Koh Rong has been a mainstay on the Cambodian tourist circuit for a number of years and is undoubtedly the island jewel of Cambodia. Here you’ll find the best hostels in Koh Rong.
Being more developed and accessible than its sister island, Koh Rong Sanloem, it makes an obvious starting point for any island hopping adventure.
It does of course have a reputation for being a party island but this is generally limited to the main Kaoh Touch pier and beach area.
Head a little further out and be surrounded by jungle sounds, waves lapping at the shore and at night crystal clear starry skies and a bioluminescent glow in the sea.
This magical place truly has something for everyone and one way or another will have you leaving with a smile on your face and great memories of island life.
Good To Know: We’ve also collected the 3 best hostels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Your Shortcut:
- Nest Beach Club - best for solo traveller and party goers
- Sweet Jungle Bungalows - best for groups and families
- Zest'house - best for families
- Extra: Firefly Guesthouse - best for couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
The island of Koh Rong lies to the southeast of the Gulf of Thailand and enjoys perfect sandy beaches and tropical turquoise waters.
There are many places to stay all around the island and after the ferry drop off from Sihanoukville a tuk-tuk or taxi boat ride will get you to even the furthest, most secluded corner of Koh Rong. Be prepared for a bumpy ride though as the ‘road’ infrastructure is not great!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Here we have tried to showcase our favourite beaches and locations detailing the best hostels in Koh Rong for each area based on price, location and of course quality.
So, time to jump into the details of Cambodia’s island hostels and ignite that travel spark that gets you on your way!
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Koh Rong
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Koh Rong cost 9€ – 12€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 14€ up to 30€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Environment Tax in Koh Rong: Tourists visiting Cambodian islands will now have to pay an environmental tax. You’ll need to bring an extra $2 with you to pay for this on the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
Internet Access in Koh Rong: Koh Rong has limited, slow wifi. It is recommended that you invest in a SIM card that provides access to 3G if you find that you are unable to keep yourself away from the internet.
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Koh Rong are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Koh Rong.
- Nest Beach Club – best for solo traveller and party goers
- Sweet Jungle Bungalows – best for groups and families
- Zest'house – best for families
- Extra: Firefly Guesthouse - best for couples
We put all accommodations on the map, incl. our own tips for restaurants, things to see, and more.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Nest Beach Club |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Nest Beach Club |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Nest Beach Club |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Firefly Guesthouse |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Sweet Jungle Bungalows Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Zest'house |
1. Nest Beach Club
This well-established hostel is always a hit. Just five minutes in a tuk-tuk or a 20-minute walk from the main pier, Nest Beach Club has a great location between two perfect sandy beaches and access to all amenities.
The beachfront bar and terrace have fantastic views over the water with great happy hour offers and a varied menu.
Plenty of evening entertainment will be on offer including the renowned Nestival event – one not to be missed, but make sure to give yourself a recovery day if you plan on attending!
If you’re feeling energetic, snorkels and kayaks are available to hire. We highly recommend this experience, there are many species inhabiting the local waters and it’ll be a sweet icing to your Koh Rong cake.
Nest Beach Club offers a selection of different dorms and bed options, starting at around $7 per night.
All of the dorm rooms have both A/C and fans to help with a good night’s sleep. You can choose a standard single bed or a larger queen size if you feel the need for a bit more space.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Some of the rooms feature a small kitchenette with a fridge and stove.
If you’re missing home-cooked food after weeks on the road this is great, although consider doing your food shop on the mainland as options on the islands can be limited and a little more expensive due to the small boats delivering literally everything!
Location: The hostel is built just 50m off the beach in a wild jungle garden. Perennially featuring as one of the best hostels in Koh Rong, it sits at the southern end of the popular Long Set Beach (also known locally as the 4K beach for those who have been before).
The best choice in Koh Rong for
- solo traveller
- party goers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Sweet Jungle Bungalows
This locally owned dual hostel and campsite has to offer some of the quirkiest accommodations available on the island, just minutes from Kaoh Touch’s perfect sandy beaches.
It is a super friendly family-run business where you will soon be made to feel right at home.
Sweet Jungle Bungalows offers private ensuite double rooms starting at around $32 per night or pre-pitched camping tents from around $8 per night.
For those seeking a natural camping experience at a very low price point, Sweet Jungle Tents has to be considered among the best hostels in Koh Rong.
