Top 19 'River-and-Rainforest' Eco-Lodges to stay at in Southeast Asia - Goh Ling Yong
There’s a unique magic that happens where a winding river meets an ancient rainforest. It’s a place of constant life, a symphony of sounds from unseen creatures, and a landscape painted in a thousand shades of green. In Southeast Asia, this magical intersection is the setting for some of the world's most extraordinary eco-lodges—havens of sustainable comfort nestled deep within primordial nature.
Forget sterile hotel rooms and crowded tourist traps. We're talking about waking up to the call of a gibbon, sipping coffee as a hornbill glides past your balcony, and falling asleep to the gentle lapping of a river against wooden stilts. These are not just accommodations; they are immersive experiences that connect you directly to the wild heart of the planet. They champion conservation, support local communities, and offer a profound sense of peace that can only be found far from the clamor of modern life.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that travel should be transformative. It should be about forging deeper connections—with new cultures, new landscapes, and with ourselves. That's why I've curated this list of the top 19 'river-and-rainforest' eco-lodges in Southeast Asia. Whether you're seeking a rugged adventure, a luxurious escape, or a chance to see rare wildlife, your perfect jungle sanctuary awaits.
1. Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysian Borneo
Deep in the heart of Sabah, along the muddy banks of the Kinabatangan River, lies a true icon of Southeast Asian ecotourism. Sukau Rainforest Lodge isn't just a place to stay; it's a front-row seat to one of the world's most incredible wildlife spectacles. As a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, it sets the standard for responsible, immersive travel.
The entire lodge is built on stilts and connected by wooden boardwalks, allowing wildlife to move freely beneath. Your days are structured around the river's rhythm. You’ll head out on quiet, electric-motored boats at dawn and dusk—the best times for spotting proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles. The knowledgeable local guides have an uncanny ability to spot creatures you’d never see on your own, making every excursion an adventure.
Pro Tip: Don't skip the evening talks by the in-house naturalists. They provide fascinating context about the Bornean ecosystem and the conservation challenges it faces, enriching your entire experience.
2. Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Malaysian Borneo
For those seeking the purest rainforest experience, look no further than the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Tucked away in the Danum Valley Conservation Area—a vast expanse of protected, primary rainforest—this lodge is a true wilderness retreat. The journey in is an adventure itself, hinting at the remoteness and pristine nature of your destination.
The lodge sits beside the Danum River, and its world-class canopy walkway offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the jungle. Here, the focus is on trekking deep into the ancient forest, accompanied by expert guides who can point out everything from rare orchids to the tracks of a clouded leopard. You can cool off with a dip in the river's natural pools or embark on a thrilling night safari to find nocturnal creatures.
Pro Tip: Pack a pair of leech socks. They are essential for jungle trekking in Danum Valley and will make your hikes much more comfortable. The lodge shop sells them, but it’s always good to come prepared.
3. Mutiara Taman Negara, Peninsular Malaysia
Imagine staying in a lodge nestled within a 130-million-year-old rainforest, one of the oldest on Earth. That’s the experience at Mutiara Taman Negara. As the only resort located inside Taman Negara National Park, it offers unparalleled access to this prehistoric world, right on the banks of the Tembeling River.
Accommodation ranges from comfortable chalets to bungalows, all designed to blend with the natural surroundings. From the resort's jetty, you can embark on river cruises to remote villages of the indigenous Orang Asli people, shoot the rapids on a traditional boat, or simply cross the river to start a trek. The famous Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, one of the longest in the world, is also easily accessible.
Pro Tip: Take a night walk with a resort guide. Armed with only a flashlight, you'll discover a completely different side of the jungle, spotting glowing fungi, sleeping birds, and a fascinating array of insects.
4. Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Sarawak, Malaysia
Gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gunung Mulu National Park, the Mulu Marriott offers a unique blend of five-star comfort and rugged adventure. Built on stilts above the Melinau River, the resort's design is inspired by traditional ethnic longhouses, with all rooms connected by expansive wooden walkways.
