Where to Stay in Siem Reap
If you’ve heard of Siem Reap, it’s most likely because of the temples of Angkor. The gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as such in 1992, Siem Reap is a small city that offers a mix of culture, culinary experiences, nature, art, and that Cambodian soul you can catch a glimpse of on every corner.
Yet Siem Reap has a charm that many international visitors never really get to know. Most spend just a few days here, with their time almost entirely taken up by visits to Angkor’s main temples. But there’s so much more to this city than that. And where you choose to stay can make all the difference to your experience of Siem Reap.
A hotel isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s part of the experience itself. That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing three reasons to visit Siem Reap beyond Angkor and recommending two of the city’s best luxury boutique hotels. And I’m telling you all this as an Italian woman who’s been living here since 2022.
I’ve had the honor and pleasure of staying at both the hotels myself, and believe me when I say that what you can experience at these places is truly something special. Siem Reap isn’t a city that tries to impress you or put itself on display. It’s a place you can easily pass through without ever really getting to know it.
Staying at one of these luxury boutique hotels is about so much more than being pampered with elegance, attention to detail, and an exceptional level of service. It’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the real atmosphere of Cambodia. You can do that through safe, professional, in-depth tours that respect the local culture, by savoring Cambodian dishes, by having genuine conversations with the Khmer staff, and by discovering just how deeply both properties are rooted in Siem Reap.
Although each hotel has its own distinctive character, they share a commitment to giving back to Cambodia, and that’s an essential part of what makes them special. Your stay becomes more than a chance to dive into the soul of the country or experience that rare feeling of being suspended in time and space. It’s an opportunity to enjoy all that Cambodia has to offer while giving something back to the country and its people, so that your presence here means more than simply passing through.
The two luxury boutique hotels I recommend for experiencing Siem Reap at its best are:
- Jaya House River Park;
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat.
Where Culture and Art Come Together
I’ve met many tourists who spend just a night or two in Siem Reap and, even when they have some free time between visits to the temples of Angkor, they have no idea of the many opportunities the city offers to explore its cultural and artistic side.
Siem Reap has a whole range of art galleries and studios, circus performances, events open to the local community (and visitors), and places where people come together, such as cafés and coworking spaces. These are all great chances to discover Cambodian art and culture or, why not, carve out some time to work on a creative project of your own.
Given its proximity to Angkor, Siem Reap is steeped in unique energies that inspire many people to look within themselves or finally bring to life a project or idea they’ve been putting off for years. Even if you’re not a creative person, you’ll find it hard not to feel the city’s call and let it guide you as you discover both the traditions of the past and the contemporary art and cultural scene.
Here are a few ideas for exploring local art and culture while you’re in the city:
- Visit The River Gallery, a riverside art gallery that primarily showcases works by Cambodian artists.
- Catch a performance by Phare – The Cambodian Circus (incredible acrobatic shows featuring no animals).
- Take a stroll through Kandal Village and stop to chat with the owners of art galleries, photography studios, shops, and cafés (many of which support good causes). You can also buy local handicrafts or stop for a snack or a drink.
Luxury Boutique Hotels That Let You Experience the City’s Art and Culture
- Jaya House River Park. This beautiful luxury boutique hotel sits right along the river, with rooms, suites, and common areas decorated with care, elegance, and a wonderful eye for detail. But there’s another reason why Jaya House River Park is so special. It’s known for an event in which 400 monks from different pagodas across the city walk along the street in front of the hotel as part of a wonderful initiative that’s open to everyone. The monks offer their blessings, and those who attend get a glimpse of the beauty and depth of Cambodian culture. Follow Jaya House River Park’s Facebook page to find out when the next event will take place. Stay at Jaya House River Park – check prices and availability.
