Koh Kong

Proving that there’s more to Cambodia than beaches and temples, Koh Kong is a pristine eco-tourism spot and one of Indochina’s soon-to-be coolest luxury vacation destinations.

The province, which sits on the southwest coast of Cambodia overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, is a largely undeveloped region of virgin rainforest and mangrove swamps. It skirts the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, deemed a remarkable ecological area by the WWF, and home to Javan rhinos, endangered Indochinese tigers, gibbons, Asian elephants and more. Long stretches of untouched beaches line the coast and the tropical environs of Koh Kong Island, while the interior contains an impenetrable rainforest, serene crisscrossing rivers and pounding waterfalls.

In the heart of this wilderness is one of the region’s most unusual boutique properties, the Four Rivers Floating Ecolodge. The resort floats on a bend in the Tatai River, entirely out on the water and is accessible only via boat. It consists of super-luxury safari tents transplanted from South Africa’s savannah lands, which sit on large individual wooden decks. Although this luxury cocoon can feel a bit an out-of-place amongst all the wilderness, the dancing of the dragonflies across the water at night or the low hum of cicadas are always there to remind you of your deep jungle setting. There’s plenty to do too including wildlife tracking in the Cardamoms, jungle trekking, beach trips and river kayaking.