Beach House Cambodia

Beach House Cambodia in M’Pai Bay is a small, handcrafted wooden place right by the water, with an intimate feel more like staying with friends than at a corporate hotel. Its quirky, eco-conscious, social atmosphere comes with rooms whose hinged walls open fully toward the sea, so you can hear the waves and catch the breeze. The property is British-owned and involved in local community efforts such as beach cleans. Guests often have free use of kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear, and it’s one of the few places in M’Pai Bay with hot showers and reliable AC. It’s still a remote island, so power cuts and unpredictable plumbing can happen regardless of the price. At around $40-$100+, depending on season and room type, some people find it expensive beside the basic nearby bungalows, though the beachfront location and better amenities are part of what you pay for. The Beach House Hotel in Kep is a different place, just across from Kep Beach. It’s peaceful, nostalgic, and family-friendly, with lovely sunset views from private balconies and a saltwater pool that’s especially welcome in the Cambodian heat. The Crab Market is a short walk away. It has an old-school feel, and while clean and charming, some rooms are showing their age and could use renovation.

We came back to Bay 23 each night, and it was quiet by midnight, often earlier. It’s a cozy little settlement where everything is within walking distance, and the beach is right there. We spent time watching the moon come up over the water and walking across the sandpools when the tide went out a long way. We even played football with the locals. Most evenings the team hosts a family dinner and joins everyone, so we met some really interesting people. There’s plenty to eat and drink nearby: Dragonfly is an easy 100-yard walk up the hill for sunset, Beach house does a great breakfast, and Seapony is another good brunch spot. We honeymooned here and loved the bohemian luxury, the beauty, and how well run it felt.

Dinner on the beach, with the table set under a chandelier and lovely company, was a real highlight. The spot feels rustic and organic, and Rob is a wonderfully charismatic host with fabulous staff around him. From here there are plenty of other restaurants, cafes, massages, and water sports to choose from. We also took a fantastic boat trip, caught and ate fish, and watched the sun drop into the sea by a first-class beach bar. It felt like a real taste of Koh Rong. The beachfront location is fabulous. Why wouldn’t you stay here?

We stopped by to relax for the day, liked the food, drinks, and atmosphere so much that we came back the next day. Everyone was super friendly, and the breakfast and afternoon bites were delicious 😊