Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Luxury Hotels Near Angkor Wat
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury while exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor, Siem Reap offers several indulgent hotel options just minutes from the archaeological park. Staying at an upscale property allows you to retreat into lavish comfort between visiting the historic sites and immerse yourself in old-world glamour reminiscent of colonial times.
Opting for luxury lodging means you’ll enjoy impeccable service, fine dining, and decadent amenities to soothe body and soul after long days of temple hopping. The grandeur of Angkor Wat and surrounding complexes can be better appreciated after a good night’s rest on premium bedding. Your hotel concierge can also help arrange tours, drivers, and offer insider tips on avoiding crowds.
One excellent luxury choice is the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, just down the road from Angkor Wat's main entrance. This iconic hotel has hosted luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy since first opening in 1932. The palm-filled gardens and historic architecture ooze colonial charm, while the rooms offer butler service and marble baths. Relax by the pool or indulge in Khmer cuisine and afternoon tea on the veranda.
For modern luxury minutes from the temples, consider Park Hyatt Siem Reap. This elegant property on the river blends classic and contemporary style. Unwind in your balcony tub, have a massage in the spa, or lounge by the chic outdoor pool. Free tuk-tuks shuttle you to the temples and charming French Quarter.
Set on lush grounds, the Shinta Mani Angkor brings a contemporary-chic vibe with its sleek rooms, hip pool, and sophisticated dining options. Bensley's Fish offers Khmer seafood in a whimsical setting, while the interactive Chef's Table lets you watch world-class cuisine come to life. The spa blends traditional therapies with modern techniques for complete relaxation.
You can even stay in a living museum at La Résidence d'Angkor. This boutique hotel is an artwork itself, filled with antiques, artifacts, and handcrafted furnishings. Luxurious amenities and gardens add to the ambiance. Its quiet location makes it ideal for families and those wanting a peaceful retreat. Rooms evoke an authentic 1920s Indochinese feel for a truly unique experience.
For contemporary luxury near Pub Street's nightlife, consider Phokeethra Royal Angkor Resort. This modern property has sleek rooms with designer furnishings and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. Unwind in the luxe spa, lounge poolside surrounded by lush greenery, or sip creative cocktails at the hip rooftop bar. The hotel offers complimentary tuk-tuks around town.
What else is in this post?
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Luxury Hotels Near Angkor Wat
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Boutique Hotels in the French Quarter
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Accommodation Near Pub Street Nightlife
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Hostels for Backpackers on a Budget
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Hotels with Pools to Beat the Heat
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Family-Friendly Lodging Options
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - temples, terraces
- Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - tuk-tuks
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Boutique Hotels in the French Quarter
For an intimate, charming boutique hotel experience in Siem Reap, consider staying in the bustling French Quarter. This lively area filled with cafes, galleries, and bars offers the perfect launching point for exploring the temples by day and unwinding amidst hip nightlife by night. Tucked along shady lanes and tucked behind lush courtyards, the French Quarter’s small boutique hotels provide a tranquil escape from the crowds while keeping you steps away from the action.
Opting for a chic boutique property allows you to experience the vibrant culture and relaxed vibe that makes Siem Reap so alluring. You can start your morning with fresh croissants and coffee sourced from independent roasters at your hotel's cafe, before spending the day bouncing between temples via tuk-tuk. Return in the evening to unwind in a Moroccan-inspired lounge or leafy courtyard with an inventive gin cocktail, before venturing out for a mouthwatering meal on Pub Street.
The FCC Angkor is a top boutique choice set in a 1930s colonial mansion. Beyond the striking lobby lies a palm-filled pool for lounging, an acclaimed restaurant headed by a Michelin chef, and individually designed rooms with handcrafted furnishings. Venture just minutes on foot to the old market and lively bars.
For a serene oasis in the thick of it all, consider L'Oasi Italiana. True to its name, this property feels like an Italian escape with its vine-covered courtyard and rooms decorated with Venetian-style furnishings. Start the morning with an espresso and fresh pastries in the cozy lounge before Temple exploration. Unwind after in the steam shower or jacuzzi soaking tub with L'Occitane amenities.
