Top 10 luxury experiences in Cambodia

Cambodia hasn’t always been known as a luxury travel destination, but in this short article, Cambodia specialist Panha highlights some of the top hotels and exclusive experiences now available. Imagine staying in luxurious properties near the jungle-tangled temples of Angkor, enjoying remote camps with your own butler, and relaxing on the white sandy beaches of the south coast. Siem Reap has transformed into a modern city with better infrastructure and improved accessibility, featuring the new Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport, which opened on October 16, 2023.

The most remarkable attraction is Angkor Wat, the largest religious site in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. Built in the 12th century, it symbolizes Cambodia’s rich heritage, and its presence on the national flag reflects the country’s history and culture.

1, Discover a touch of luxury in Siem Reap

Whether’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been to Southeast Asia before, Siem Reap is a must-see when traveling to Cambodia, especially if you want a special experience. Phum Baitang is one of the most luxurious hotels in Cambodia, offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere just fifteen minutes away from the busy night markets in Siem Reap.

The hotel has traditional Khmer-style villas with thatched roofs, two restaurants, and a cocktail lounge in a 100-year-old farmhouse. You might want to spend an extra day just to enjoy the facilities. The main infinity pool has loungers with great views of the rice fields, or you can choose a private villa with its own pool for more privacy.

The dining options focus on local ingredients, like rice from the hotel’s own fields and fruits grown on-site. You can enjoy a private dinner overlooking the rice fields or take cooking classes with the chef. There are also yoga classes, a popular spa, and staff who are quick to meet your needs.

2, Choose a heritage hotel in Phnom Penh

Opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal has endured bombings, military coups, and even served as a hospital during challenging times. Now beautifully restored, it continues to welcome heads of state, movie stars, and opera singers. Be sure to visit the Elephant Bar, where photos of its famous guests are displayed.

This impressive hotel is an ideal base for exploring Phnom Penh while also offering a serene escape with its tranquil spa and a pool area surrounded by fragrant frangipani trees.

The dining experience is a standout feature. Enjoy breakfast at Café Monivong, a charming colonial-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that transports you to another era. In the evening, dress up for dinner at Restaurant Le Royal, where you can savor dishes inspired by Royal Palace recipes, all complemented by a pianist playing gently on a grand piano.

3, Discover’s wildlife in comfort

Until, Cambodia’s southwestern jungles were not often visited, had little protection, and offered basic places to stay. In 2010, designer Bill Bensley bought land near Kirirom National Park to conserve the area, create jobs for local people, and provide a luxury destination for visitors.

He brought this vision to life by building Shinta Mani Wild, hiring staff from nearby villages, bottling their own water, and working with the Wildlife Alliance to prevent poaching in the region. You can zip-line into the camp, where your personal butler will take care of your needs.

During your stay, you’ll enjoy unlimited spa treatments at The Khmer Tonics Spa, private boat rides, and hikes in the wilderness. Meals are made with local ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and if you want a drink at the end of the day, you can have a private bar by a waterfall.

4, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor

Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor has a rich history that reflects the elegance and culture of Cambodia. The hotel features 59 well-appointed suites, including 50 Junior Suites, eight Deluxe Studio Suites, and one Deluxe One-Bedroom Poolside Suite. Each of these luxurious accommodations is exquisitely designed, incorporating traditional silks, hardwoods, and large floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The hotel offers two dining experiences: Spice-Circle, a Khmer hawker-style restaurant that showcases local flavors, and Ember, which features an open kitchen serving a mix of Asian and Latin cuisine. Guests can also unwind at the Martini lounge, which offers stunning views over the gardens and river.

To immerse visitors in Cambodian culture, traditional Apsara dance performances are held three times a week, allowing guests to enjoy this ancient art form. The hotel also boasts a swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene oasis in the heat of the day. For those looking to relax further, the on-site spa offers a wide range of treatments, ensuring a complete experience of comfort and luxury during their stay.

5, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort: A Tropical Oasis in Cambodia

Green has awarded Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Cambodia its first certification. This five-star resort, inspired by French colonial style, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is just a few minutes away from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat.

Botanical Garden

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort has created a close bond with its tropical environment, allowing nature to shine throughout the property. Guests can enjoy a peaceful experience amidst lush greenery. The botanical garden has lakes, a variety of trees, and colorful flowers that offer a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can take walks by the pond leading to the swimming pool or learn lotus folding from the resort’s skilled florists.

The vibrant plants reflect the beauty of Cambodia, making it a wonderful spot for nature lovers. The resort features 83 different types of tropical plants native to Cambodia. Signs around the gardens provide information about the importance of certain plants and how they connect to Cambodia’s culture and history.