Mulu is famous for its colossal cave systems, and the resort is the perfect base for exploring them. But the river and rainforest are just as spectacular. You can take a longboat up the river to visit Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, or trek to witness the incredible "bat exodus," where millions of bats emerge from Deer Cave at dusk. It’s a breathtaking natural phenomenon.
Pro Tip: Book a room with a river view. Waking up to the morning mist rising off the Melinau River with the jungle as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience.
5. Elephant Hills, Khao Sok, Thailand
Elephant Hills offers a one-of-a-kind 'river-and-rainforest' experience in Thailand's spectacular Khao Sok National Park. This isn't a traditional lodge but a luxury tented camp, split between a jungle camp on land and a floating camp on the serene Cheow Lan Lake—a vast reservoir that feels like a meandering river system.
The experience is all-inclusive and activity-packed. You'll interact with elephants at a sanctuary, canoe down the Sok River, and explore the mystical lake by longtail boat, surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Spending a night in a floating tent, with the jungle-clad mountains reflected in the emerald water, is pure magic. You can dive straight into the lake from your private deck.
Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics. Between the canoeing and lake excursions, you'll be on the water a lot, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
6. Our Jungle House, Khao Sok, Thailand
For a more intimate and rustic experience in Khao Sok, Our Jungle House is a beloved gem. Situated directly on the Sok River and surrounded by privately-owned rainforest, this family-friendly resort offers a charming mix of bungalows and whimsical treehouses built high in the canopy.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and community-oriented. The open-air restaurant overlooks the river, a perfect spot to watch monkeys play in the trees. You can spend your days tubing down the gentle river, taking a Thai cooking class, or embarking on guided treks into the national park. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down and simply soak in the jungle ambiance.
Pro Tip: Book one of the treehouses well in advance, especially during the high season. They are incredibly popular and offer a truly unique perspective of the rainforest.
7. The Float House River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Floating directly on the historic River Kwai, this luxurious boutique hotel offers a unique blend of nature, history, and comfort. Each elegant villa has its own private veranda and pier, allowing you to sunbathe, read, or leap directly into the cool, flowing river.
The backdrop is a sheer limestone cliff covered in dense jungle, creating a dramatic and secluded atmosphere. You can explore the river by longtail boat, visit nearby Lawa Cave, or learn about the region's poignant World War II history. The real highlight, however, is simply relaxing on your deck, watching the river life drift by.
Pro Tip: Let the river current carry you! Jump in upstream from your villa and enjoy a gentle float back to your private pier. The hotel provides life jackets for this popular activity.
8. 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Deep in the remote Cardamom Mountains, on a secluded bend of the Tatai River, you'll find the stunning 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. This is glamping at its finest. The lodge consists of 12 luxurious safari-style tents, each floating on its own pontoon and equipped with modern amenities and a private terrace.
This is a true escape from civilization. With no road access, you arrive by boat, immediately immersing you in the tranquility of the wilderness. Days can be spent kayaking through mangrove forests, trekking to the spectacular Tatai Waterfall, or taking a sunset cruise to see fireflies light up the riverbanks like Christmas lights.
Pro Tip: Disconnect to reconnect. Wi-Fi is limited and that’s a good thing. Embrace the digital detox and fully immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the jungle.
9. Shinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
If you’re looking for the pinnacle of luxury, adventure, and conservation, Shinta Mani Wild is in a league of its own. This radical concept by renowned designer Bill Bensley features 15 exquisitely designed tents perched over a rushing river and waterfalls deep within the Cambodian jungle. Your arrival? A thrilling zipline over the forest canopy, right into the reception area.
This is an all-inclusive, bespoke experience. Your personal "Adventure Butler" will curate a custom itinerary, which could include anything from joining anti-poaching patrols with Wildlife Alliance rangers to foraging for edible plants with the chef, or simply enjoying a cocktail in your tent's outdoor bathtub. It's an extravagant, once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a powerful conservation mission at its core.
