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Where to Stay in Koh Rong - Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget

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When I started looking at where to stay in Koh Rong, I quickly realised that choosing a hotel here is a little different from choosing a hotel in most Cambodian destinations. On the mainland, I usually care about being close to restaurants, attractions and somewhere I can easily get around, but on Koh Rong, the beach and the atmosphere around your accommodation matter just as much as the hotel itself, if not more.

Even though Koh Rong is a relatively small island, the different areas can feel completely different from one another. You can stay right in the middle of Koh Touch Village, where you have restaurants, bars, shops and plenty of activity outside your door, or you can stay on a beautiful stretch of beach where there might be little more than your resort, the jungle and the sea.

There are also places in between, which I think are really good options if you want a beautiful beach but don't want to feel completely cut off. In essence you can get a little bit of everything on Koh Rong.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

I also wouldn't automatically assume that staying on Koh Rong means staying somewhere basic or backpacker-focused. Yes, there are plenty of simple bungalows and guesthouses, but you'll also find some really nice beachfront resorts, private villas and more upscale properties if you want that. The island has developed a lot in recent years and when I was there I saw new hotels being built both in the main village as well as the more remote beaches.

So, where should you stay in Koh Rong? It really depends on what kind of island experience you want. In this guide, I'll break down the best areas to stay in Koh Rong, what each area is like, who I think it’s best for and the hotels I would look at in each one.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Koh Rong?

If you don't have time to red the full guide, here is a quick breakdown.

Koh Touch Village is best if you want to be close to plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, activities and the ferry pier. However, I personally think it lacks the charm you can get other places on the island. But if you want plenty of parties this might be a good fit.

Long Set Beach is my pick if you want the best balance between a beautiful beach and having some restaurants and resorts nearby. You are close enough to walk towards Koh Touch, but you can still have a much more relaxed beach holiday. There are also plenty of nice spots to eat on Long Set beach.

Pagoda Beach is a good choice if you want a quieter, more resort-focused stay. There are fewer things immediately around you, so it's better if you’re happy spending most of your time at the hotel or on the beach.

Sok San Beach is worth considering if you want to get away from the main tourist hub. The beach is long and beautiful, and the area feels much more removed from Koh Touch. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island in my opinion.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but fun stay in Koh Rong.

The Secret Garden Koh Rong
The Secret Garden Koh Rong

This is a beautiful beachfront resort option if you're looking for something a little more upscale and peaceful. It has a private beach area, pool and garden, and the location feels much more secluded than staying in Koh Touch.

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BeachWalk Koh Rong
BeachWalk Koh Rong

This is one I would seriously consider if the beach is your priority. It's directly by Long Set Beach, with a pool overlooking the sea, comfortable bungalows and a restaurant, so you can have the classic beachfront island experience without needing to leave the property.

Check prices and availability

Golden Beach Resort
Golden Beach Resort

This is a more upscale option on Long Set Beach, with a pool, garden and beachfront setting. It would suit those who want a comfortable resort stay but don't necessarily want to pay for one of Koh Rong's ultra-luxury properties.

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Koh Rong, Cambodia

Map of the Best Hotels in Koh Rong

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Koh Rong to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

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Long Set Beach – Best for the Best Balance

If you ask me where I would look first for a beach holiday on Koh Rong, Long Set Beach would be high on my list. It gives you that beautiful island setting you're probably coming to Koh Rong for, but you aren't completely isolated from the rest of the island.

Long Set Beach is a long stretch of sand with several resorts and restaurants, and it's far more relaxed than Koh Touch. At the same time, you're not so far away that you feel completely cut off. Depending on where you stay, you can walk towards Koh Touch if you want in the evening. However, don’t think that you have to. We stayed on Long Set and only walked to Koh Touch a couple of times.

For me, Long Set is the sweet spot if you want a beautiful beach without giving up all access to restaurants and nightlife. It's particularly good for couples, solo travellers who want some peace without feeling isolated and anyone who wants to spend most of their time swimming, reading and relaxing rather than partying. However, you can easily get your fair share of parties here as well.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Best Hotels on Long Set Beach

BeachWalk Koh Rong
BeachWalk Koh Rong

This is one I would seriously consider if the beach is your priority. It's directly by Long Set Beach, with a pool overlooking the sea, comfortable bungalows and a restaurant, so you can have the classic beachfront island experience without needing to leave the property.

Check prices and availability

Long Set Resort
Long Set Resort

This is a good all-round resort on Long Set Beach with a pool, fitness centre and plenty of space around the property. It's particularly convenient if you want a little more in the way of facilities while still being right on one of Koh Rong's main beaches.

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Golden Beach Resort
Golden Beach Resort

This is a more upscale option on Long Set Beach, with a pool, garden and beachfront setting. It would suit those who want a comfortable resort stay but don't necessarily want to pay for one of Koh Rong's ultra-luxury properties.

Check prices and availability

Koh Touch Village – Best for Nightlife

Before I came to Koh Rong I heard so many people recommend Koh Touch Village as the place to stay. And yes, it’s an easy option since you’re in the main village, but personally I don’t think it’s the most charming spot on the island.