The tents here feature shared bathroom facilities but all have their own fans, electrical outlets, mattresses and bedding.
Comfort aside, it’s the background sounds of jungle, wind, and water, that will really help you snooze. The bungalows on-site are all unique and stand-alone for that little extra privacy.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: This hostel is set back a little way from the south end of Kaoh Touch Beach, but despite the quiet location, it’s just a five-minute walk from the main pier and close to many popular tourist hotspots.
The restaurant here has a fairly limited menu but serves good value freshly made meals. There is a small bar and, of course, the terrace and a beautiful garden. A tour desk is on site and the friendly staff will be pleased to help you organise any activities on the island.
A great choice for
- groups
- families
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Zest'house
Tucked away at the north end of the expansive Sok San Beach – one of Koh Rong’s most perfect sandy beaches – Zest'house is gaining in popularity and can certainly be considered one of the best hostels in Koh Rong.
At Zest’house, you can expect excellent accommodation and low prices. Offering private ensuite bungalows for as little as $20 per night, it is unsurprising that people are gravitating toward this quiet little hideaway.
The menu here is western and is always kept simple, but everything is freshly homemade on the premises including the wonderful artisan bread you may be lucky enough to enjoy.
With the raised view from the bungalows (they all sit on legs), the views out to the ocean or even inland toward the island landscapes are just epic!
Each bungalow has its own terrace where you can sit, enjoy the company of friends you’ve made along the way, and take it all in.
The Varisan Nureach Waterfall and the smaller Khoh Rong waterfall are both easily accessible and just a short hike away.
Zest’house is in such a beautiful, secluded spot but still no more than five minutes from the local village and facilities.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Not all boat services are running so access to this part of the island is easier via tuk-tuk (approx. $15) or a taxi boat ride from Koh Touch beach if you time it right.
As tourist numbers grow again, all of the boats and drop-off points will resume so access should become much easier.
Location: Situated in Koh Rong Island, Preah Sihanouk Province Region, Zest’house is located 21 km from Sok San Port.
This is one of the best hostels in Koh Rong for
- families
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Firefly Guesthouse
Another established hostel with a unique location on the north east of the island is Firefly Guesthouse. Arrive there by a boat taxi at around $30, or tuk-tuk for $15.
The private rooms are a good size and comfortable with prices starting at $23. All of the private rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms and a terrace.
The dormitory rooms are available from around $11 per night providing simple yet comfortable accommodations with a shared bathroom.
The owners at Firefly Guesthouse pride themselves on providing an example of socially and environmentally responsible business and this is one of many reasons why this is one of the best hostels in Koh Rong.
They have pushed local efforts to reduce plastic pollution and improve working opportunities in the community.
This is a really great way to get a taste of Cambodian life in a remote island fishing village.
The restaurant offers a limited but well-made and tasty menu with Asian cuisine prepared by local staff from locally sourced ingredients.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Remember to think about the location of more remote hostels when you plan your travels.
Access to food supplies is limited around Firefly, you’ll find local staples in the fishing village, and of course fresh fish! But be sure to pick up your snacks at one of the mini-marts close to the pier before heading out there!
Location: Sited in Prek Svay, a small fishing village in a remote area of Koh Rong and just 2km from the perfect sandy beaches at Lonely Beach or Palm Beach.
This guesthouse is literally built over the seawater at the mouth of a small river, so be prepared to be lulled and relaxed by the sound of the lapping waves.
The views are incredible and the whole place is beautifully decorated with materials collected from the beaches.
This is one of the best hostels in Koh Rong for
- Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Koh Rong for Solo Travellers and Party Goers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Koh Rong for solo-travellers and party goers?
Of course, that would be Nest Beach Club. It is the best hostel for solo travellers and partygoers as well.
But we have another hostel that is worth checking. Let’s have a look at Coconutbeach Bungalows.
Nest Beach Club
Nest Beach Club is within five minutes by tuk-tuk or 20 minutes by foot from the main pier and has access to all facilities.
The beachfront bar and terrace have great views of the water, great deals during happy hour, and a wide range of food options.
The legendary Nestival event will be among the many nighttime entertainment options; however, if you intend on going, be sure to allow yourself.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Coconutbeach Bungalows
To the far east of the island lies the beautiful and secluded Coconut Beach, which is situated approximately 7km from the main boat pier and is one of the best-rated and most perfect sandy beaches in Cambodia.