Pro Tip: Pack your most adventurous spirit. The activities here are hands-on and designed to push your boundaries in the most exhilarating way possible.
10. Nam Kat Yorla Pa, Oudomxay, Laos
Nestled in the forests of northern Laos, Nam Kat Yorla Pa offers a fantastic blend of eco-lodge comfort and outdoor adventure park. The resort is spread out along the Nam Kat River, with beautiful villas and a central lodge that serves as the hub for a dizzying array of activities.
This is the place for adrenaline junkies. The resort manages the surrounding protected forest and has built an incredible network of zip-lines, canopy walkways, and trekking trails. You can abseil down waterfalls, cycle through the forest, or hike to remote ethnic villages. It’s a dynamic and active way to experience the Lao jungle.
Pro Tip: Try the "Flying Roller Coaster," a unique zip-line system that winds through the trees. It’s a thrilling way to see the forest from a different perspective.
11. Luang Say Lodge, Mekong River, Laos
The Luang Say Lodge offers a unique take on the river-rainforest experience as part of a two-day cruise journey along the mighty Mekong River. Instead of a fixed location, the lodge serves as a beautiful and comfortable overnight stop on the voyage between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Mekong, the lodge features solid teak and rosewood bungalows that offer stunning sunset views. The journey itself is the main attraction, as your slow boat meanders past lush jungle landscapes, remote villages, and water buffalo bathing in the shallows. It’s a classic, slow-travel experience that captures the timeless spirit of the Mekong.
Pro Tip: Engage with your guide during the village stops. Learning about the local cultures and daily life along the river is a huge part of what makes this journey so special.
12. Rosewood Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos
Just a short drive from the enchanting town of Luang Prabang, Rosewood feels a world away. This ultra-luxurious retreat is nestled in a lush valley, with luxury tents and villas built along a meandering stream. It’s a perfect fusion of French colonial style, traditional Lao design, and Bill Bensley’s signature whimsical flair.
Each tented villa has a sprawling deck, some with private pools, offering a sublime connection to the surrounding forest. You can follow the stream to a picturesque waterfall, take a guided forest walk, or simply indulge in the exceptional dining and spa services. It embodies the a philosophy I often talk about on the Goh Ling Yong blog: that true luxury is about a deep and meaningful connection with your environment.
Pro Tip: Dine at The Great House restaurant. The menu features Laotian specialties made with ingredients sourced from the hotel's own organic garden and local farmers.
13. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Indonesia
Set within the spiritual heart of Bali, Mandapa descends dramatically down a jungle-clad hillside to the sacred Ayung River. This is less of a hotel and more of a sanctuary, designed to look like a traditional Balinese village. The service is impeccable, and the sense of tranquility is profound.
Villas and suites come with private pools and butler service, offering stunning views of the river or adjacent rice paddies. You can participate in wellness programs, take a vintage VW tour of the countryside, or experience a traditional dining experience by the river's edge. It’s a place to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Pro Tip: Book a 'Dining Beyond' experience. A private dinner set up beside the softly flowing Ayung River, illuminated by candles and lanterns, is an incredibly romantic and memorable affair.
14. Capella Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Another Bill Bensley masterpiece, Capella Ubud is a tribute to the spirit of adventure. This extraordinary tented camp is hidden within a dense rainforest near the Wos River, offering a truly unique and immersive stay. Each of the 22 one-bedroom tents is individually styled and features a private saltwater pool.
The camp is connected by suspension bridges, adding to the sense of adventure. The focus here is on curated local experiences, from coffee tasting and jungle boot camps to spiritual purification rituals at the camp's temple. The 'Api Jiwa' restaurant offers an intimate, interactive dining experience you won't want to miss.
Pro Tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes. The camp is built on a steep hillside, and you'll be doing a fair bit of walking up and down stairs and bridges to get around.
15. Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge, Kalimantan, Indonesia
For wildlife lovers, a trip to see orangutans in their natural habitat is a pilgrimage. The Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge, located in Tanjung Puting National Park, is the perfect base for this adventure. Accessible only by boat, the lodge sits on the banks of the Sekonyer River, a dark, reflective waterway that snakes through the jungle.