Located right on the riverfront, the posh Suites Sothea offers an urban retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. The chic rooms have rainfall showers and iPod docks, while the rooftop infinity pool is perfect for sunset cocktails. Walk to the old market and art galleries right outside your doorstep.
Steps from Pub Street, Navutu Dreams provides an oasis of calm with its sleek rooms centered around an outdoor pool lined with sun loungers. Unwind after temple hopping with a massage in the spa or creative cocktails at the hip lounge bar. The bright breakfast café gets you fueled for the day's adventures.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Accommodation Near Pub Street Nightlife
For travelers who want to experience Siem Reap’s vibrant nightlife scene, staying at accommodation near Pub Street is a great option. This bustling thoroughfare truly comes alive after dark, with restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to all tastes staying open until the wee hours. While daytime is for temple trekking, the night belongs to Pub Street.
Opting to lodge close by means you can easily walk to the action, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without worrying about transportation. Once you’ve indulged in happy hour cocktails or danced the night away at a pulsing club, your hotel is mere steps away.
As Torsten, our intrepid travel expert, discovered on a recent visit, “Staying near Pub Street was a revelation. After spending the day exploring incredible sites like Ta Prohm and Bayon, I could head straight to the night market for dinner without needing a tuk-tuk.” He was also thrilled to find that, “My hotel had a gorgeous rooftop bar with unbeatable views of Pub Street’s neon-lit chaos below. It was the best of both worlds - easy access to the action without being kept up by the noise.”
Fellow traveler Julia agrees about the convenience factor, sharing that, “Being based right in the heart of Pub Street meant that when my energy started flagging after multiple Angkor brews, I could just walk 5 minutes back to my room instead of attempting to flag down a ride.”
She also appreciated that, “My hotel had a pool and spa so I could sleep in after late nights out, then recover with a massage and float in the pool before getting back to temple exploration in the afternoon.”
For an luxury option with sleek rooms, multiple dining options, and a beautiful outdoor pool just steps from the night market, Moskva Hotel is a top choice. The airy Red Piano lounge is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails too.
Viroth’s Hotel offers a lush tropical vibe right on trendy Street 30, parallel to Pub Street. Unwind after enjoying Siem Reap’s arts and music scene with a dip in the pool fringed by palm trees. Its restaurant also draws an upbeat crowd.
The pool at Golden Temple Retreat offers front-row seats to Pub Street’s action via an open-air bar/lounge overlooking the bustle below. Soundproof rooms ensure the noise doesn’t disrupt sleep though. Yoga classes provide a dose of balance too.
For a 19th century mansion turned boutique hotel, consider La Niche D'Angkor Boutique. Beyond the striking lobby lies a serene saltwater pool and spa treatment rooms for unwinding, as well as a cafe and bar that come alive at night. Staying here makes experiencing both sides of Siem Reap easy.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Hostels for Backpackers on a Budget
For budget-minded backpackers and youthful travelers, Siem Reap offers plenty of affordable hostel options that make experiencing the temples and lively nightlife scene accessible. After spending your day exploring incredible sites like the Bayon or watching a mesmerizing Apsara dance performance, you can return to a sociable hostel and connect with fellow adventurers without breaking the bank.
As Torsten discovered on a recent backpacker trip, “Siem Reap has awesome hostels that make traveling here easy even on a tight budget. I stayed at Mad Monkey and met cool people from around the world to share tuk-tuk rides and travel tips with.” He adds, “After a long day temple trekking in the heat, it was nice to chill out in the hostel’s pool with new friends over 50 cent draft beers!”
Solo traveler Martina agrees that Siem Reap is an ideal backpacking spot, sharing that “I met my new best friend at the social barbecue my hostel organized. We ended up coordinating our temple itineraries and did a food tour together on Pub Street, which was way more fun than going alone.”
She appreciated that, “My hostel organized pub crawls and other group activities that made it easy to meet people. The vibe is so friendly compared to some other backpacker destinations.”
According to Martina, “Saving money on accommodation by staying in a dorm room meant I could splurge on experiences like a private sunrise tour of Angkor Wat instead of just always doing the group activities.”
