Terres Rouges Lodge

A little paradise. Price is high for the area and English is not so good, but the room is amazingly beautiful and the grounds have gorgeous plants, and it is right across the street from the lake. The restaurant is indeed a site to see with a nice view of the lake.

Take a trip back in time to colonial grandeur in this beautiful atmospheric hotel. Rooms are furnished in the French provincial style but with modern comfy beds and bathrooms. Great views over the lake from the restaurant, where the food is excellent at both breakfast and dinner. Staff were lovely. The only negatives were the poor lighting in the room and lack of soundproofing - thumping techno music from another property does not rock you to sleep!

Terres Rouge, the premiere boutique lodge in Ratanakiri was a former governor's plantation. The minute you enter through the intricate carved wooden doors, you realize that you have been transformed into the days where sprawling plantations were the norm. Imagine Gone with the Wind with a Cambodian flare. The well- manicured property makes a really comfortable environment where you can spend hours just walking around and admiring this beautiful place or you can swim in the pool. No wonder it is the backdrop of many wedding pictures. Unfortunately, that's where your dreams and aspirations of living life like Scarlett O'Hara or Rhett Butler cease to exist. The main check in is also quite charming, adorned in dark wood with a souvenir shop with locally produced and unusual items that you couldn't find elsewhere. When I arrived, I had to wait 20 minutes as no one was there to check me in. No welcome drink was provided. I was shown to my room near the main house. It was spacious with separate shower and toilet. The rooms had seen better days and are in need of a facelift. The bed was quite hard, no safe and the internet was spotty at times. No main switch for the lights. Two free bottles of water were provided/day. The restaurant is on the terrace of where you checked in. It has a beautiful view of the lake. Breakfast was a la carte with a selection of fresh fruit, eggs, pancakes with honey, fresh juice and tea or coffee. They don't have cereal or yoghurt. For dinner ( a few restaurants nearby) I would definitely recommend the French Onion Soup, Coq Au Vin (needed more wine sauce but still tasty) or the local Amok. The French cuisine is the standout on the menu. Service is inconsistent and you'll find at least one waitstaff who can speak English. Tours can be arranged at the front desk. A must is to bathe with the elephants at Airavata sanctuary who has the same owner as the lodge. Noel, the first elephant to be born in captivity in 30 years can be found here. She is called Noel as she was born during Christmas 2021. It was fascinating and informative chatting to the French owner. I did enjoy my stay at Terres Rouge Lodge despite its' numerous shortcomings. But is it the premiere place to stay in Ratanakiri? I'll leave it up to you to make your own decision.