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We're planning a Thailand/Cambodia trip this Christmas and were thinking about four nights on Koh Rong. However, now we come to actually booking accommodation, everyone on the internet seems to be slating the place - or at least slating every place there is to stay. Complaints tend to focus on rats, theft, cleanliness and noisy drunken kids. I'm not sure if this is just the Tripadvisor effect and so the comments should be taken with a pinch of salt or if it's actually not worth the bother. Anyone been recently? Is it worth a try, or should we pick a different island (or just have a couple of days on the mainland coast)? We'll be stopping off at Ko Chang on the way back to Bangkok, so can always add a couple of days there if we don't do Koh Rong.

If it is worth a try, can anyone recommend a place to stay?

(Info about us: we don't mind roughing it a bit, but generally prefer to avoid raw sewage. Enjoy a drink, but can probably do without being permanently surrounded by teenagers downing beer bongs. Can eventually get a bit bored on a beach with literally nothing to do, but don't need to be in constant touch with civilisation. Budget: about £20 a night?)

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" Complaints tend to focus on rats, theft, cleanliness and noisy drunken kids."
This is the reality in much of SEA, particularly on the budget you mention. Keep in mind, you are coming to Cambodia's no.1 party town at Xmas time. It is going to be hard to escape the cleanliness issue any time and particularly the drunken noisy kids anywhere on the coast at this time of year. My advice would be stay on the mainland ( Sihanoukville), because you have a much better chance of finding somewhere quiet, then if you are stuck on an Island. Living here I sort of hate Xmas/New Year, but in another way, I love it! Don't write the place off yet, just be aware you are coming to a party town smack bang in the middle of party season!

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We've decided to avoid the island and Shianoukville and just stay in Kampot instead - it seems a bit more our style! We'll get the partying out of the way in Bangkok and Siem Reap... Thanks for the advice!

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That's fine mate, just be aware you will face exactly the same problems in Kampot as Sihanoukville, but on a smaller scale. As I said, this is the reality of 3rd world countries, particularly in peak season. I'm pretty sure you will enjoy your time here though!

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I am planning on being here in late January to celebrate my birthday (little getaway for myself). I have traveled alone through Cambodia before and was aware of my surroundings and careful however I feel a little more nervous about staying here alone, I have nothing to back that up with I must ad, maybe nerves just getting to me.

I can deal with loud music, partying, I intend on networking, rats?....ok maybe not in my bed or bag, but I am a tad worried about theft, those bungalows lock?

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