most unique on this list. Where most properties have a rustic feel, this one has a modern one. It’s a new build that blends comfortable modern rooms with glass floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the jungle and a classic thatched bar.
Happy Elephant / Happy Elephant Bungalows | Affordable Bungalows in Koh Touch
Happy Elephant is a crowd-favourite place to stay in Koh Rong. It’s a hostel slash guesthouse with seven spacious bungalows and twenty rooms, each with a private bathroom. The rooms are simple yet comfortable—in my opinion, that’s all you need on a small island like this.
The staff are friendly and would happily help you organize a motorbike rental or boat trip booking.
Things to See and Do in Koh Touch
- Learn to scuba dive and explore the world under the surface
- Rent a bicycle and explore the area at your own pace. You can travel between Koh Touch and Long Beach on the west of the island by bike
- Rent a paddle board and check out the island from a different point of view
- Zoom around the bay on a jet ski
- Take a hike through the jungle to Police Beach
- Rent a private boat charter to explore hidden beaches and snorkelling spots
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Long Set Beach – Best Place to Stay in Koh Rong on a Budget
Long Set Beach might as well be an extension of Koh Touch since it’s just a short walk or boat ride away. It feels much more relaxed and down-to-earth here. The beaches are less crowded, the water is cleaner, and the people are more relaxed. It’s the best blend of Southeast Asia.
You’ll find a mix of eco-lodges, boutique resorts, and mid-range hotels along the beachfront, attracting everyone from couples to families and even solo travellers. If you like the idea of a tranquil beach trip without feeling isolated, this is one of the best places to stay in Koh Rong.
Long Set Resort | Luxury Resort in Long Set Beach
Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the sand and palm trees rustling in the wind. The only thing you’ll need to decide will be which palm tree you should lay under for the day. Not too bad…
Life is this easy at Long Set Resort, a four-star property with luxurious rooms located right on the beachfront in Long Set Beach.
BeachWalk Koh Rong | Top Hotel in Long Set Beach
BeachWalk Koh Rong allows guests to indulge in laid-back island vibes without overspending on the budget. It’s hard to believe this spot is so affordable. Rooms have a patio with a garden or sea view.
The best and easiest way to spend a day here is to order a meal at the pool and hop between the pool and the ocean. It’s my favourite Koh Rong hotel for sure and I’m buzzing to return soon.
Garden Hostel Koh Rong | Great Hostel in Long Set Beach
If you’re unsure where to stay in Koh Rong, The Garden Hostel is a hybrid of a hostel and a resort. It is cheap and offers dorm-style rooms, like a hostel, but it is located on a sandy patch of jungle right on the beach, like a resort.
The only time you’ll feel like you’re in a hostel will be when you’re in the dorms. And even then, they are more comfortable and clean than most.
Mad Monkey Koh Rong | Best Hostel in Long Set Beach
Mad Monkey Hostels have a reputation for being party hostels, but still they’re also some of the top rated hostels. They’re like the fun friend who always wants to cheer you up with a night out, and the Koh Rong location on Long Set Beach is no exception.
The hostel has a beach bar with regular events and nonstop vibes. Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, I would still recommend you visit the Mad Monkey Bar.
Things to See and Do in Long Set Beach
- Join a fishing and snorkelling boat trip and BBQ the fish you catch for lunch
- Experience the phenomenon of glowing plankton on Long Set Beach or Police Beach
- Go to a beach party and dance under the stars
- Book a beachfront yoga or meditation class with one of the local accommodations
- Experience the thrill and windsurfing over the reef
- Rent a kayak and paddle along the coastline
3. Pagoda Beach – Best Area in Koh Rong For a Luxurious and Remote Hideaway
Pagoda Beach is where the slightly more upscale side of Koh Rong rears its head. This stretch of golden sand is home to the island’s high-end resorts and retreats, mostly catering to travellers looking for a remote beach experience.
