Song Saa Private Island occupies two private islets, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, at the northern tip of the Koh Rong archipelago, in the Gulf of Thailand. Opened in 2012, the resort was built using local materials by local inhabitants, and remains one of the rare Cambodian addresses combining luxury hospitality with marine conservation efforts.

Why choose Song Saa

The property falls into the category of island resorts integrated with a marine reserve project. The founding family has placed the waters surrounding the two islets under protection, which translates into accessible coral reefs directly from the private beach and very limited visitor numbers. The address appeals to travelers seeking seclusion rather than activity, on a portion of the archipelago still relatively undeveloped.

Three elements distinguish Song Saa from other options in the area: private ownership of the islets (no beach sharing with other establishments), a limited villa fleet (fewer than thirty), and an architectural approach that prioritizes reclaimed wood and open-air spaces with sea views.

The atmosphere

The resort feels more like a village than a hotel complex. Common buildings—main restaurant, spa, library—are scattered across Koh Ouen, connected by sand pathways and wooden boardwalks. No background music, no concrete zones: the dominant sounds remain the waves and seabirds.

The aesthetic blends driftwood, raw stone and Khmer textiles. Common areas open broadly onto the sea, and dense vegetation between the villas ensures privacy. Natural light structures the days: minimal artificial lighting in the evening, allowing for starlit skies rare in Southeast Asia.

The villas

Accommodation consists of spacious wooden villas, available in three categories depending on location:

• Jungle villas: nestled against vegetation, with private terraces and pools for some
• Ocean view villas: positioned beachfront, with adjacent private beaches
• Overwater villas: built onto a pier above the water, with direct lagoon access from the terrace

All feature generous outdoor spaces and materials sourced from local reclamation. Interior volumes remain expansive, with high ceilings and sliding glass doors that blur the line between inside and outside.

Services and dining

The resort operates on an all-inclusive basis, with the islets' isolation leaving no alternative dining options nearby. Two main venues: Vista, open for all three meals with a menu blending Khmer and international cuisine, and Driftwood Bar for beachside aperitifs. Private dinners on the beach or in the jungle can be arranged.

On the activities side, the dive center offers outings to nearby reefs, guided snorkeling and kayak excursions through the mangroves. The spa, housed in an open-air building overlooking the sea, works with products made from local ingredients. Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments feature regularly on the schedule.

Location and access

Song Saa sits on two private islets connected to the Koh Rong archipelago, off Cambodia's southern coast. Access is by private boat from Sihanoukville, approximately 45 minutes by sea. The transfer is arranged by the resort and included in most stays. Allow a further half day's travel or an internal flight from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to reach Sihanoukville.

Nearby

Seclusion is Song Saa's main selling point, but a few excursion options exist from the resort:

• Deserted beaches on the northern coast of Koh Rong, accessible by boat
• Khmer fishing villages throughout the archipelago, visits organized by the resort
• Diving sites on reefs protected by the marine reserve
• Bioluminescent plankton phenomenon, observable on certain nights from the piers

To compare with other luxury addresses in the region, also see Six Senses Krabey Island near Sihanoukville, or The Royal Sands Koh Rong on the same island.

Incorporating Song Saa into a Cambodia trip

The resort works well for a 3 to 5-night beach stay at the end of an itinerary, after Angkor temples and Phnom Penh. To build your complete itinerary, consult our Cambodia trips.