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat. This beautiful Italian-managed luxury boutique hotel is one of Siem Reap’s best-known names in the wellness sector. But there’s more to Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat than wellness alone. The resort also offers a deep immersion into Cambodian culture through temple tours, including experiences that combine a visit to Angkor with meditation, as well as excursions to Tonle Sap and Phnom Kulen. Its rich wellness program brings another layer of introspection and depth to these experiences, one that’s difficult, if not impossible, to find elsewhere. Stay at Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat – check prices and availability.
The Wonderful Cambodian People
One of the things I love most about my life in Siem Reap is being surrounded by Cambodian people. If it’s true that no such thing as a perfect country exists, Cambodia comes very close to my idea of a kind of paradise on Earth. That’s because life here in Siem Reap can be simple, connected to nature, and part of a welcoming community that looks out for you and supports you.
Cambodians welcome you with their wonderful smiles from the moment you set foot in the country. Staying at one of the two luxury boutique hotels I’m introducing in this article, where all or most of the staff are Khmer, is a unique opportunity to connect with Cambodian people in a respectful, equal, and genuine way.
A conversation with the receptionist or a waiter, or even with the driver or guide who takes you to discover Angkor or the other wonders around the city, can become one of those unforgettable moments you’ll carry with you long after your trip. That’s because at these luxury boutique hotels, everything happens naturally. There’s no pressure or pretense, just genuine encounters with local people that give you the chance to see Cambodia through the eyes of those who call it home.
- Jaya House River Park. This luxury boutique hotel is one of the city’s most impactful when it comes to supporting local communities. Simply by staying here, you’ll help plant trees along the river and in other community areas around Siem Reap, and you can already make a positive contribution before you’ve even left for Cambodia. Through the Nutritional Book Drive, you can purchase two books designed for disadvantaged children and young people, helping them learn how to take care of themselves in every aspect of life. Buy one or both books on Amazon, pack them in your suitcase, and feel part of Cambodia before you even leave home.
Jaya House River Park also champions the #SingleUsePlasticFree initiative and, more generally, is always attentive to the well-being of its staff and the needs of the local community. Choosing this luxury boutique hotel for your stay in Siem Reap means not only connecting with Cambodian people but also helping improve their lives in an ethical and respectful way. Book your stay at Jaya House River Park now.
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat. Although this Italian-managed luxury boutique hotel is best known for the high quality of its wellness offerings, here you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with Cambodian people through shared experiences and conversations, while supporting the community work of Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat. The resort also values its connection with the local community, creating meaningful employment opportunities for Cambodian staff and supporting local wellbeing through community initiatives. Staying here combines relaxation and self-care with the feeling of being part of the local community. Book your stay at Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat now.
Events
One of the things I love about Siem Reap is that, whatever you’re interested in, there’s always something you can do here. The problem is that, unfortunately, most events don’t get much publicity, and the best way to find out about them is to be part of one or more groups for expats like me who live here. Visitors often have no idea of what’s going on in the city. They might even be here at exactly the right time for an event they’d love, without ever knowing it’s taking place.
That’s why staying at one of the luxury boutique hotels I’m telling you about in this article makes all the difference when it comes to finding out what’s happening around town, too.
These properties are deeply rooted in the local community and are an integral part of it. The luxury boutique hotels featured in this article are also actively involved in organizing activities and initiatives of their own. Think of the 400 Monks event at Jaya House River Park, which I mentioned earlier, or the free wellness sessions that Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat hosts every year as part of Wellness Weekend.
Finding yourself in Siem Reap during one of the city’s biggest events adds another layer to your experience of Cambodia. Major religious celebrations and festivals bring Cambodians, expats, and visitors together in a celebration that seems to go on forever, where everyone’s energy mingles and you get to have fun and make friends with the local people, who are always happy to welcome travelers.
Here are three events to mark on your calendar so you can experience Siem Reap in an even more unique way:
- Khmer New Year. This is when the Khmer celebrate the New Year (every April). Since April is the hottest month of the year, the festivities include water-gun fights as well as performances, street food stalls, and all kinds of other activities.
