The historic Angkor Archaeological Park with its crown jewel Angkor Wat may have put Siem Reap on the tourist map but the city has evolved into a vibrant wellness destination with a flourishing art and cultural scene as well.
After traversing the ancient world of the Khmers and gazing upon golden sunrises and rosy sunsets, you can relax in a spa, watch a circus, shop at the markets, or just laze in the comfort of your spacious and atmospheric rooms set amidst tropical gardens and serene pools.
As the Cambodian city morphs into a chic city that is also at the forefront of reviving traditional arts and crafts, the hotels and resorts that beckon you are inspired by the Khmer style of architecture with wooden villas, stilt houses, tasteful suites, and sprawling rooms. Nestled in an oasis of calm amidst verdant tropical gardens, there are luxury resorts, wellness retreats, and boutique properties vying for your attention. Here are the ten best hotels in Siem Reap for your next trip.
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Discover the best hotels in Siem Reap for a luxurious stay
Meet the Grand Old Dame of Siem Reap, a monumental institution in white, located in the leafy environs of the French Quarter. One of the last vestiges of the colonial era, the doors of this icon were opened in 1932.
Step into the Heritage wing which houses the Landmark Rooms and Suites. Stay in the elegant State Rooms, choose between the Colonial Suites and the Raffles Suite Kings, or get inspired by legends associated with Angkor in the Personality Suites.
Walk down the marble-floored hallways, take the oldest timber lift, have a glass of wine at the atmospheric Elephant Bar, taste an authentic Khmer buffet at The Restaurant 1932, watch an Apsara dance, and relax in 33 meters swimming pool while indulging in one of the spa treatments. You can also take a Vespa ride to the Angkor monuments or even better fly over them in a helicopter from the airport to the hotel.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: rafflessiemreap.com)
Enter the luxuriant abode of the Belmond La Residence d Angkor, inspired by Khmer architecture, headlined by a magnificent pool and girdled by tropical woodlands with lotus ponds and towering palms.
Located by the riverside and a stone’s throw from the fabled monuments, the luxury property has 59 suites and two restaurants – Circle and Ember where you can taste the Khmer flavours while enjoying a drink at the Martini Lounge.
Unlock Siem Reap with their guided temple tours and visit Tonle Sap Lake with floating villages and silk farms. Get blessed with saffron-robed Buddhist monks, attend a cookery class or just bike around the town. Don’t miss indulging yourself at the Kong Kea Spa. The Belmond property is however closed till October 2024.
User reviews:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: belmond.com)
The erstwhile royal guest house of King Sihanouk which has hosted celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Angelina Jolie is a regal edifice that truly lives up to its name which means “ Heavenly Peace. “Located in the French Quarter, it is an ode to wellness, offering a blend of Khmer healing traditions, treatments and therapies.
Try the Apsara Spa Ritual, experience forest therapy and soak in a soothing reflective pool embellished by a massive 43-metre bass relief. The pristine property inspired by Khmer architecture with 12 suites is set amidst lush courtyards with private pools. Dine in the grand terraces of The Restaurant, a circular domed building that was once a royal dance hall or enjoy local flavours in the traditional Khmer Village House overlooking an imperial reservoir.
User reviews:
Trip Advisor: 5/5
(Image Credit: aman.com)
Tucked away from the town but closer to the airport and monuments, this idyllic retreat centred around a saltwater pool in the courtyard is a romantic retreat with 39 intimate and cosy suites with private terraces and plunge pools. Start your sensuous experience with a gentle foot massage. Time stands still in the spa which is a nod to traditional bathing rituals.
While you can try a fusion of Khmer dishes with Western influences in the Chi Restaurant, the bespoke Dining by Design experience in the courtyard, with a set menu and an Apsara performance is highly recommended. Don’t miss the picnics in the jungle-embraced temple ruins. There are several village and lake tours that are organised but the most interesting are the Temple Guru tours and the delicious Streetwise Guru where you can sample local street food in the markets.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 8.7/10
(Image Credit: anantara.com)
Soak up the luxury vibes in this centrally located luxury haven and a fascinating mosaic of Khmer architecture blended with Art Deco. With over 100 rooms including 13 exquisite suites, your eyes wander around the aquamarine-tinted interconnected pools designed like a lagoon with parasols and cabanas.
Must try the local Khmer set menu dishes at The Living Room, a restaurant and a lounge bar that also offers a special wine list. The Glass House Deli is where you should go if you have a sweet tooth. Don’t miss the light and dance performance by the Apsaras in the courtyard. An idyllic destination in itself for business travellers as well as families, the Park Hyatt also arranges tours to lesser-known temples like Beng Melea and Banteay Srei and to the Phnom Kulen National Park.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.9/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: hyatt.com)
You are entering a world of epic luxury with lotus ponds and saltwater pools in this 15-acre property near the Old Market. As you walk on the tiled causeway to the lobby, take in the colonial architecture of this elegant award-winning hotel with 280 rooms, spa suites, board rooms and one of the largest ballrooms for events.
