Asia’s Best Awards 2022: Cambodia’s Top Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and More

Jun 27, 2022

SINCE REOPENING IN NOVEMBER, Cambodia has been warmly welcoming a slow but steadily growing trickle of visitors. And, boy, are they lucky because the Kingdom of Wonder has tons to offer. In addition to having Angkor Wat pretty much to themselves, visitors can step off the well-trodden trail and explore a kaleidoscope of lesser-known gems, such as Southeast Asia’s largest intact rainforest, the Cardamom Mountains, kayaking alongside endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie, and strolling in the shadows of retired elephants in the wild in Mondulkiri. There’s stacks waiting to be discovered in Cambodia and these winners of the first ever Asia’s Best Awards offer ample inspiration to get planning. – Marissa Carruthers

ASIA’S BEST AWARDS 2022:
BEST OF CAMBODIA

Best City Hotels in Cambodia

1. Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Opening its doors in the midst of a global pandemic failed to prevent Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh from being crowned Best City Hotel in Cambodia. The 247-key property burst onto the capital’s lively accommodations scene in January 2021, stealing the title of Phnom Penh’s largest luxury hotel. In tandem with the city, Hyatt seamlessly melds old with new, with a charming renovated colonial villa – home to the lobby and stylish Attic bar – sitting in the shadow of two futuristic towers. In one, the 14th floor has risen to become the place to be seen among the capital’s cool crowd, with FiveFive rooftop restaurant and bar serving divine dishes to the backdrop of vistas of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers and other iconic landmarks.

This helped score it top marks with one voter, “The view of Royal Palace from the rooftop is amazing.” Its central location in Phnom Penh’s cultural heart was a winning ingredient for another voter, who wrote, “The location is wonderful and their design is top-tier.” Throw into the mix Jivapita spa – the place for pampering – a large outdoor pool, and more F&B spots, and it’s easy to see why this property scooped the coveted gong. “This place really takes leisure time to another level,” said another voter.

hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/hyatt-regency-phnom-penh/pnhrp

2
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Rosewood Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh

3
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Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa
Siem Reap

4
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Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Phnom Penh

5
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Amansara
Siem Reap

6
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Park Hyatt Siem Reap

7
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Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang
Siem Reap

8
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Baitong Hotel & Resort
Phnom Penh

9
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Shinta Mani Angkor
Siem Reap

10
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Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Siem Reap

Best Beach/Upcountry Resorts in Cambodia

1. Song Saa Private Island

“Barefoot luxury” may be a worn-out buzzphrase today, but when Song Saa opened a decade ago, it was on the vanguard. Perfectly embodying the term, Song Saa is a haven where once you set foot on the idyllic tuft of land, you never want to leave. The sumptuous private-island paradise is composed of two small islands connected by an ambling wooden walkway. The main island is home to scattered rustic jungle, ocean view or stilted villas that sit over the water. Each boasts its own private pool, deck area, and heaps of mesmerizing vistas.

Epitomizing laidback luxury, the resort’s amenities are connected by meandering sandy paths that snake through jungle to a spa, yoga sessions, water activities, infinity pool, and abundance of cozy spots to eat and drink – don’t hold back as it all comes with the cost of the room! – while soaking up sprawling panoramas. “Song Saa was one of the best all-inclusive experiences I’ve ever had,” gushed one voter. Sustainability and being pro-environment is also core to operations, with Song Saa Foundation carrying out various marine and social initiatives in the area. This was a winning element for another voter, who described the resort as, “Nature-conservation at its most harmonized, with rainforest conservation efforts great value for money.”

songsaa-privateisland.com

2
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Six Senses Krabey Island
Preah Sihanouk

3
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Shinta Mani Wild
Preah Sihanouk

4
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Koh Russey Villas & Resort
Preah Sihanouk

5
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The Royal Sands Koh Rong
Preah Sihanouk

6
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Amber Kampot
Kampot

7
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Knai Bang Chatt
Krong Kaeb

8
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Veranda Nature Resort
Kep

9
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Cardamom Tented Camp
Trapeang Rung

10
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Samanea Beach Resort & Spa
Kep

Best Hotel Pools in Cambodia

1. Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Voters said:

“I never enjoyed swimming until I saw this pool.”

“We loved the serenity of the pool and the various nooks and crannies.”

“Feels like swimming in the middle of nature.”

Favorite Hotel General Managers in Cambodia

*write-in category

1. Daniel Simon, Rosewood Phnom Penh

Voters said: 

“Daniel is clearly on top of his game, he has the Rosewood running like a Swiss watch, the staff are all well trained, motivated and clearly go above and beyond to assist guests. “

2. Herman Kemp, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

3. Dennis De Groot, Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Best Restaurants in Cambodia

1. Cuts at Rosewood Phnom Penh

Voters said:

“The food is amazing, the quality of produce and Chef Danny is a great personality.”

“Best steakhouse in the country! Lavish servings, generous service and beautiful atmosphere. Quite pricey but worth the trip!”

Best Bars in Cambodia

1. The Attic at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

Voters said:

“This kind of colonial architectural style bar is just amazing. It’s a wonderful heritage of the past.”

“Wonderful place for chilling after a full day’s work.”

“Great place to enjoy jazz or an absinthe cocktail.”

Best Pizza in Cambodia

*write-in category

1. Pizza 4P’s Phnom Penh

2. Metropole Pizza

3. Yellow Cab, Phnom Penh