To experience the best Siem Ream has to offer, we recommend immersing yourself deeply in this destination’s allure by booking hotels and resorts that intertwine history, elegance, and indulgence. The hotels on our list all echo Khmer architecture and offer havens of tranquillity amidst tropical gardens and serene pools. Discover exquisite retreats that can ensure your Siem Reap sojourn is not merely memorable but truly extraordinary.
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“In the leather seats of a 1960s vintage Mercedes limousine, in the white gloves of its chauffeur holding the door began our experience of Amansara—a gem of a hotel that exudes quality and comfort.”
— From our review of Amansara
Step into the elegance of Amansara in Siem Reap – more than a mere hotel, it’s a journey through Cambodia’s storied past. Once the esteemed guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, this walled garden estate, now a 24-suite retreat, carries the echoes of luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Amansara offers opulent accommodations with private courtyards, and some feature private pools. The Dining Room presents a culinary journey, while the Roof Terrace adds an enchanting touch to evening drinks. Surrounded by tranquility, Amansara’s lap pool, shaded by bamboo, and the Aman Spa, with views of a reflective pond against a mesmerizing 43-meter sandstone relief, elevate the retreat. A mere 10-minute drive from Angkor Wat, the resort offers an ideal launchpad for temple exploration. Experience Khmer culture in style with vintage rides and the classic remork motorbikes that gracefully weave through UNESCO heritage sites, adding a touch of nostalgia to your Cambodian adventure.
Read more in the review from our stay: Amansara.
Alternatively, book Amansara via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Aman Group
Nestled amidst lush rice paddies adorned with palm trees and accompanied by the quiet presence of water buffaloes seeking shade, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang emerges as a captivating haven. This stunning retreat boasts 45 stilted villas, some graced with private pools, all inspired by the charm of traditional Cambodian farmhouses. The resort’s culinary offerings at Bay Phsar and Hang Bay elevate the dining experience with a farm-to-table concept, featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can unwind in the spa, take a refreshing dip in the breathtaking infinity pool, or venture out to explore the nearby temples. It’s no wonder that during a film shoot, Angelina Jolie chose to rent out the entire resort – Phum Baitang strikes the perfect balance between a rustic escape, unparalleled privacy, and genuine luxury. It encapsulates the essence of an authentic Cambodian experience.
Alternatively, book Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Zannier Hotels
Immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of Park Hyatt Siem Reap, meticulously crafted by the acclaimed architect Bill Bensley. The hotel’s design pays homage to traditional aesthetics, capturing the essence of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Boasting 104 rooms and suites, the interiors showcase a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and Khmer-inspired beauty. Discover the tranquility of the Courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and serene lotus ponds. Here, free-floating cushioned dining platforms add a whimsical touch to your experience, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Indulge your palate at The Dining Room, where an exquisite menu awaits, or find solace in The Glasshouse for a serene afternoon tea. Bill Bensley’s artistic touch extends beyond the interiors to the outdoor lap pool and the rejuvenating spa, creating an atmosphere of serenity amidst the vibrant energy of Siem Reap’s city center.
Alternatively, book Park Hyatt Siem Reap via
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Hyatt Corporation
A symbol of timeless luxury, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, designed by the illustrious French architect Ernest Hébrard, seamlessly blends colonial charm with modern luxury across 119 lavishly appointed rooms and suites. Walk down marble-floored hallways and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance envisioned by Hébrard. Take a historical journey in the oldest timber lift, relish an authentic Khmer buffet at The Restaurant 1932, and indulge in the signature cocktail, the Airavata, at the atmospheric Elephant Bar—where luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham once gathered.
For ultimate relaxation, take a dip in the serene 33-meter swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, or visit the Raffles Spa, curated by expert therapists, offering rejuvenating treatments—a perfect sanctuary after a day exploring the nearby Angkor Wat complex. For the adventurous, unique offerings include Vespa rides to the Angkor monuments or, for the more thrilling experience, a helicopter ride from the airport to the hotel
Alternatively, book Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor via
Tablet Hotels | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Raffles
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Designed and operated by the renowned architect Bill Bensley, the Bensley Collection Pool Villas at Shinta Mani Angkor redefine luxury as an exclusive ‘resort within a resort.’ This enclave comprises ten exceptional two-level pool villas, each meticulously crafted with Khmer-inspired opulence. Enclosed by towering walls, these villas offer a spacious 156 square meters of indulgence, featuring separate bedroom and bathroom pavilions, a private nine-meter pool, a rooftop sky lounge, and seamless round-the-clock butler service. Nestled within the lush Shinta Mani Angkor Gardens, these villas are a self-contained retreat with access to amenities at adjacent Shinta Mani properties.