Blending sports with culture, the Phokeethra Country Club is a destination by itself with an 18-hole golf course offering views of the Rolous Bridge and has a bird sanctuary as well with over 50 species of birds. Don’t miss the Champagne Bar with over 100 labels, enjoy the warm ambience of the exclusive wine room at The Sanctuary, and gorge on the delicious dishes in the flagship restaurant Mouhot’s Dream by trying the unique dining experience at the Chef’s Table.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: sofitel-angkor-phokeethra.com)
- Address Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Siem Reap Central Area, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 1010
Contemporary and chic, minimalistic and eco-friendly, this green family-friendly property is located right between the city centre and the archaeological sights. Headlined by a colossal lake-like swimming pool that reflects the fecund foliage, it is also a poster child for sustainability with solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
Stay in any of the 12 suites with terraces and outdoor bathrooms or in any of the 21 independent villas with private pools. While the Junior Suite is perfect for families, glamping enthusiasts should try the Templation Jungloo Base. The restaurant serves both Asian and Western cuisine while you must try the signature cocktails in the bar. Don’t miss the delicious Jasmine ice cream. Yoga by the lake, tours to the village, temple trails, spa treatments and floating breakfasts add to the charm.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: templation.asia)
The stylish contemporary boutique luxury hotel with towering sculptures and avant-garde canvases designed by architect and designer Bill Bensley is a far cry from the Angkor-themed hotels that dot Siem Reap. Located in the green French Quarter, the eclectic property with three wings has 39 compact rooms in the Angkor Wing.
Have a drink at the Bensley Bar at the Happy Hour, laze in the palm-lined pool, try the gourmet seven-course set menu at the in-house Korya restaurant and indulge in the signature aromatherapy and body massages at the popular spa, Khmer Tonics. The Bayon Wing houses 62 rooms and four suites with pools and gardens but the ultimate luxury experience awaits you at the 10 Bensley Collection Pool Villas, an ode to opulence with private pools, rooftop bars and butlers on call.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.2/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: shintamani.com)
- Address Junction of Oum Khun, Street 14th Mondul 2, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening in 2024, Angsana Siem Reap with Dara Hotels is located about ten minutes from the airport and another five minutes away from the mystical Angkor monuments, With 158 keys including 10 suites and 19 villas, the enchanting property surrounded by opulent gardens and reflective pools, is ideal for families and couples.
There are five restaurants and bars serving Thai, Khmer and European and International dishes but the Apsara Bar is the cynosure of all eyes with the many carvings beckoning you. The other two bars are Angkor and Firefly on the rooftop, while fine dining is at Three Meals Restaurant and Saffron. Plan your trip to Siem Reap with this shining new retreat that also houses a spa and a gallery and promises to be a sensual and luxurious experience.
(Image Credit: angsana.com)
Tucked away in the outskirts but still not too far from the monuments and markets, this pocket-friendly boutique property is one of the new additions and has a warm and friendly facade with a leafy ambience complimenting the chic contemporary minimalistic style.
A nod to Cambodian traditional hospitality, there are twin rooms and suites with terraces that open into the tropical gardens and banana farms and offer views of the pool as well. Facilities include a large pool, in-house restaurant and bar serving local and international dishes and private parking spaces for your cars. It’s perfect for a simple and yet comfortable stay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.5/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.6/10
(Image Credit: grangesiemreap.com)
- Address Bakheng Road, Siem Reap Central Area, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 171209
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Related: Siem Reap Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know About This Historically Rich City
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
– What are the top tourist attractions in Siem Reap?
The Angkor Archaeological Park headlined by Angkor Wat and 70 major temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm are the top attractions in Siem Reap. You can also see the floating villages along Ton Le Sap Lake and visit the sacred mountain and national park, Phnom Kulen.
– What are the best things to do in Siem Reap?
Temple hopping, exploring the ruins of monuments in the jungles, cruising down the lake and visiting floating villages, heading to a circus, trying local cuisine or attending a culinary class and shopping at night markets are some of the best things to do in Siem Reap.
– What are the budget stay options in Siem Reap?
Besides The Grange, other budget options include Blanc Smith Hotel, Angkor Land Urban Boutique and Chateau D Angkor La Residence.
– Are there any luxury resorts in Siem Reap?
Some of the top luxury resorts in Siem Reap include Amansara, Raffles Grand Hotel D Angkor, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Belmond La Residence D Angkor, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort and Anantara Angkor.
– What are the hotels near the airport?
Some of the hotels that are in the 2-3 km radius around Siem Reap Airport are Elysium Suite, La Maison D’ Angkor, Pacific Hotel and Spa, Royal Angkor Resort and Spa and Anantara Angkor Resort.
Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional ..Read More
