Hidden on Koh Trong, a little-known island in the Mekong River, the Sala Koh Trong provides a rural alternative for travellers wishing to spend a few days exploring Kratie – ever hopeful for a glimpse of its famous Irawaddy dolphins, and often passing through en route to northern Cambodia or Laos.
Having caught the ferry across the Mekong, you will be collected by the Sala’s ox & cart and transferred through a sleepy riverside village. The pace of life on Koh Trong is laid-back at most, providing the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in typical rural Khmer life. The community-based initiative in place here ensures that many benefit from your visit, with jobs shared amongst the locals and profits directed straight into their livelihoods.
The Sala itself is a large, traditional plantation style house with five rooms, all relatively basic but with undeniable charm, and a delightful open-sided restaurant and bar area. We tend to favour the more comfortable and extremely spacious Rajabori Villas, set alongside the Sala's grounds. Raised off the ground, in keeping with the area's traditional style, each has a large terrace, whilst inside rich woods combine with a very pleasant traditional décor and simple amenities.
There is a large swimming pool, although - if you’re a little braver - swimming in the Mekong is very much a possibility throughout the year. There is even a substantial beach between December and May.
Address
Koh Trong Island
Click here for hotel website
Facilities
- Rooms & villas 9:
- fans
- en suite bathroom
- standard room amenities
- Restaurant
- Rural activities
- Swimming pool