What’s it like to spend one night in a floating villa on the Mekong? It’s fairly wavy, especially if you have bad luck and it rains. It’s also an incredibly peaceful and unique place to stay!
Floating Suite
The journey to the Mekong Getaways River Suite starts on board the Le Tonlé boat. We were welcomed onto the sunset river cruise with a complimentary drink and peanuts (the best peanuts I’ve ever tasted – I think it was the lemongrass, yum).
After cruising along the Mekong river and taking in the views, we arrived at the Floating Suite.
The River Suite is comprised of three floating wooden villas with views across to the Royal Palace and Phnom Penh’s skyline.
The cruise guests were seated in the lounge and bar area to enjoy the sunset views and drinks, they looked envious on when we were shown to our room and private terrace.
The Room
The suite is incredibly spacious with the decor lending itself to the light and airy vibe. There is a king size four-poster bed, daybeds to lounge and an ensuite bathroom.
Despite being in a floating villa, the room still has all the amenities of a hotel – air-conditioning, hot water, mini bar and drinks making facilities. Everything you could need for a relaxing stay.
The highlight of the room is definitely the screen windows which open on to the private terrace. There are incredible views over the Mekong and all of the city skyline directly from the bed.
Relaxing on the River
Once the boat leaves the river suite, it feels like you are entirely alone on the Mekong!
As I said earlier, there was a heavy downpour of rain just after sunset. So we ordered our food which would be served later and headed into the room. It did get quite wavy, but once the rain stopped it was back to gently floating the night away.
Our food was served on the private terrace where we had an incredible view of the city lights across the river, including lightning in the distance!
Waking up after a peaceful night to the breathtaking view through the screen windows, is a magical moment. The sunlight streaming down, the skyline in the background and fishermen on their small boats passing by as you enjoy breakfast on the terrace.
At the end of the morning, we were picked up by Le Tonlé boat for a cruise back to the hectic city.
The Verdict
So, what’s it really like to spend a night in a floating suite? As I said, it got a little wavy for a while, but after that it was a peaceful and relaxing evening.
The staff at the suite were incredibly friendly and attentive, but they gave us enough space to feel like we were the only people on the river.
The views from the suite are amazing! It’s a really special experience to wake up and take in the sunrise over the city, gently floating on the Mekong in the morning sun.
If you find yourself in Phnom Penh this is a unique experience, that you simply must add to your itinerary!
Would you stay in a floating villa? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Disclaimer: We stayed as a guest of Mekong Getaways. However, all photography and opinions are my own.
This place looks incredible! Would love to spend a night there! and the view is wonderful as well!!
Author
Thanks, Umberta. The view was amazing!
This looks absolutely incredible!!! And that view from your suite is unreal! I would love to stay there one day!
Author
It really was incredible, such a peaceful experience!
That looks like an incredible experience. I’ve always read that going on a Mekong River Cruise is a must so I’d love to try that someday. The room is incredibly beautiful. I love the interior decor details!
Author
I haven’t been on a Mekong cruise (not a big fan of boats) but I can definitely recommend the floating suite for a unique stay on the river!
I would LOVE to stay in one . we are trying to find one for Thailand in Kanchanaburi but maybe we should consider this place too when we go to Cambodia. Its really nice and the lodges look really clean and tidy inside
Author
If you’re going to be in Phnom Penh definitely check it out – there is only one suite! So you’re the only people there at night (and the staff, of course) 🙂
I loved the overview of your experience in a floating village on the Mekong. I never would have imagined that you had so many amenities! The views are really lovely, too. I can just imagine wake up to them… I would definitely love to give this a try!
Author
Thanks, Alison. I know – it’s so luxurious for a floating villa.
Ah I love this. I am definitely adding to the things I need to do next time I am in the South East Asia area! Sounds like quite the experience!
This is fascinating, and beautiful! I would love to try it out. 🙂
I liked the Le Tonle Boat. Floating suite is an amazing idea and the bedroom looks comfortable and superb. For a family vacation it it totally a relaxed one and much needed. The views of Royal Palace is also worth watching.
Author
Hi Yukti,
It definitely is relaxing! I’m not sure if there would be much to entertain children, but perhaps they would find the floating room interesting.
The floating villas are incredible. I stayed early this year and I agree with you that I met the nicest people there. Thanks for sharing
Author
Ah wonderful Monica! Hope you had a great experience 🙂
That looks like a sweet way to see the Mekong. What type of food did they serve you? Was it local stuff? Do you recommend it for families?
Author
Hi,
Yes, it’s a really unique way to spend some time on the river. We ordered from the menu and I got a Khmer curry (my favourite) but there were quite a few options.
It would say it probably depends on the ages of the children, there is only one suite meaning the day beds would be your other sleeping options, which would certainly be comfortable enough. It’s a very peaceful experience and a great way to view Phnom Penh 🙂
Oh I didn’t even think about the movement of the room. I get seasick super easily so I’m not sure if a floating room would sit well with me. Would definitely love to try it though!
Author
I also get very boat sick, but I was fine on the suite. Plus, I doubt many people would be so unlucky with the weather as I am haha. There were a lot of storms and downpours of rain whilst I was there – it wasn’t rainy season!
Hopefully nobody gets seasick easily! I’ve stayed in a sailboat docked in a harbor a few times and loved the gentle rocking of the ocean, but can’t imagine being rocked along the Mekong! Although, I guess I could put up with it for that view though! And cool that they had air conditioning!
Author
Well, I do actually get sea sick and I wasn’t affected by this. So perhaps it’s not quite as much movement. It’s definitely worth it for the amazing views and feeling like you’re alone on the river!
My girlfriend and I did one of these floating tours last year while we were living in Vietnam but I must say, they were a lot less luxurious that the treatment you received. The bed and balcony look to rival pretty much any hotel and really, I would imagine a little waviness could be rather relaxing. With the downpours likely in SE Asia however, it’s always important to like your visit to coincide with some decent weather
Looks amazing, how do you get there from Phnom Penh? And how much would it be a night staying there?
xx
Author
Hi Xinen,
You get there on Le Tonle boat, you go on the sunset cruise and then stay on the suite when everybody else leaves.
I would check their website for the most up to date information on pricing – I’m sure they do different offers. Find it here: https://maads.asia/mekonggetaways
xo Gemma
A floating suite?! what an incredible experience! & those views! beautiful ! & food was delivered to you out there.. doesn’t get much better
Wow, the views here are really like no other aren’t they?! What a wonderful experience this must have been!
Seeing your photos made me think of our trip to the Mekong River some years ago. I would definitely love to be back and try the floating villa!
Haha it got a bit “floaty”. I bet! That still looks really cool and a nice getaway. Love the vibe of that suite!
I stayed one night on a boathouse in the Netherlands and I loved it, but these villas look amazing!
Omg a floating villa?! That is unreal and something I would love to experience myself someday! You captured it so beautifully <3
Author
Thanks Natalie, it’s definitely a unique and beautiful place to stay!
Great pictures! On my list now 🙂
What a beautiful place! Hope I can make it there soon 🙂
What an amazing experience! I’d love to spend a night on a floating villa! It looks so beautiful there!