Molyka Lodge — Hotel in Ratanakiri

Having travelled extensively in Cambodia, my home for the past dozen or more years, Molyka Lodge now sits at the top of our “accommodation league table”. You might get more trapping of luxury and amenities at a top end hotel, but you’d have to go far to get more gracious and welcoming service. The owners, Molyka and Tiri, have created a small piece of paradise, tucked away at the northern end of Banlung, with stunning vistas over the greenery of the hills and plantations to the north toward the Laos border. Everything about our overnight stay was just perfect: the pool where my five year old granddaughter continued to learn to swim; the ensuite rooms with broad balcony and views to the north; and the restaurant… Special mention for the restaurant, presided over by Tiri, who clearly loves the art of cooking: all the dishes we had were acclaimed “great”, and I don’t think I’ve tasted a better pizza – ordered by the kids – anywhere in Cambodia. We had an early morning trip to the Airavata Elephant Foundation*, and by arrangement had our included breakfast on return, at around 11am. And what a breakfast: platters of eggs, bacon, potato and onion, pork fried rice and fried noodles to dig into, plus a fresh-baked loaf, butter and spreads, and of course coffee and tea. It was all ridiculously good, probably all the better for the outdoor time spent with the elephants, but great by any measure. I wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend Molyka Lodge, and we can’t wait to come back! Many thanks to Molyka and Tiri. *If you haven’t been to Airavata, it should be high on your Cambodian bucket list, especially now, with the addition of “baby” Noelle, born Xmas day 2021, and weighing in at 280-some kilos as we watched. After you’ve communed with the gentle giants, give generously, and they’ll plant a tree...

We were planning a 4-day getaway from the capital. Booked this stay and we expected the usual warm reception, but we didn't expect what came to happen. The rooms are simple but nice, with aircon, fan, two beds, a clean bathroom situated in a pleasant garden environment. The pool was not of the size that needs a fisheye lens to show bigger than reality, it was big and overlooking the forest on the hills nearby. with plenty of opportunities to lounge around. The lounge chairs can accommodate all the guests, even when the place is fully booked. The breakfast is copious and western or Cambodian, as you wish. But what really made the difference was the kindhearted, professional but overall friendly and motivated approach of the owners, Khmer and English is spoken by this couple with a track record that goes back decades in the hospitality sector. No question is too much, pleasant advice about things to do, alternate places to eat (although there is dinner opportunity every evening on the premises). Prices for drinks and food were overall democratic and good value for money considering the sizable portions. Seasonal fruits from their own garden or locally sourced were welcome in between meals or when coming back from an excursion, the famous volcanic lake is a mere 4 km drive and if you want to visit the nearby town you're in for a 10 minutes drive. So, considering all the above it maybe doesn't come as a surprise that we didn't stay 4, but in total 10 nights in this great place. Molyka and Kiri, thanks for the great care and the many shared and pleasant moments....

It was a great choice for us to stay in this beautiful place during our holidays in Ratanakiri, we were kind of regret of staying in other place before discovering this lodge.

The room was specious, and everything made from wood including the roof tiles. Unbelievable when you hear that, right? We did check it out and we did really enjoy our stay with the the relaxing view from the hill and the sound of the waterfall flowing, the birds sounds, the bamboo moved with the wind.

I know, no matter how detail I try to write here, it’s still does not the same as when you experienced yourself. :)

I’d recommend this place to anyone who look for relaxing, peace, and nature view. Don’t miss out the pizza from their restaurant. And you also ask to see the paper plantation if you are curious to see them. :)

Voilà enjoy your stay and we are looking forward to be...