The lodge itself is simple but comfortable, with rooms connected by boardwalks. The real experience is hiring a traditional klotok (houseboat) for multi-day trips up the river. You’ll visit feeding stations like the famous Camp Leakey, spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles, and sleep on the boat's deck under a blanket of stars.
Pro Tip: Hire a private klotok instead of just staying at the lodge. The experience of living on the river for a few days is far more immersive and offers better wildlife viewing opportunities.
16. Batu Kapal Jungle Retreat, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Tucked away from the more crowded parts of Bukit Lawang, Batu Kapal is a hidden gem on the banks of the Landak River. This intimate, family-run retreat offers beautifully crafted bungalows and a deep commitment to sustainable, community-based tourism in the Gunung Leuser National Park ecosystem.
This is a place for authentic jungle experiences. You can go trekking in search of semi-wild orangutans, swim in the clear river, explore a bat cave just a short walk from the property, or simply relax in a hammock. The owners are deeply connected to the local community and can arrange everything from cooking classes to village visits.
Pro Tip: Ask about tubing down the river. It's a fun and relaxing way to see the surrounding jungle from a different angle and a great way to cool off after a trek.
17. Topas Ecolodge, Sapa, Vietnam
Perched on a dramatic hilltop deep in the Hoang Lien National Park, Topas Ecolodge offers a different kind of 'river-and-rainforest' experience. Here, it’s about mist-shrouded mountain jungles and terraced rice paddies that cascade down to the river in the valley below.
The individual stone bungalows offer unparalleled panoramic views from their private balconies. The focus is on sustainability and connecting with the local Red Dao and Black Hmong ethnic communities. You can spend your days trekking or mountain biking through some of Vietnam's most spectacular scenery, then relax in one of the lodge's stunning infinity pools overlooking the valley.
Pro Tip: Visit during the rice planting (May-June) or harvest (September-October) seasons for the most vibrant and picturesque landscapes.
18. Victoria Can Tho Resort, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
While not a remote jungle lodge, the Victoria Can Tho offers a luxurious and evocative experience of the Mekong Delta's unique 'river-and-rainforest' ecosystem. This elegant French colonial-style hotel is situated on the banks of the Hau River, surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. Wake up early for a private boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, cycle along quiet canals past fruit orchards, or take a sunset cruise on the resort's traditional rice barge. It captures the languid, verdant beauty of the delta perfectly.
Pro Tip: Book a treatment at the spa. Many of the therapies use local ingredients like rice, aloe vera, and Mekong Delta fruits, offering a unique and relaxing experience.
19. Cardamom Tented Camp, Botum Sakor, Cambodia
This non-profit eco-lodge in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains is a true conservation success story. Run by a coalition of organizations, all proceeds from the camp are reinvested into protecting the surrounding 18,000-hectare forest concession and funding forest ranger patrols. When you stay here, you are directly contributing to conservation.
The nine comfortable safari-style tents are set on the banks of the Preak Tachan River. Guests can participate in conservation activities like checking camera traps or joining rangers on patrol. You can also spend your time kayaking, trekking, or simply relaxing and listening to the sounds of the jungle, knowing your stay is making a real difference.
Pro Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars. The area is a haven for birdwatching, and you'll have a much better chance of spotting some of the rare species that call this forest home.
Your Jungle Adventure Awaits
From the orangutan-rich forests of Borneo to the mystical limestone karsts of Thailand and the mighty Mekong of Laos, Southeast Asia offers a 'river-and-rainforest' escape for every type of traveler. These lodges are more than just beautiful places to sleep; they are gateways to understanding, appreciating, and helping to preserve some of the most vital ecosystems on our planet.
Choosing to stay at one of these eco-lodges is a conscious decision to travel more sustainably and to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. It’s an investment in an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you stayed at any of these incredible lodges? Or is there another gem we should know about? Share your favorite river-and-rainforest retreats in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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