Investing in Cambodia’s Resort & Retreat Lodging Sector: What Investors Need to Know

Written By chheng leang

Cambodia’s resort and retreat lodging market is gaining renewed investor attention. Tourism has rebounded, new airports are reshaping accessibility, and travelers are increasingly choosing experiential, nature-based escapes over conventional hotels. For investors, this creates a compelling window—especially in eco-luxury, riverside, and boutique retreat segments.

Here is a clear, summarized investor guide to what matters most in 2025–2030.

1. Demand Is Rising Quickly

  • 2019: 6.61M international tourists

  • 2024: 6.70M (exceeded pre-COVID peak)

  • 2025 (Jan–Aug): ~4M already

  • Supported by:

Investor Insight: Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure now supports large-scale, long-term hospitality growth.

2. Resort Market Performance Is Strengthening

  • Phnom Penh 2024 hotel occupancy: ~78%

  • Siem Reap forecast (2027): ~60%

  • Coastal visitors (Jan–Aug 2025): 6.63M

  • Eco-zone visitors: +28.6% YoY

Conclusion: Demand is back across all segments—coastal, cultural, and eco-retreats—with nature-based properties gaining traction the fastest.

3. Where the Strongest Opportunities Are

A. Island & Coastal Resorts

Koh Rong, Samloem, Kep, Kampot → strong ADR, limited supply.

B. Eco-Retreats & Riverside Lodges

Cardamom Mountains, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri → high appeal for wellness and nature travelers.

C. Boutique Cultural Lodges

Siem Reap expanding into wellness, riverside hotels, and lifestyle retreats.

Investor Insight: The highest-performing assets are small to mid-scale, experiential, and nature-integrated.

4. Investment Formats Worth Considering

  • Eco-luxury resort / tented lodges

  • Boutique villas & riverside retreats

  • Island resorts

  • Strata-resort units with rental pool

  • Agro-eco retreat concepts

These models align strongly with global travel trends: authenticity, nature, wellness, and digital-detox experiences.

5. Key Legal Notes for Foreign Investors

  • Foreigners can own strata units but cannot directly own land.

  • Land-based resorts use:

  • Eco-zones require EIAs and environmental compliance.

  • USD-based economy minimizes currency risk.

6. Risks to Evaluate Carefully

  1. Source-market dependency (China/ASEAN/Domestic)

  2. Reputation and governance concerns

  3. Seasonality in coastal markets

  4. Environmental constraints & compliance

  5. Historical overbuilding in select locations (e.g., Sihanoukville)

Investor Insight: Success depends on conservative underwriting, sustainable development, and strong operators.

7. What Serious Investors Analyze

  • ADR and occupancy benchmarks

  • Access and transportation improvements

  • Build cost per key

  • Demand mix: domestic vs international

  • 3–5 year ramp-up to stabilization

  • NOI, IRR, and downside stress-testing

In short: data-driven feasibility is essential.

A Rare Opportunity for Serious Resort Investors: Prek Angkunh Riverside Retreat (Koh Kong)

As Cambodia’s eco- and nature-based tourism segment rises, high-quality riverside retreats are becoming exceptionally valuable. I am currently representing a turn-key eco-luxury resort ideal for investors seeking immediate operation or future repositioning.

Prek Angkunh Riverside Retreat — Investment Summary

Asking Price: USD 950,000 (Negotiable) Turn-key, operational resort on a hard-title riverfront estate

Location

  • Prek Angkunh Village, Trapeang Rung Commune, Koh Kong Province

  • 3.5 km from NR48

  • 500 m concrete access road to the main gate

  • Quiet, natural river retreat surrounded by forest

Buildings & Structures

  • 6 stand-alone guest villas (stilted round bungalows)

  • 3 staff rooms

  • Open lounge hall

  • Dining hall (6m × 15m)

  • Cinema room (private movie room)

  • 2 warehouses

  • Modern entrance gate + full perimeter fencing

Outdoor & Leisure Facilities

  • 8m × 22m premium tiled swimming pool

  • Private river deck (events, sunsets, kayaking)

  • Elevated timber walkways

  • 2 outdoor bathrooms (M/F)

  • Tropical garden with fruit trees

  • Kayaks (6), fishing boat, sunset cruising deck

  • Camping area with 6 tents

Systems & Equipment

  • 63 kVA state power + 63 kVA generator

  • Water storage, filtration & purification system

  • Ice machine (50 kg/day)

  • 5-star hotel linens & amenities

  • 17 CCTV cameras

  • Australian lightning protection system (x2)

Kitchens & Hospitality

  • Equipped guest kitchen

  • Full staff kitchen

  • Commercial coffee machine

  • Complete cooking & dining ware

Why This Resort Deserves Investor Attention?

  • Hard-title riverfront land (rare in Koh Kong)

  • Fully operational, turn-key eco-retreat

  • Large land plot suitable for expansion

  • Perfect for wellness, yoga, detox, riverside escape, boutique resort, or adventure lodge

  • Proximity to NR48 and gateway to Cardamom Mountains

  • Rising demand for authentic nature-based stays

Interested in this resort?

I can provide the full investment brief, detailed financials, and arrange a private tour of the property.

📩 Feel free to message me directly for confidential investor materials.

Hoem Seiha — ERA Cambodia | Luxury Residence & Investment Advisor

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