Siem Reap is far more than the gateway to Angkor’s ancient wonders. With its vibrant arts scene, stylish hotels and warm, easygoing charm, it’s a cultural gem in its own right, and a perfect complement to any luxury journey through South-East Asia.
The stunning temples of Angkor are to be savoured, not rushed, and increasingly chic Siem Reap is the base from which to plan your adventures.
Despite its popularity, Siem Reap has managed to retain a small-town charm, with colourful markets, small boutiques, wonderful restaurants and some of the country’s best hotels.
Angkor’s heavy hitters never fail to impress: sunrise at Angkor Wat, the even larger complex of Angkor Thom, including the smiling faces of the Bayon, and the Tomb Raider temple, Ta Prohm.
Leave time to visit some of the lesser-known temples too, like the Buddhist-Hindu fusion temple of Preah Khan and Banteay Srei, the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art.
Another must is a visit to the stilted villages that in wet season appear to float on the water of Tonlé Sap, the 100-kilometre-long freshwater lake that links Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
“Grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome,” said French explorer Henri Mahout when he uncovered the Angkor temples in the mid-19th-century. Scattered across a huge area of forests and rice fields just outside of Siem Reap, the temples remain many people’s reason to visit. And justifiable so. From the serene grandeur of Angkor Wat to the enigmatic stone faces of Bayon and the tree-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, this UNESCO-listed complex is one of the world’s most astonishing cultural landscapes.
Yet Siem Reap is more than just a stepping stone to Angkor. With its mix of historic and boutique hotels, dynamic culinary scene and thriving community of artists and designers, it offers a fresh, creative energy that captivates all who visit. Nearby Tonlé Sap Lake, with its floating villages and unique ecosystem, reveals a different side of Cambodian life, while spa rituals and poolside pampering provide a soothing contrast to days of exploration. Stylish yet soulful, Siem Reap is a stunning addition to any Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam itinerary.
Shinta Mani Angkor is one of the most stylish hotels in Cambodia, a tranquil Bill Bensley–designed retreat set close to the vibrant cafés, markets and energy of Siem Reap's French Quarter.
Dating from the 1930s and reflecting a golden age of Indochina travel, Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor is one of Cambodia's landmark hotels, set in extensive gardens.
Formerly the guest residence of King Sihanouk, Amansara offers guests a chance to stay in boutique luxury while exploring the spectacular temples of Angkor with their expertly curated experiences, included in each stay.
Enjoy an authentic yet sophisticated Cambodian experience at this peaceful retreat located in the heart of Siem Reap. Surrounded by rice paddies and tropical gardens, the hotel is inspired by traditional Khmer architecture, with elegant stilted villas and exceptional dining.