Hotel
Amansara
Aman's intimate 24-suite retreat in a 1960s New Khmer building that once hosted King Sihanouk's guests, with private temple tours and plunge-pool suites.
Siem Reap's grand hotel since 1932, an Art Deco landmark with a pool, spa, Cambodian restaurant and the celebrated Elephant Bar.
Good to know
The Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor has been welcoming travellers to the temples since 1932, when it opened as the first luxury grand hotel of its kind in Siem Reap. Built in the French Art Deco style of the 1930s, it remains one of the town's best known landmarks, and staying here connects you to almost a century of journeys to Angkor. According to the hotel, its first guests arrived by elephant, because modern transport could not yet cross the rough terrain.
Accommodation is spread across rooms, suites and villas, all designed in keeping with the hotel's heritage. The grounds include a large swimming pool, which is one of the pleasures of a stay after a hot morning at the temples, and the Raffles Spa offers massages, targeted treatments and sauna sessions. The hotel also arranges experiences such as Vespa tours and temple dinners for guests who want something special.
Dining is a strength. Cafe d'Angkor is an all-day brasserie serving pan-Asian and international dishes, while 1932, named after the year the hotel opened, focuses on Cambodian cuisine. The Conservatory serves afternoon tea and light bites, with evening cocktails to piano music, and the Poolside Terrace offers light, healthy dishes during the day. The Elephant Bar, which the hotel describes as Siem Reap's most celebrated bar, is known for its Airavata cocktail and a large collection of whisky and bourbon.
The hotel suits couples, history lovers and travellers who appreciate traditional service in a classic setting. Families will appreciate the pool and space, while anyone celebrating a special occasion will find plenty of reasons to stay in rather than go out. Note that the Elephant Bar has a smart casual dress code, so pack at least one smarter outfit.
The Raffles stands on Vithei Charles de Gaulle in Svay Dangkum, opposite the Royal Gardens, so it is a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market and Pub Street and well placed for trips out to Angkor. The hotel concierge can help to arrange temple guides, drivers and dinner reservations. Book well ahead for the peak season from November to March, when demand for the best rooms is high.
In 1932, as the first luxury grand hotel of its kind in Siem Reap.
At 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dangkum, opposite the Royal Gardens.
Yes, it has a swimming pool and the Raffles Spa, with massages, treatments and a sauna.
Cafe d'Angkor, the Cambodian restaurant 1932, The Conservatory, the Poolside Terrace and the Elephant Bar.
Experiences such as Vespa tours and temple dinners.
The Elephant Bar asks for smart casual dress, and flip-flops are not permitted there.
By phone on +855 63 963 888 or by email to the reservations team.
It was built in the French Art Deco style of the 1930s.
Attraction
Suryavarman II's 12th-century temple to Vishnu, the largest religious monument in the world and the centrepiece of the Angkor World Heritage Site.
Restaurant
Chef Joannes Riviere's dinner-only restaurant in a traditional wooden house, serving regularly changing eight-course tasting menus of seasonal Cambodian produce.
Café
A speciality coffee café open since late 2014, blending Australian café culture with Cambodian touches, known for espresso, cold drip and simple breakfasts.
Bar
An intimate cocktail lounge on Street 26 styled after 1930s Shanghai, serving martinis, a Raffles-recipe Singapore Sling and home-style Chinese dishes.