It feels quiet and serene, with fewer tourists and a definite focus on relaxation. Expect luxury tented camps, infinity pools, and spa treatments with sea views.
Tamu Koh Rong | Luxury Tented Beach Camp in Pagoda Beach
Who knew glamping could be so luxurious? Tamu Koh Rong is a beach resort with a twist in this luxurious Koh Rong neighbourhood. Instead of staying in self-contained suites, you’ll be accommodated in a glamping tent. But these are no ordinary tents. They’re super luxurious, with high-end interiors, private indoor/outdoor bathrooms, and superb proximity to the beach.
Then, there is the food, the paddle boards, the private beach, and the Instagram-worthy pool.
The Beach Resort | Affordable Hotel in Pagoda Beach
The Beach Resort is pretty much as the name suggests. The catch here is that it is incredibly affordable compared with other luxurious resorts. The rooms are simple – but when you have one of the most beautiful beaches on your doorstep, what more do you need?
Anaya Koh Rong | Beach Spa Resort in Pagoda Beach
Anaya Koh Rong is the most luxurious hotel on the block. And still, you wouldn’t believe how affordable it is per night. The rooms are modern and stylish, with minimalistic interiors inspired by the tropical landscape of the island. All suites have a little terrace and outdoor bathrooms for the ultimate island experience.
And best of all, you can indulge yourself in a spa treatment with a sea view without leaving the property.
The Secret Garden Koh Rong | Best Beach Resort with Bungalows in Pagoda Beach
The Secret Garden is one of those places that is so beautifully decorated you’ll be snapping pictures all day, every day. Seriously, they’ve made this place a minimalistic heaven, with rough concrete, rattan interiors, and shabby-chic beach umbrellas. Put that all against a backdrop of turquoise ocean and white sand, and it’s a show-stopper.
I recommend staying at this place in Koh Rong for all honeymooners. Go on, treat yourself to an indulgent outdoor bath and massage treatment!
Things to See and Do in Pagoda Beach
- Watch the sunset from the beach
- Take a private long boat tour around the island
- Indulge in a spa treatment at one of the resorts along the beachfront
- Spend a day soaking up the sunshine from a private resort beach
- Rent a kayak and explore the different coves and mangroves
- Visit the pagoda on Pagoda Beach
- Explore the hiking trails through the jungle around Pagoda Beach
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Grab an eSIM!4. Naroth Beach – Best Area in Koh Rong for Couples
Even further up the east coast of the island is a small area known as Naroth Beach. It’s much more remote up here and is more suited for those after absolute peace and tranquillity. There are only a handful of small resorts around here. And you know what that means – few tourists and a much more authentically Cambodian experience. Perfect for travelling couples.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
You won’t find any nightlife, crowds or noise. Only breathtaking views, swaying palm trees, and friendly locals. And it’s for this very reason that I recommend this as the best place to stay in Koh Rong for couples and honeymooners.
Naroth Beach Bungalow | Top Hotel in Naroth Beach
There aren’t too many accommodations to choose from in this area, but Naroth Beach Bungalow is no doubt the best. It’s located on the beach, a short walk from Palm Beach, and has two types of bungalows, either with a sea or garden view.
No matter which type of room you choose, you’ll never be further than a few meters from the water. If you’re up to explore the area, you can even rent a scooter from reception.
Salacia’s Suite | Best Hotel in Naroth Beach
Salacia’s Suite is one of the most unique on this list because the hotel is literally located above the surface of the ocean. Yup, it’s a floating resort built on stilts in a shallow part of the bay around Naroth Beach.
There are also some facilities on the beach, including hammocks, a beach bar and restaurant, and a shady spot to do yoga. It’s totally private, beautiful, and so unique you won’t want to leave this little paradise.
Salacia Palm Beach Hostel | Best Hostel in Naroth Beach
Salacia Palm Beach Hostel is actually an extension of the hotel mentioned above. It’s located on land, right on the beachfront, with rustic cabins built on the sand. It’s basic yet has everything you might need for a low-key (and incredibly affordable) beach trip.
