Despite being an outlier when it comes to tourism in Cambodia, there is more than enough to drag in intrepid travelers. And while it is no Siem Reap, this also means some cool little restaurants, bars and indeed hotels, which is where Privada Lodge comes in.
Located in the centre of Kratie market by the street food, this Luxembourger-run gem might only have four very cool rooms, but combined with its restaurant and bar is probably the best hotel in Kratie. Why is that you ask? Well let me explain…
What is Kratie?
Kratie is a small provincial town on the banks of the Mekong River, with a population of around thirty thousand. It sits roughly 350 kilometres northeast of Phnom Penh, making it an ideal stopover on the route to Laos. The town is best known for its river dolphins, colonial-era shophouses, and the relaxed market life along the main streets.
There is not a huge amount to do, but you can stroll along the riverfront, visit the local pagodas, and watch the Mekong slowly flow by. Oh and they do got legit ruver dolphins, as well as Koh Trong, not to be confused with Koh Rong.
Life moves slowly here, but if you fancy chilling in the boonies of Cambo, then its got enough to bring you in. As a rural town though that means hotel options outside of Khmer guesthouses are fairly limited, with the River Dolphin hotel being the best known. Other than that there is Privada Lodge!
The Rooms at Privada Lodge
The four rooms at Privada Lodge are rustic but thoughtfully designed in a retro style. Each has been refurbished in a way that preserves the industrial charm of the old Khmer building while adding comfort.
There is one standard room for around $40 per night, two superior rooms at $50–55, and one suite that goes for about $70 per night. All have clean linens, working fans, private bathrooms, and a view over either the market or the river. The limited number of rooms gives the place an almost Airbnb-type charm, with the owners taking a genuine interest in your stay, particularly when the lodge is quiet.
The Restaurant and Bar
The restaurant is famed for its BBQ, which is simple, smoky, and excellent. There isn’t a huge amount of competition in Kratie, but the food here still stands out for both locals and tourists. Expect grilled meats, fresh salads, and a few classic Khmer dishes done well.
The bar is on the roof and acts as a sort of sky bar, with views over the market and rooftops of Kratie. During peak season it fills to the rafters, with both guests and locals coming for cocktails, beers and the atmosphere. The combination of rooftop drinks, sunset over the Mekong, and the hum of the town below makes it a chill place to hang out.
Click to read about the best South-East Asian street food cities.
The Vibe at Privada Lodge
At its core, this is just an abandoned Khmer building in the middle of the market in Kratie that has been done up as a hotel. It has been kept deliberately industrial in style but decorated with old motorbikes, cameras, photos, and posters from Myanmar. Not that unusual given the owner used to live there. Overall, it works visually and adds character.
With only four rooms, the place feels intimate and personal. The owners and staff take a genuine interest in their guests, particularly when only one or two rooms are occupied. And the imtimate living room type reception area is just really chill, without being a woke snobbish nightmare.
Overall
Stylistically, this is one of the best hotels I have seen in Cambodia, even more surprising given it is out in the boondocks of Kratie. The town itself has improved greatly since I was last here five years ago, with enough going on to make it a must-stop on the way north to Laos or south to Phnom Penh.
But, with only four rooms, it is best to book early.
Click to check out my Camboda Tours with YPT.