The main reason to visit Siem Reap is the UNESCO-listed temples. Rather than just visiting them, though, opt for one of these tours that add depth.
Ride pillion behind a skilled driver on this 6-hour easy-rider tour. Guests visit local markets and remote villages. Lunch, safety gear and all entrance fees are included.
Amansara
An architectural gem that was once the guesthouse for King Norodom Sihanouk (Jacqueline Kennedy visited in the ’60s), Amansara is a tranquil sanctuary of understated luxury. Discerning travelers seek out the resort’s thoughtfully curated activities, which include daily excursions to Angkor Wat and trips to traditional villages and South East Asia’s largest lake. Other highlights include house talks, Khmer cooking classes and helicopter tours, plus a immaculate spa that draws on local organic products.
The resort is just 10 minutes from the temple complex, and explorations are stress-free: Amansara arranges private guides, entry passes and fitting modes of transport like vintage jeeps or three-wheel remorks; half the 24 suites have a sultry curvilinear pool. In the evenings, guests gather around a roaring fire to listen to scholars speak on the archaeology, architecture and culture of the temples. For a fun night out, Amansara can also arrange for an authentic performance of Cambodian Apsara dance.
Shinta Mani
Shinta Mani is a unique hotel that supports the community in a way other hotels do not. As a for-profit business that operates with the nonprofit Shinta Mani Foundation, the hotel works as the first step in empowering locals to rise above poverty through education and opportunities.
The hotel has an impressive sustainability score and is one of the top places to stay in Siem Reap. Guests of the hotel enjoy free Wi-Fi access in all rooms and suites. The hotel offers a full range of concierge services and is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport.
The hotel’s 104 rooms are decorated with inspiration from Khmer contemporary art and feature modern amenities. Guests can dine at the Kroya restaurant, which serves French and Cambodian cuisine, or relax in the modern spa after a day touring the temples. The hotel also has a Raffles marquee that can host events from fashion shows to wedding receptions.
Bensley Collection
Many people visit Siem Reap to explore the amazing Angkor temples, but there is much more to this fascinating region than that. Our guides can take you out to see the real Cambodia, visiting the communities and the markets that locals go to. They can teach you to cook traditional Khmer dishes, or take you for a ride in a tuk tuk around town to try out some street stall treats.
For the discerning traveler, Bensley Collection is the hotel to stay in. This all pool villa resort is a home away from home, with a dedicated Bensley Butler to look after your every need. The resort’s motto “Open Doors, Open Hearts” reflects their not-for-profit hospitality school and foundation attached to the hotel that aims to help Cambodian society thrive. A portion of the daily room rate goes towards supporting their work. A stay here will truly be unforgettable.
Taste Siem Reap
The ancient Kingdom of Cambodia is not only home to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, but also to exotic and delectable cuisine. Discover a gastronomical paradise rich in unique flavors that locals know and love on a Siem Reap food tour.
During this culinary adventure you’ll explore lively night markets and sample authentic Cambodian dishes. Try juicy mangoes, durians, and even fried crickets and tarantulas! Your hosts will make you feel at home as they take traditional foods to a whole new level.
Art-enthusiasts can embark on a tuk tuk tour to Siem Reap’s flourishing modern art scene, or join a tuk tuk journey to explore the outskirts of Angkor Archaeological Park and watch sunrise over its beautiful sandstone temples. Shopaholics can scour trendy Kandal Village with the help of a Raffles Butler. You can also enjoy a cocktail at Miss Wong, one of the city’s most Insta-worthy bars. It’s important to visit a doctor before your trip to check for vaccinations like typhoid and hepatitis A.