Alternatively, book Bensley Collection Pool Villas – Shinta Mani Angkor via
Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Bensley Collection
Stepping into Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor is akin to entering a sanctuary where traditional Khmer artistry seamlessly meets contemporary luxury; located by the riverside and a stone’s throw from the fabled monuments, this luxury property boasts 59 rooms and suites adorned with exquisite local artwork, offering a tranquil retreat. The Kong Kea Spa, with its holistic treatments, provides a rejuvenating experience, while surrounded by towering palms, the pool becomes a serene haven from the heat and hubbub of the city. Culinary enthusiasts can embark on a captivating journey at the Circle restaurant, where lush greenery offers a picturesque backdrop to an immersive dining experience showcasing the best of Khmer flavors. Elevating the experience, guests can further indulge in the atmosphere by sipping on refreshing drinks at the Martini Lounge
Alternatively, book La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel. Photos © Belmond Hotels
Anantara Siem Reap offers an intimate retreat with 39 comfortable suites surrounding an impressive 18-meter saltwater swimming pool in a central courtyard. Tailored for couples, the resort seamlessly merges Khmer design elements with contemporary amenities. The Chi Restaurant enhances the experience, showcasing exquisite Khmer cuisine. The resort’s design promotes a generous sense of space in both public areas and suites, expertly highlighting modern facilities while preserving Anantara’s signature luxurious ambiance.
Alternatively, book Anantara Angkor Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Anantara Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Anantara Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Anantara
Delve into the timeless allure of Viroth’s Hotel, a masterful creation by Bill Bensley, blending mid-century decor with contemporary elegance. The hotel’s 1950s-inspired aesthetic features carefully curated antiques alongside modern furniture, and vintage Mercedes and Rolls Royce vehicles stand ready to transport guests to the airport. A pristine swimming pool, bordered by a colonnade of palm trees, offers a serene oasis. With only 35 rooms and suites, Viroth’s Hotel ensures a personalized experience, prioritizing exceptional service for every guest. Indulge in in-house spa treatments, savor fine dining either in the restaurant or poolside, and explore special packages that include visits to local archaeological sites.
Alternatively, book Viroth’s Hotel via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Viroth’s Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Viroth’s Hotel
This boutique hideaway in Siem Reap, inspired by 1960s Cambodian Modernism, is a beacon of style and sustainability. With a unique silver-tiled swimming pool, it proudly holds the title of Cambodia’s first plastic-free hotel, championing the ReFill Not Landfill initiative. The 36 rooms and suites, designed with local wood and stone, offer balconies or terraces overlooking a tropical garden. The Junior Pool Suites elevate the experience with alfresco plunge pools. Situated along a tranquil riverfront, the hotel provides a complimentary, tuk-tuk for a quick nine-minute ride to the city center or Angkor Archaeological Park. Two swimming pools and a spa with hand-crafted aromatic oils offer relaxation after sightseeing adventures.
Alternatively, book Jaya House River Park via
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Jaya House River Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Jaya House
A contemporary retreat nestled between Siem Reap’s city center and ancient archaeological wonders. This green oasis features a sprawling lake-like pool, reflecting a commitment to sustainability with solar panels and rainwater harvesting. Choose from 12 stylish suites with terraces, outdoor bathrooms, or 21 private villas, each boasting its own pool. The property caters to families with the Junior Suite and offers a unique glamping experience in the Templation Jungloo Base. Indulge in a culinary adventure with Asian and Western cuisine, signature cocktails, and delightful Jasmine ice cream. Activities such as lakeside yoga, village tours, temple trails, spa treatments, and floating breakfasts add to the charm, creating a harmonious escape in Siem Reap.
Alternatively, book Templation via
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Templation, Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Templation
Treeline, an eco-conscious gem along Siem Reap’s riverfront, combines sleek design with a commitment to nature. The hotel, inspired by Angkorian trees, offers a tranquil escape in the historic quarter. Visionary designer Hok Kang seamlessly blends minimalistic and mid-century modern influences in the 45-room property, emphasizing sustainability with native timber and stone. A leafy courtyard, featuring the art piece Cosmic Wheel, complements an impressive collection by renowned Cambodian artists. Treeline’s cultural ethos extends to Suri Spa, a refreshing pool, Canopy Bar, Seed breakfast haven, and Hok Noodle Bar & Grill. This urban resort is a harmonious fusion of contemporary luxury, sustainability, and artistic expression.
Alternatively, book Treeline Urban Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Mr And Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Treeline Urban Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photos © Treeline Urban Resort
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The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 18/08/2024