With stunning temples, charming French colonial architecture and growing urban affluence, Cambodia is drawing throngs of visitors. From the mesmerizing Angkor Wat and the chaotic cacophony of Phnom Penh to the buzzing beaches of Sihanoukville, travelers have a plethora of sights and sounds to behold.
Culture, Temples, Beaches
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. While monsoon season runs from May to November, the most pleasant season is the dry season, from December to April. Nevertheless, travelers are recommended to visit Cambodia during the monsoon, which is when the Angkor Wat and its picturesque surroundings come alive and more photogenic with the seasonal change.
Twenty places to visit this year, including the majestic Hunza Valley, Bangkok for those with an appetite, and a new-look Kyoto.
With bespoke artisan décor, new luxury room categories and a vintage author’s theme, the refurbished FCC Angkor enters a new era of style. Ron Gluckman gets nostalgic.
Shinta Mani Hotels and architect/designer Bill Bensley have just opened Shinta Mani’s Shop With A Heart, a boutique specializing in handmade, artisan-crafted items from Cambodian creatives. One hundred percent of profits from the boutique go to the Shinta Mani Foundation in support of local community projects.
Carving out a new life in Cambodia, a group of deported refugees brings a deeper resonance to local tours.
Newly paved roads in Cambodia’s northeast make exploring via motorbike easier than ever. An intrepid solo trip around Banlung leads to natural discoveries and tasty local eateries and, best of all, that warm Khmer hospitality.
Glamping is so last season. Come fly away to a luxe, cunningly conversationist jungle book in the heart of Cambodia.
The otherwise somnolent Mekong River town of Chhlong has been given an unexpected jolt of energy with the opening of this romantic, waterfront retreat.
The 1960s are regarded as a gilded period of prosperity and peace for Cambodia. And the Amansara abounds with callbacks to this so-called Golden Era.
From a former royal guesthouse to a room with sweeping Mount Fuji views, these intimate, extravagant and picturesque resorts are just the spots to celebrate those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
If it’s good enough for the Tomb Raider, then it’s good enough for pretty much anybody. Angelina Jolie is just one of a host of A-listers who’ve stayed at this boutique.
Unlike many of the luxury resorts clustered around Siem Reap, this 39-room property aims to immerse guests in the local culture rather than cocoon them from it.
This five-star stunner aims to preserve the distinctly Khmer aesthetic of its former incarnation, while adding updated amenities and modern touches. The 104 guestrooms and 13 suites come fitted with thoughtful additions.
This Siem Reap favorite has undergone a complete renovation led by designer Bill Bensley. The new space employs black, white, gray and saffron to dramatic, geometric effect in the 39 rooms, Khmer fusion restaurant and pool bar.
When the Sofitel Phokeethra Phnom Penh opened its doors in early 2011, it became the first five-star hotel to open in the capital city since the 1990s.
Designed by young Cambodian architect Hok Kang, Brown Coffee and Bakery scores as many points for its muted interior—heavy wooden tables; slate-tiled floors—as it does for its artful drinks.
Opened in 1932, this charming Raffles outpost is one of Siem Reap’s most established properties; it also boasts the town’s first cage elevator—an elegant, hand-operated structure that continues to ferry guests till this very day.
After undergoing a meticulous restoration and refurbishment programme by Raffles International, this grand historic hotel now fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel, yet exudes an old-world charm through its distinctive style with an elegant yet comfortable, classic yet casual feel.
First Impressions – hidden behind a wooden door and a high wall, the pool and garden feel like an oasis of calm.
