The Secret Garden Koh Rong

Pagoda beach is secluded, with no restaurants, street vendors, or mini marts nearby, so without transport you’re limited to the resorts’ menus. Getting around beyond the beach was also more limited and expensive than we expected for the more developed of Koh Rong’s two islands. The resort charges $5 USD per person each way for a tuk tuk to nearby places such as Longset beach, 3km away. Renting mopeds is probably best if you want to explore more. We had kids, so didn’t risk it, though the roads looked pretty good and not too busy. The Secret Garden’s direct ferry to and from Pagoda beach was great, cheaper at $18 vs $25 and quicker than the standard ferries, which leave you at long set pier and require a $15 taxi to the resort. Contact reception a day or so ahead to book. We stayed six nights in the family room in early Jan 2026. This is a lovely resort on the best part of Pagoda beach, with postcard-perfect white sand and turquoise water. They put a lot of effort into cleaning and maintaining the beach each day, unlike some resorts farther along. Our room was clean, spacious, and had everything our family of four needed. There are six resorts on the beach, and their menus are pretty similar, mostly western food with a few Khmer options. Prices are a few dollars more than the mainland, for example $2 USD beers and $10 USD burgers, and the food can be hit and miss. We tried all the resorts and felt Secret Garden had the best food overall. Breakfast had a good range, including Khmer noodle soup. The staff were truly amazing, professional, friendly, and quick to help. We’d definitely recommend this place for a quiet, relaxing break.

We couldn’t stay at Secret Garden because it was fully booked, but stopped in for the beach and food and were glad we did. The location is beautiful and lovely for a rest by the sea. We had great food and cocktails, and the staff were polite and friendly. The coconut juice was amazing, just right for a hot beach day. We’d come back, hopefully to stay next time.

We stayed three nights at Secret Garden. Reception service was great, but the bar and restaurant were very slow, and our orders weren’t always right. The restaurant food was standard and unremarkable, which felt a bit disappointing for this kind of resort. Breakfast was the weakest part: the buffet was very limited and nowhere near what I’d expect from a four-star hotel. Lipton yellow tea bags? Come on. The beach is beautiful and the hotel itself is nice, though it’s showing its age. There were missing pool tiles, cracks in the walls, and holes in the imitation thatch roof.

The room was comfortable enough, and the setting by the lovely beach is nice. Communication with staff, especially in the restaurant, was difficult, and a few orders came out wrong. The food was probably the main downside for us, with small portions even for someone who doesn’t eat much. It’s still a nice place to relax, but the food and service could use some work.