Cambodia's luxury hotel scene has matured dramatically — from Phnom Penh's colonial riverside properties to Siem Reap's temple-adjacent resorts and the undiscovered beaches of Koh Rong. A complete guide for Western travellers.
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated luxury destinations. The temples of Angkor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements — anchor an itinerary that can extend to Phnom Penh's colonial riverside, the Cardamom Mountains' eco-lodges, and the undiscovered beaches of the southern coast.
Why Cambodia for Luxury Travel?
Cambodia offers exceptional value: a five-star resort in Siem Reap costs 40–50% less than a comparable property in Bangkok or Bali. The country's luxury hotel infrastructure has improved dramatically since 2015, with Aman, Rosewood, and Raffles all operating flagship properties. The Cambodia Tourism Board reports that high-end visitors now account for the fastest-growing segment of arrivals.
Best season: November–April (dry season). The wet season (May–October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, but afternoon rain is common. Angkor is accessible year-round.
Siem Reap: Gateway to Angkor
Siem Reap is the base for exploring Angkor Archaeological Park — 400 square kilometres of temples, reservoirs, and causeways built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries. Angkor Wat itself, the world's largest religious monument, is best experienced at sunrise when the reflecting pools mirror the five towers in the still morning light.
Where to Stay
Amansara is Cambodia's finest resort — 24 suites in a 1960s villa originally built for King Sihanouk's royal guests. The property's tuk-tuks take guests to the temples before dawn, returning for breakfast beside the pool. The most intimate and exclusive Angkor experience available.
Rosewood Phnom Penh — though in the capital — is worth noting as the country's most architecturally striking hotel. For Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor (1932) is the grande dame: a colonial landmark with a pool terrace, afternoon tea, and the best location in town.
Shinta Mani Wild (Cardamom Mountains, 3 hours from Siem Reap) is one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary eco-lodges — 15 tented suites suspended above a jungle river, accessible only by zipline. The property funds anti-poaching rangers in the surrounding forest.
Angkor Temple Strategy
- Angkor Wat sunrise: Arrive by 5:15am for the reflection pool. The crowds thin by 7am when tour buses arrive
- Bayon: The 216 stone faces of the 12th-century state temple are best photographed in the soft morning light
- Ta Prohm: The "Tomb Raider temple" — strangler fig roots engulfing the stone galleries — is most atmospheric in the late afternoon
- Banteay Srei: The pink sandstone "Citadel of Women" (10th century) has the finest bas-relief carving in the entire complex; 38km from Siem Reap, worth the drive
Phnom Penh: The Riverside Capital
Phnom Penh has transformed into one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities. The riverfront promenade along the Tonle Sap and Mekong confluence, the Royal Palace complex, and the city's extraordinary French colonial architecture make it a compelling 2-night stop.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal (1929) is Phnom Penh's landmark property — a colonial masterpiece with a pool terrace, the Elephant Bar (where Jackie Kennedy and Somerset Maugham once drank), and 175 rooms with original teak floors and period furniture.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 prison) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are essential visits — sobering but important context for understanding modern Cambodia.
The Southern Coast: Undiscovered Beaches
Cambodia's coastline — centred on Sihanoukville and the offshore islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem — remains one of Southeast Asia's least-developed beach destinations.
Song Saa Private Island is Cambodia's finest resort: 27 overwater and jungle villas on two private islands in the Koh Rong Archipelago, connected by a suspension bridge over a marine reserve. The house reef is pristine; the resort's conservation program protects the surrounding waters.
Practical Guide
Getting there: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP) both receive international flights. Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and AirAsia connect to regional hubs; long-haul connections route through Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur.
Visa: E-visa available online at evisa.gov.kh (USD $36, 30 days). Visa on arrival also available at major airports.
Currency: US Dollar is widely accepted alongside Cambodian Riel. Cambodia is effectively a dollarised economy — ATMs dispense USD.
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