Elephant Bar

The Elephant Bar at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is the most traditional and elegant place for a drink in Siem Reap. It takes its name from the hotel's early history: the first guests are said to have arrived by elephant, because the rough terrain around Angkor could not yet be crossed by modern transport. That story set the tone for a bar that still feels like a step back into the era of grand colonial hotels.

The signature cocktail is the Airavata, named after the white elephant that carries the god Indra. It mixes rum, coconut, passion fruit, lime juice, creme de banane and pineapple juice, and it makes a refreshing first drink after a hot day at the temples. Serious spirits drinkers should look at the sipping cabinet, which the hotel describes as holding the largest whisky and bourbon collection in Cambodia. Lithographic prints of ancient Angkor and Cambodian life line the walls, adding to the period feel.

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 6pm, which is a good time to visit if you want to enjoy the room in daylight and keep costs down, and a live pianist plays from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:30pm and 10pm. The bar suits couples, special occasions and anyone who appreciates the ritual of a classic hotel bar; it is less suited to those looking for loud music or a late-night party.

There is a dress code. Smart casual is expected, with men encouraged to wear collared shirts and trousers, though dress shorts are allowed at lunchtime, and women may wear dresses, skirts or trousers. Slip-ons and flip-flops are not permitted, so pack a pair of proper shoes if you plan to come straight from the temples. If you are not staying at the hotel, consider calling ahead on busy evenings.

The Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor stands opposite the Royal Gardens, a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market. Combining a pre-dinner drink here with dinner in town, or with a stroll in the gardens before sunset, makes an easy and memorable evening. For a more substantial night, stay on for the pianist and let the hotel staff call a tuk-tuk for your return.