The beach bar is the best place to hang out, with island-inspired decor, a pool table, and a cocktail menu of dreams. However, it’s not the most luxurious place to stay in Koh Rong, and it can be a hassle to get around the island. So, I only recommend staying here if you’re okay with roughing it a bit and staying put on the beach.
Things to See and Do in Naroth Beach
- Go spearfishing with local fishermen
- Spend a day swinging in a hammock
- Meditate among nature on the beach
- Dine on local Khmer food at one of the beachfront restaurants (like At The Beach Kitchen) or a local eatery like Fried Rice House
- Swim in what we consider the clearest water on the island
- Go birdwatching in the nearby forest
5. Preaek Svay – Best Area in Koh Rong for a Local Experience
If you’re looking for a more cultural and local experience than a beach trip, Preaek Svay is a fascinating place to stay. It’s a local fishing village on the island’s northern side, which gives visitors a glimpse into Khmer coastal life.
There are only a couple of places to stay here, mostly wooden houses and simple stilt river homes run by local families. The area is surrounded by mangroves and rivers, which makes it super unique. There is no restaurant or nightlife scene, but there sure is a big emphasis on seafood around here.
Lily’s Riverhouse | Traditional Local Homestay in Preaek Svay
If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Rong’s local fishing village, I dream about spending a few nights at Lily’s Riverhouse. Owned by a local Khmer family, this little homestay is built using local materials and sits on stilts above the river in Preaek Svay.
The staff are super friendly, and the rooms are simple and clean. There isn’t much to do around here other than relax and unwind. While you can rent bikes or take a boat to Koh Touch, I recommend staying here if you really want some peace and quiet.
Firefly Guesthouse | Quirky Floating Guesthouse and Hostel in Preaek Svay
Another unique floating guesthouse, Firefly Guesthouse is located at the mouth of the river over a shallow part of the sea. It’s simple and rustic, but you can really feel that everything was made and designed with love and care.
When you aren’t absorbing the silence and gazing out at the sea views, you could rent a kayak and explore the bay.
Friend of Nature Homestay & Bungalow | Traditional Floating Homestay in Preaek Svay
Friend of Nature Homestay & Bungalow is set half on the beach and half on the river. Its location inside the mangrove really allows you to connect with nature – just as the name suggests.
One of the best things to do here is to relax and socialize with the hosts. You can also borrow a kayak to explore the mangrove by boat or just lounge over the water in one of the hammocks. Do yourself a favour and rise with the sun here. Sunrise is magic hour in these mangroves!
Things to See and Do in Preaek Svay
- Go on a guided fishing trip with local villagers
- Stay in a traditional Khmer river stilt house
- Ask a local to guide you through the jungle to a nearby waterfall
- Grab a bit to eat at a restaurant on the river called Natural Kitchen
- Visit the pagoda
- Take a boat trip to Koh Sang Sea, a small island off the coast
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Koh Rong
Hopefully, I’ve covered all the info you’ll need for an epic stay in Koh Rong, but if you need any more questions asked, then I am here.
What To Pack For Koh Rong
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Koh Rong
Good travel insurance is a must before heading out to the islands!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Rong
Choosing where to stay in Koh Rong, all comes down to what kind of trip you’re after. If you’re looking for a touch of nightlife, socializing with other backpackers, and snorkelling trips, Koh Touch or Long Set Beach might be the areas for you.
If luxury is a priority, check out the resorts like Tamu Koh Rong on Pagoda Beach. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Naroth Beach and Preaeks Svay have some incredibly affordable accommodations like this locally run homestay: Firefly Guesthouse.
No matter where you stay, enjoy the unreal water colour and white sand beaches. Few Southeast Asian islands can compare!
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Cambodia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Cambodia.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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