Rajabori Villas occupies the northern tip of Koh Trong island, a small rural peninsula set on the Mekong, facing Kratie. The establishment lines up several wooden bungalows with Khmer architecture, removed from the classic tourist circuits of Cambodge.

Why stay here

Koh Trong can be crossed on foot or by bicycle in just a few hours: undulating sand banks, agricultural fields, grapefruit orchards and fishing hamlets make up an island landscape that few travelers take time to explore. Rajabori Villas is one of the few structured establishments on the island — other options are limited to a handful of guesthouses — making it a comfortable base for anyone wishing to extend their stay beyond simply dolphin watching.

The climate in the Kratie region remains milder than Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, which makes disconnecting all the more pleasant, particularly between November and February.

Atmosphere and architecture

The bungalows are built in traditional Khmer wooden architecture, on low stilts, and blend into the island's vegetation. The approach is deliberately simple: no air conditioning in the rooms, but a design that maintains a cool interior even during intense heat, thanks to natural ventilation and the thickness of the wood used.

The overall atmosphere is one of a calm rural resort, without forced entertainment. You come here for the silence of the river, the rustle of trees and the absence of motorized traffic on the island.

On-site services

• Generously sized outdoor swimming pool, well-maintained
• Restaurant offering Khmer cuisine and simple international dishes
• Bicycle rentals to explore the island
• Transfers from Kratie landing (Mekong crossing by boat)
• Wi-Fi in common areas

Location

The hotel is located at the northern tip of Koh Trong, accessible only by boat from Kratie's landing — the crossing takes about ten minutes. Once on the island, there are no cars: travel is on foot, by bicycle or by motorcycle-drawn trailer. Allow half a day's journey from Phnom Penh to reach Kratie.

Things to do nearby

Kratie is primarily known for observing Irrawaddy dolphins, an endangered species spotted in the Mekong basins at Kampi, about twenty kilometers north of the city. Koh Trong island itself lends itself to a bicycle tour (approximately 9 km in circumference), punctuated by pagodas, Vietnamese floating farms and seasonal sandy beaches in the dry season. Kratie's central market and colonial riverfront facades are also worth a stop.

To extend your stay on the Mekong, several other addresses round out the picture in the region: Mekong Dolphin Hotel on the Kratie town side, or Le Relais de Chhlong slightly further south, in a preserved colonial town. A night at Moon River can also complement your river itinerary.

Plan your stay

Rajabori Villas naturally fits into an itinerary connecting Phnom Penh to northeastern Cambodge (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri) or en route to Laos. To build a tailor-made trip including this stage on the Mekong, consult our Cambodge trips.