OK, so while Soriyabori Resort is actually the only real hotel on Kratié, save for a bunch of homestays of differing quality, it could also be argued that it is the best hotel in the whole of Kratié province.
Located on the north of Koh Trong, Soriyabori is described as a “confidential resort” of Khmer-style villas, built to immerse travellers in a largely untouched part of Cambodia. And when you factor in the amazing price, it truly is an unknown jewel in the rough.
And while I have already done an extensive Koh Trong Guide, I felt the Soriyabori Resort was of such class that I really needed to give it its own damned article!
What is the Soriyabori Resort?
Soriyabori Resort started life as Rajabori Villas Resort in the early 2010s, founded by a Cambodian-French couple who wanted to build a proper hideaway on Koh Trong. The idea was simple: wooden Khmer-style villas, peaceful surroundings, and a place where travellers could actually relax without the tourist nonsense.
Originally it catered mostly to volunteers and budget travellers, but over time it was expanded and rebranded as Soriyabori Resort, keeping the focus on traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, and comfort without going over the top. It’s quietly elegant, still feels like part of the island, and remains the main place to stay if you actually want to enjoy Koh Trong.
The Rooms at Soriyabori Resort
Soriyabori Resort on Koh Trong has about 13 wooden villas with a few rooms each. Deluxe Doubles are ~30 m², Deluxe Twins ~35 m², Junior/Superior Suites 50‑65 m², and the largest villas reach ~130 m² with balconies. Prices start around $43‑$60 USD for smaller rooms, with bigger suites running almost double.
The rooms are simple Khmer-style wood, naturally ventilated, with fans rather than full air‑conditioning. And this works incredibly well because of the location, with me not feeling too hot even once. The rooms themselves are just really nice and have a truly homely feel, with the bathtub and outside balcony just being icing on an already beautiful cake. The small rooms are more than big enough, and I have no idea what you would do with one of the big suites—they are enormous.
Facilities at Soriyabori Resort
For the most part the resort offers rooms with solitude, but there are also some great extras. The restaurant here is French-Khmer fusion with a great menu, as well as a superb French-inspired drinks list. I had a great steak, followed by fried banana for dessert. There’s a bit of everything, and you will not go hungry. Breakfast is simpler and more Khmer, but perfectly acceptable at around $6 USD.
The restaurant area is a great place to just relax, with sublime wooden furniture and books that can be traded among guests. Opposite here lies a huge pool which is not only always the perfect temperature, but is perhaps the best maintained I have seen in rural Cambodia.
Oh and then there is Elephant Bar, Soriyabori Resort, Koh Trong, Kratie. I mean what is there to say about this bar that has not already been said?
All in all
The Soriyabori Resort is legitimately one of the best hotels I have stayed in, not just in Kratie, or Cambodia, but I feel in the world—and yes, this is not hyperbole, it is legit. The reasons for this are myriad, but chief among them is that they have made something simple, high-end, affordable, and somewhere you can truly, truly relax.
In fact, I feel it is so good that combined with Koh Trong itself, it is well worth travelling here from Phnom Penh, or making a beeline from other places just to visit. Do not, though, come expecting a party—this is all about solitude.
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Address and Contact
Soriyabori Resort
Phum Kbal Koh, Sangkat Koh Trong, Kratié Province, Cambodia
Phone (Reception): +855 12 770 150
Phone (Management): +855 12 770 650
Email: info@soriyabori.com