For looking to relax, the Garden Library offers a peaceful spot overlooking Sala Lake, located at the center of the gardens and lily pond. Visitors can enjoy lemongrass tea while listening to singing birds and browse books about local plants and wildlife.

The resort is proud to have created a Botanical Garden that serves as a sanctuary for many bird species, showcasing sustainable luxury in Cambodia.

Rewilding at the Golf Course

The resort follows a sustainability plan supported by its management and staff. Environmental protection is important, and they have received UNESCO recognition for an ancient bridge found on the property.

The Golf Course at Phokeethra Country Club spans 127 hectares and is home to over 75 bird species. The resort partners with the Cambodia Bird Guide Association to offer tours of the botanical garden and Bird Sanctuary, allowing visitors to see the local birdlife.

At the sanctuary, guests can also enjoy views of the Roluos Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 11th century. The resort is working on projects to restore habitats and reintroduce plants to increase local wildlife, including flowers that attract honeybees and plants to help clean the lakes for otters.

6, Jaya House River Park

Located Siem Reap River, Jaya House River Park is a stylish boutique hotel just outside the city’s busy streets. Surrounded by mature trees, it has a tropical hanging garden with swinging daybeds for relaxation.

Inside, the hotel features a modern design in a sleek monochrome palette. Art from students at the local Small Art School decorates the walls, fresh flowers add color, and the attentive staff make guests feel at home.

The hotel offers 36 spacious rooms with dark woods, bright white walls, and modern decor. There are two swimming pools, a spa, and a terrace bar with views of the gardens, perfect for enjoying a drink after exploring nearby temples. The restaurant serves both Western and Khmer dishes with an emphasis on sustainability and plant-based options using local ingredients.

Jaya House has been single-use plastic-free since opening and has planted over 2,000 trees in Siem Reap since 2016. They also donate money from each room sold to local NGOs, including the Green Gecko Center for Street Children, the Cambodian Landmine Relief Fund, and the Small Art School Siem Reap.

The hotel is a five-minute drive from central Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, with a complimentary tuk-tuk service for guests.

7, Hyatt Siem Reap: A New Standard of Luxury in Cambodia

The Park Hyatt is a new luxury hotel in Cambodia. Formerly Hotel De La Paix, it has been fully renovated and rebranded. Located in a key cultural area of Asia, this hotel offers superb service and indulgence.

Created by award-winning designer Bill Bensley, the Park Hyatt has received top honors, including being named Cambodia’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure and ranking 29th on its World’s Best Hotels list in 2010. It features 104 rooms, a variety of restaurants, a bar, a bakery, two swimming pools, a spa, and a fitness center.

8, Anantara Angkor Resort: A Tribute to Khmer Heritage

Originally opened on February 14, 2009, the hotel was named “The Sothea” in honor of Madam Sothea, a beloved wife and mother. In 2011, it became “Alila Sothea” under Alila Hotels & Resorts. By 2013, it was acquired by the Minor Hotels Group and renamed Anantara Angkor Resort.

This luxury hotel features 39 Khmer-style suites, each adorned with beautiful silks, teakwood floors, and silk-panelled walls. The design pays tribute to Khmer heritage, inspired by the nearby Angkor Wat.

Traditional Khmer elements are showcased throughout the resort, from the swimming pool to the peaceful Frangipani Courtyard. Guests can enjoy the rich culture of Cambodia with intricate wall carvings and elegant decor.

Anantara Angkor Resort offers a luxurious sanctuary where guests can experience Khmer traditions while enjoying the renowned hospitality of the Anantara brand.

9, The Luxury of Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia

While is famous for its sandy beaches, Cambodia has its own stunning coastline with clear waters and soft sands. Along the coast, there are several small islands, including Song Saa Private Island, one of the most luxurious beach retreats in Cambodia.

At Song Saa, you’ll experience barefoot luxury, with private villas made from reclaimed wood and local artwork. Most of your time will likely be spent by your private pool. If you’re looking to explore, you can participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies, meditate, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, or visit nearby islands.

Dine on locally-sourced cuisine, often accompanied by Kampot pepper, a specialty from the region. Most guests arrive by speedboat, which takes you past hidden coves, but you can also choose to arrive in style by helicopter.

10, Angkor Wat from Above: Helicopter Tours of the Temples and Tonle Sap Lake

Arologists discovered the immense size of the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site when they took aerial photographs from above the jungle. You can experience this perspective yourself with a 14-minute Helicopter Tours ride that flies 1 km (0.6 miles) above the Angkor Temples. The ride also offers stunning views of the surrounding thick jungle, including a maze of walls, walkways, and outlying temples that showcase the vastness of the complex.

If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can extend your flight to include nearby Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. From above, you’ll see the colorful roofs of floating villages, which can have everything from floating churches to basketball courts.