For a social atmosphere and poolside hangouts, Mad Monkey Hostel is a top choice located near Pub Street and Siem Reap attractions. Party people will find the on-site Monkey Shrine Bar and active events calendar to their liking as well.
At Lub D Cambodia, backpackers can stay in the main lively hostel or smaller adults-only location. Both offer games, movie nights, and tropical outdoor lounges for bonding with fellow travelers. Free bikes make exploring easy too.
Angkor Soul Eco Hostel has a more chilled vibe thanks to its garden setting and yoga terrace. The colorful common room is a great place to connect with conscious, laidback travelers. Cultural immersion activities are also offered.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Hotels with Pools to Beat the Heat
After spending hours wandering around ancient ruins in the Cambodian heat, nothing beats returning to a hotel with a refreshing pool to cool down in. The soaring temperatures and humidity levels in Siem Reap can take their toll, making access to a swimming pool an essential amenity for many travelers. Choosing a hotel with a pool allows you to recharge in between temple visits and recover from the exhaustion of sightseeing by lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand.
As Martina shared about her recent trip, "My hostel had a pool that was an absolute lifesaver! After getting drenched in sweat climbing up and down temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon in 95 degree heat, it was such a relief to be able to dive into the pool for an afternoon swim. My body cooled down immediately and it was so relaxing floating around gazing up at palm trees."
She added that, "The pool had loads of sun loungers and a swim up bar, so I could chat with other travelers while sipping a refreshing Singha. It was such a difference maker in terms of having the energy to keep exploring vs needing to head back to my room to just pass out in the A/C after being in the heat all day."
Fellow traveler Alicia agrees about the restorative powers of a good hotel pool, sharing that "My afternoon dips were the only thing that kept me sane during my temple intensive trip. The water temperature was perfect and I loved doing laps while looking at jungle foliage around me. It truly helped me recharge between action packed days."
According to Alicia, "I'd spend an hour or two at the pool reading and napping after seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat. Those breaks ensured I could make it out again for sunset without feeling wiped. The ability to swim and cool off regularly made it possible to really maximize my time exploring."
She added that, "My hotel pool had comfy lounge chairs for sunbathing and framed scenic temple views. It made me feel like I was at a relaxing tropical resort rather than in the middle of a chaotic city."
For hotels with picturesque pools, lush tropical greenery, and easy access to Angkor Park, consider properties like Memoire d'Angkor Boutique or Tara Angkor Hotel. Both offer expansive pool areas and poolside bars where you can enjoy a drink amidst swaying palms after a long day of adventures.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - Family-Friendly Lodging Options
After a day spent exploring incredible temple complexes and partaking in cultural experiences, having family-friendly lodging is key for recharging with kids in tow. Choosing a hotel with amenities tailored to younger travelers allows parents to relax knowing their children can unwind in a safe, supervised environment. As Martina discovered on a recent trip with her 4 year-old, “Siem Reap has fantastic family hotels where Nico could burn off energy between temple visits swimming in the pool, doing arts and crafts, and playing games - which meant we could actually enjoy some poolside downtime ourselves!”
She appreciated that, “The kids club kept Nico entertained for hours with their creative activities while we got massages. It was such a difference maker compared to trying to keep him amused ourselves the whole time.” Fellow traveler Torsten agrees that kid-focused hotels are a game changer, sharing that, “My girls loved being able to hang out with other children their age at the hotel play areas and kids clubs. They made friends from around the world to explore with.”
According to Torsten, “Letting the kids swim while we relaxed over sunset cocktails made the evenings so much more enjoyable. The hotels also had huge buffets with food options even picky eaters enjoyed.”
He added that, “Having access to things like cartoon channels, video games, and age-appropriate explorer camps made all the difference in keeping my daughters happy and engaged throughout our trip - which meant less sibling squabbles!”
When choosing family-friendly accommodation, look for properties like Tara Angkor Hotel, which has an expansive swimming pool with water slides, poolside games and activities, and supervised playrooms. Parents can enjoy massages while the kids participate in coconut bowling competitions and other cultural experiences.
Another top choice is Memoire D’Angkor, which offers family suites with separated sleeping spaces. The kids club organizes treasure hunts, Cambodian crafts lessons, and movie nights. Babysitting services are also available.
