A Journey to Cambodia's Heart

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is one of Phnom Penh's premier historic properties. First established in 1929, the hotel hosted an international clientele comprising globetrotters and adventurers, writers and journalists, royalty and dignitaries. Reopened in 1997 after a careful restoration, the grand historic hotel fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel with its facilities and amenities, but imparts an old-world charm through its style and decor. Raffles Hotel Le Royal has 170 guest rooms, suites and executive apartments, which are spread over three separate but interconnecting low-rise wings, set around the garden courtyard and swimming pools. There are five distinctive restaurants and bars, encompassing traditional French and Khmer cuisine at Restaurant Le Royal, Café Monivong and Le Phnom Deli, and the Elephant Bar, the home of the Airavata, a cocktail of secret ingredients. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is only a 20 minutes’ drive from Pochentong International Airport and within easy access of the city’s attractions such as the Royal Palace, Central Market, Russian Market and the National Artefacts Museum.

Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower which soars 188 meters above the heart of Phnom Penh’s business district. The property has a total of 175 rooms, including 37 suites, each with unparalleled views of the city and elegantly furnished to create comfortable, residential-style living spaces. Guests can choose amongst a variety of in-house dining options, including continental, Japanese, French and Cambodia fare as well as a steak and seafood grill. Oenophiles and wine connoisseurs can sample wines or enjoy a bottle from the Wine Vault’s extensive range of fine wines. Sense, the Rosewood brand’s signature spa, will offer guests a tranquil haven and wellness getaway, while the fitness center provides wide views of the city skyline and state-of-the-art fitness equipment available 24 hours a day.

Well situated to serve as a base for exploring the fascinating historical area of Cambodia’s Kampong Cham, the Monorom VIP Hotel is just one street away from the Mekong river and offers unhindered views of the famous waterway. The hotel is also conveniently located a short drive away from the Kampong Cham Airport and a short walk from K.G. Cham market. The fifty-one rooms are clean, comfortable, and simply styled with polished wood furniture. Amenities include air-conditioning, a stocked mini-bar and free WiFi. There are several restaurants located nearby the hotel featuring both local and international cuisine.

Centrally-located on the riverside of the winding Sekong, this Cambodian hotel is the most comfortable option in the area. Near Laos, Stung Treng is a small town in northeastern Cambodia that is considered a hub for many travelers with several visitors stopping through when passing between Laos and Cambodia. The fifty rooms feature warm lighting, clean white linens and simple light wood furniture. Cable television and air-conditioning are available. Several casual restaurants serve up local and international fare just minutes away from the hotel. Stung Treng is a four hour drive from Kratie and five hours from Phnom Penh. 

Renowned for the incredible Hindu Temple in the area, the Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel is the ideal home base when exploring the area. Modern comfort meets traditional Khmer culture in this unique area just south of the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Preah Vihear translates directly to “Sacred Sanctuary.” Located-centrally in the Cheom Ksan District, the hotel is only 18 miles from the famous UNESCO site, the Preah Vihear Temple, and just a ten minute walk from the lively Saem Market - there’s plenty to experience within the hotel’s vicinity. Guests can enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine or indulge in Western favorites at the on-site restaurant. Sliding-glass screen doors and wide windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms. Comfortable mattresses sport fresh white linens, while Khmer decor and furniture remind guests of their surrounding environment. A refreshing dip in the outdoor pool is the best way to cool down after spending a hot day touring the beautiful area. Downstairs, enjoy refreshing cocktails at the only cocktail bar in the Preah Vihear Province. The hotel also has a playground for the kids and a fitness center for guests. 

Located approximately five miles from the famed Angkor Wat, Amansara is sleek, stylish and superbly private. Formerly the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the grounds were originally laid out in 1962 and designed to embrace both modern design and the rich artistic legacy of Cambodia. This tranquil oasis is surrounded by beautiful gardens and includes a curved slate swimming pool. The 24 suites are decorated in a classic Indochinese palette of cool gray, pristine white, dark timber and ivory, and all include a private courtyard and soothing water features; 12 suites are equipped with private swimming pools. The Roof Garden, shaded by trees, is the ideal venue for relaxing by candlelight with cocktails, or for invigorating morning yoga sessions. The Spa, which has four treatment rooms, focuses on therapeutic Cambodian techniques using organic products. Every suite has access to its own remork and driver. On the 2007 Zagat Survey list of the world’s best hotels, Amansara was ranked number two for service.

The Park Hyatt is a new addition to Cambodia’s select five-star hotel crowd. The hotel was previously Hotel De La Paix, one of the country’s top properties, and has been rebranded after a complete renovation. This new and exciting hotel is situated in one of Asia’s major emerging cultural destinations, providing ultimate indulgence and impeccable service. Designed by award-winning Bangkok-based interior designer Bill Bensley, Park Hyatt won Cambodia’s No. 1 hotel spot in Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 29 in its World’s Best Hotels 2010 list. Park Hyatt Siem Reap features 104 guestrooms, a choice of restaurants, a bar, fresh bakery, two swimming pools, a spa and fitness center.

This little 5-star luxury resort near Siem Reap, Cambodia occupies eight acres of lush gardens, lemon-grass meadows, and rice paddies. The resort provides a luxurious home base for tourists traveling to the Angkor World Heritage Site, or any of the other natural and cultural wonders nearby. That said, some guests may be perfectly happy to remain on the resort's opulent premises of spacious villas with private pools, gourmet restaurants, and an indulgent spa. There is a cozy cigar and cocktail lounge for romantic evenings and an expansive infinity pool for lazy days under the Cambodian sun.

The acclaimed architect Bill Bensley has worked his magic on this gorgeous hotel, creating an altogether contemporary space with Angkorian-inspired designs throughout. As well as looking the part, Shinta Mani Angkor enjoys an ideal location in the heart of Siem Reap, tucked away down a quiet, leafy road in the city’s famous old French quarter. The position is ideal for touring the town, enjoying the splendid array of Asian-French dining options and of course, taking a trip to Siem Reap’s prized possession: Angkor Wat. The temple complex is only a 15-minute tuk-tuk or car ride away from the hotel, and other nearby attractions include the National Museum, night market and the Royal Gardens. The range of rooms at Shinta Mani have a distinctly boutique feel to them, with quaint, artistic references to the ancient history of Cambodia sitting alongside a wide range of facilitates making this a relaxing and comfortable place to stay. Away from the rooms, guests can take a dip in the inviting garden-side pool, ease their aching muscles in the hotel’s spa, or enjoy one of their many swanky restaurants and bars spread across the hotel and surrounding area.

Song Saa Private Island spans the pristine golden beaches and lush rainforest of two islands: Koh Quen and Koh Bong.  These islands, locally known as “The Sweethearts” (Song Saa), are joined by a sustainably built footbridge, which protects the islands’ natural reefs and exotic marine life  Along with the islands’ bucolic vistas, the resort itself offcrs luxurious amenities, including a yoga center bordering the shoreline, spa and wellness sanctuaries among the rainforest, and all the equipment and expertise necessary for kayaking, snorkeling, and boating.  When it comes to dining, guests enjoy a choice of exotic cuisine, locally sourced and prepared to reflect the islands’ unique environs while fusing traditional Khner cooking with Western culinary tradition.  Stop by the Driftwood Bar for a casual tapas meal by the beach or for a slightly more formal but equally scenic and relaxing dining experience, enjoy the Vista Bar and Restaurant.