However, it depends on what you’re coming here for. If you want to live in the village and have plenty of restaurants and cafes around you, then yes this is where you find the majority of it. But if you’re coming to Koh Rong for the beaches, I don’t think the one around the pier here is going to be your favourite, and you’ll probably end up walking or driving to other beaches nearby.

Another thing to take into account is that the majority of the big parties are around here. You’ll find them on Long set beach as well, but if you’re on Koh Rong mainly for a party vibe this might be a good fit.

Best Hotels in Koh Touch

Europe Enchanted Bungalow Koh Rong
Europe Enchanted Bungalow Koh Rong

This is a good choice if you want something more peaceful while staying within reach of Koh Touch. The bungalows are surrounded by greenery and are a short walk from the beach, so you get more of a jungle-island feeling without being completely removed from the village.

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Happy Elephant Bungalows
Happy Elephant Bungalows

This is a more budget-friendly choice close to Koh Touch and works well if you're looking for simple accommodation rather than a resort experience. Its location means you can easily get into the village for food, drinks and activities.

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Sweet Jungle Bungalows
Sweet Jungle Bungalows

This is a great option for those who want to keep costs down and don't need a luxury resort. It's tucked into a greener setting away from the busiest part of the beach, while still keeping you within easy reach of Koh Touch.

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Pagoda Beach – Best for a Quiet Resort Stay

Pagoda Beach is a good option if your idea of Koh Rong is checking into a nice resort and barely leaving it. This part of the island is quieter than Koh Touch, with fewer restaurants and businesses around, which is both the appeal and the downside.

I would choose Pagoda Beach if you want a more peaceful stay and don't particularly care about being able to walk to a bunch of restaurants and bars every evening. Instead, you'll probably spend most of your time at your resort, on the beach or in the water.

This is especially worth considering for couples, families and anyone who wants a slower few days after travelling around Cambodia. The trade-off is that you need to be more organised with meals and transport because you don't have the same choice of restaurants and shops that you'll find around Koh Touch.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Best Hotels on Pagoda Beach

The One Resort
The One Resort

This is a popular choice for those who want a more peaceful beachfront resort experience. It has the kind of setting that makes sense if your main plan is to enjoy the beach, swim, relax and spend time at the resort rather than exploring every day.

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You&Me Resort
You&Me Resort

This is a particularly good option for families and couples looking for a comfortable resort away from the busiest parts of the island. It has a pool, private beach area and plenty of facilities, making it easy to have a relaxing holiday without needing to organise activities every day.

Check prices and availability

The Secret Garden Koh Rong
The Secret Garden Koh Rong

This is a beautiful beachfront resort option if you're looking for something a little more upscale and peaceful. It has a private beach area, pool and garden, and the location feels much more secluded than staying in Koh Touch.

Check prices and availability

Sok San Beach – Best for Getting Away from the Crowds

If you want to experience a quieter side of Koh Rong, Sok San Beach is another area worth considering. Located on the western side of the island, Sok San feels much more removed from the main tourist hub around Koh Touch.

The big attraction here is the beach. It's long, beautiful and much more peaceful than the main tourist area, which makes it a good choice if you're travelling to Koh Rong specifically for some proper downtime.

There are still places to eat and accommodation around the beach, but you won't have the same selection of restaurants, bars and shops that you get in Koh Touch or Long Set.

This is where I would stay if I wanted to spend a few days doing very little. You can swim, walk along the beach, watch the sunset and enjoy your hotel without feeling like you should constantly be out exploring. It is worth noting that I think this is the most beautiful beach on the island and when we went there we felt like we had it almost to ourselves, so it’s a really peaceful spot on Koh Rong.

The downside is simply convenience. If you want to go out to eat at various spots regularly, it's going to take more planning than if you stay near the main village. I wouldn't choose Sok San for a one-night stay when you're trying to see everything on Koh Rong. For two or three nights of slowing down though, it’s the perfect escape.

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Best Hotels on Sok San Beach

Sok San Beach Resort
Sok San Beach Resort

This is one of the main accommodation options on this part of the island and a good choice if you want to stay directly by the beach. It has a more traditional resort feel and is particularly suited to those who want their accommodation to be the main base for their island holiday.

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Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort
Koh Rong Hill Beach Resort

This is worth considering if you want a quieter resort setting away from the busiest parts of the island. The location gives you more of an escape while still keeping you within reach of the main areas with transport.

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Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Koh Rong

If I were planning a trip to Koh Rong and wanted a mix of beautiful beaches, a few good restaurants, things to do and the option to have some peace and quiet, I would personally look around Long Set Beach first. It gives you much more of the island experience I would actually want from Koh Rong than staying right in the middle of the busiest part of Koh Touch.

That said, I wouldn't say there is one universally best area to stay in Koh Rong. That's actually one of the things I like about the island. You can have a completely different trip depending on where you base yourself, so take a little time to decide whether you want convenience, nightlife, a beautiful beach, a resort escape or somewhere genuinely remote before booking your accommodation.

Plan Your Trip to Koh Rong

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Koh Rong. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
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Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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-Ingrid

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