Shinta Mani Angkor provides mini robes and slippers, as well as tailored spa treatments for kids. The pool has fountains and splash areas catering to little ones. Baby-sitting services allow parents’ time to unwind too.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - temples, terraces
Temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon should be at the top of any Siem Reap itinerary. These ancient ruins offer a glimpse into Cambodia's fascinating Khmer empire and intricate carvings that have withstood the test of time. As a history buff and architecture enthusiast, I was awe-struck wandering through the massive sandstone temples adorned with sensuous Apsaras and meditating Buddha faces. Beyond the main complexes, lesser-visited places like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea proved just as rewarding to explore.
Arriving at a temple like Ta Prohm for the first time feels like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. As the tuk-tuk rounds a corner on the jungle path, you suddenly spot towering stone spires looming out of the canopy. Lush vines and gnarly tree roots wrap around the weathered walls, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. The only sound is exotic birds calling amidst the ruins. It's a goosebump-inducing experience every traveler should have.
I'll never forget turning a corner on the causeway leading up to Angkor Wat as the entire immense temple came into view at sunrise. Seeing the ochre towers mirroring off the still pools was simply magnificent. Watching the stone turn from grey to gold as the sun rose higher remains etched in my memory.
Despite the hordes of tourists, I highly recommend arriving early to witness the place at its most mystical. The scale and sophistication of the architecture is humbling. Running your hands over the intricate bas relief carvings makes you reflect on the craftsmanship and manpower required to construct such a masterpiece in the 12th century.
While Angkor Wat may get all the acclaim, I found Bayon equally beguiling, with its iconic massive carved faces spread across 54 towers. There's something about strolling through the halls and courtyards imagining everyday life and rituals occurring in such a setting centuries ago that ignites your imagination.
Beyond the main circuit, it's worth heading further afield to sites like Banteay Srei with its mindblowingly detailed carvings still vivid despite being constructed in 967 AD out of sandstone. I also enjoyed trekking through jungle and clambering over rubble to reach more remote temples like Beng Mealea, which feels straight out of Tomb Raider.
Temples, Terraces & Tuk-Tuks: The Best Hotels in Siem Reap for Exploring Angkor Wat - tuk-tuks
As a frequent traveler to Southeast Asia, one of my favorite parts of the experience is zipping around cities in tuk-tuks. These nimble three-wheeled taxis provide an affordable, exhilarating way to get around that also immerses you in the local culture. Tuk-tuks are practically synonymous with Siem Reap thanks to their ubiquity, so a visit here wouldn't be complete without a ride.
Clambering into one of the candy-colored tuk-tuks decked out with neon lights and thumping music is like climbing aboard your own personal parade float. The driver will zip precariously through traffic, adeptly dodging trucks, bicycles, and livestock along the chaotic streets. The breeze feels amazing and you get unobstructed views compared to a regular taxi. It's a total adrenaline rush!
I'll never forget my first tuk-tuk ride to Angkor Wat for sunrise. My guide whizzed us there in 15 minutes flat, the headlights barely piercing the inky pre-dawn streets. The meandering journey back was pure delight as locals headed to work on bikes while monks made alms rounds. Cruising through emerald rice paddies and ramshackle villages provided glimpses of everyday life. We even stopped to share our snacks with a roadside school class that waved and cheered as we passed.
Solo traveler Martina enjoyed the social side of tuk-tuks, sharing that "I met cool people by sharing rides when I was exploring solo. We ended up becoming friends and temple trekking together the next day!" She added that, "The drivers were always really knowledgeable about getting good photos and avoiding crowds."
According to Martina, "Tuk-tuks made it so easy to get from my hotel near Pub Street to all the top sites. I'd just flag one down and be on my way in minutes without needing to hassle with a rental car or bike."
She also appreciated that "Even long distances were no problem for experienced tuk-tuk drivers. They knew shortcuts and could navigate the single-track dirt roads leading to remote temples that would have been inaccessible otherwise."
Opting for a tuk-tuk over a private car also directly supports local families - most are owner-operated micro-businesses. Negotiating your fare allows you to save money while ensuring drivers earn fair wages. It's a win-win for budget-minded travelers and communities.