A $10 tuk-tuk ride should get you to Coconutbeach Bungalows.
Coconutbeach Bungalows is the last of our recommendations for the best hostels in Koh Rong.
It has simple bungalow accommodations and a completely tranquil beachfront setting, this is truly a place to sit back, relax and unwind.
That said, there’ll still be enough going on to keep you entertained during the evening. We recommend that you try the organised beach BBQ, the local seafood is fantastic and fresh.
Enjoy the spectacular ocean views from the private beach area, and make the most of the bar for sunset drinks and local dishes from the on-site restaurant.
Each room is set back in the jungle garden just off the beach, so you’ll get to soak in the sounds of the waves as your alarm clock.
Compare prices at: Booking.com
Private rooms come equipped with a fan and balcony so you can soak up the gorgeous view.
Ensuite rooms start from $17/night, or you can save a couple of dollars by choosing a room with a shared bathroom, at just $15/night.
If you’re travelling in a group, family rooms are approx. $24, with two double beds.
Due to the secluded location of Coconut Beach, remember to plan your shopping and mini-mart visits accordingly – you can find many options near the piers at Kaoh Touch beach upon arrival on the boat.
Compare prices at: Booking.com
More Hostels worth a mention in Koh Rong Sanloem
Koh Rong is a beautiful island that’s why we are confident that you will enjoy your stay in any hostel that we have listed above.
But if you think that you need to look around for some more hostels, we got you.
Here you’ll find more hostels worth a mention.
Mad Monkey
Look no further than Mad Monkey Hostel Cambodia if you want to mingle with other travellers, drink cocktail jugs at a pool party, and then do it all over again the next day. Mad Monkey Hostels are a favourite among party-seeking travellers in Cambodia, with locations in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Koh Rong Sanloem.
Hostels run by Mad Monkey may be found across Cambodia. They have a swimming pool, both private and shared rooms, and both day and evening activities including guided tours and live performances.
In contrast to its city-centre settings, Mad Monkey on Koh Rong Samloem is situated inside its own private bay, so guests may enjoy the ocean rather than a pool.
Dorm beds cost $7.50 each night, while private rooms cost $30 per night.
It is 2 minutes away from Lovely Jubbly Villa but sadly, this hostel has closed.
Read: Mad Monkey Hostels in Review
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem
On this beautiful island, you will now have access to Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem that not only provides a relaxing atmosphere but also a kind and welcoming service to its guests.
This beachfront hostel includes rooms that are equipped with air conditioning, internet, comfy mattresses and lockers, and a communal bathroom that is both clean and up-to-date.
They also have a beach bar, billiards so you can play with your friends and a very nice outdoor area for you to hang out.
The rooftop offers a fantastic view. From the top of their building, you will get a wonderful view of both the sea and the mountains.
The kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the prices are affordable for all three meals.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Koh Rong?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Koh Rong.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Koh Rong
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Koh Rong best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
All Top Hostels put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Koh Rong hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
Any questions about hostels in Koh Rong?
🤔Join our Facebook Group here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Koh Rong?
The best hostels in Koh Rong are:
- Nest Beach Club – best for solo traveller and party goers
- Sweet Jungle Bungalows – best for groups and families
- Zest'house – best for families
- Extra: Firefly Guesthouse - best for couples
Are hostels in Koh Rong safe?
Not all hostels in Koh Rong are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel, without proper license to run and safety measures.
So in all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Koh Rong. You can find backpacker hostel with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also send us an email and ask us!
How much are hostels in Koh Rong?
Hostels in Koh Rong cost 9€ – 12€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 14€ up to 30€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Any questions about hostels in Koh Rong?
🤔Join our Facebook Group here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Koh Rong?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We’ve gone one step further and created these awesome guides to nearby destinations from Cambodia:
- best hostels in Siem Reap
- best hostels in Phnom Penh
- best hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
- best hostels in Hong Kong
- best hostels in Hanoi, Vietnam
- best hostels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- best hostels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- best hostels in Singapore
- 57 BEST hostels in Thailand
- best hostels in the Philippines
- 3 best hostels in Vang Vieng, Laos
- 3 best hostels in Vientiane, Laos
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Koh Rong guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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(Fresh Update 2023)
Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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