- Water Festival. Held every November, this celebration takes place along the river. Watch the boat races or hop on one of the small boats offering rides along the river, with lanterns casting their glow across the water and the festive atmosphere all around you. Stroll along the river to sample local food, stop to watch the performances, and simply mingle with the locals.
- Pchum Ben. One of Cambodia’s most important religious festivals, Pchum Ben offers a very different experience from the festivities and celebrations along the river. It’s an opportunity to connect with a more intimate, deeply rooted side of Cambodian culture and tradition. Known as the Festival of the Ancestors, Pchum Ben is based on the belief that, during its 15 days, the spirits of the dead can return to the world of the living to connect with their loved ones. Visit a pagoda, ideally during the final two days, when the festival reaches its most significant point, and witness local people dressed in white making offerings of rice as part of the ceremony. Remember that this is a deeply meaningful religious occasion, so dress modestly and respectfully (preferably in white, as the locals do) and be mindful of the sacredness of the moment. Pchum Ben falls in September or October.
Why visit Siem Reap
I have to admit, choosing just three reasons why international visitors should come to Siem Reap, look beyond Angkor, and perhaps stay in the city longer than the usual few days wasn’t easy. The truth is that, despite its small size, Siem Reap has so much to offer.
Personally, I see Siem Reap as a kind of treasure chest. You have to approach it with respect and genuine curiosity, taking the time to discover what lies beneath the surface, to unlock it and uncover all the wonders it holds. Staying at one of the luxury boutique hotels I’m recommending in this article gives you the key to that chest—not just the chance to look inside, but to step in and experience its treasures for yourself.
Both properties have Cambodian staff and are an integral part of the local community. Staying at one of them means so much more than the comfort and elegance of your suite or room. You can savor traditional Cambodian dishes, find a taste of home in familiar foods, unwind by the pool or at the spa, and join tours that let you explore Cambodia from the inside.
It’s also an opportunity to get to know places on a deeper level, to go beyond what you might see when traveling on your own or joining organized tours that don’t offer the same care or sense of connection. Above all, it’s about becoming part of the reality that surrounds you, rather than remaining on the outside looking in.
Siem Reap is so much more than a place to sleep between visits to Angkor. It’s one of Cambodia’s most vibrant and fascinating cities, a place that keeps growing and changing in every sense, yet remains firmly rooted in its traditions.
Angkor may be the reason you first come to Siem Reap, but it’s the little secrets the city reveals, little by little, that stay with you and draw you back.
The two Luxury Boutique Hotels at a Glance — Find the One That Suits You Best
- Jaya House River Park. Right on the riverfront, Jaya House River Park stands out in Siem Reap for its strong commitment to environmental protection and its support to local communities. Alongside its suites and rooms, two swimming pools, restaurant, and rooftop bar, the hotel offers a range of tours that invite you to get to know Siem Reap and its surroundings in depth. It is also the setting for the atmospheric annual gathering of 400 monks from pagodas across the city. And then there are the little details that make a difference: complimentary tuk-tuk rides around town, minibar treats on the house, and the unmistakable feeling that your well-being and satisfaction genuinely matter here. A generous breakfast is included in the rate. Book now
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat. A trusted name in Siem Reap for all things wellness, this Italian-managed luxury boutique hotel is about a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city center. Staying here means finding yourself in a secluded pocket of peace and nature, surrounded by expansive, lush tropical gardens. Alongside an extensive offering of yoga classes, meditation sessions, holistic treatments, and retreats, Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat makes dining an experience to remember, with a blend of local and Italian cuisine and wellness menus created for those who want to care for themselves at the table, too. With a range of accommodation options, three swimming pools (including a saltwater pool), a spa, and wellness initiatives and classes throughout the year, Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat is an ideal choice for anyone looking to combine a visit to Cambodia with a commitment to their own well-being. A generous breakfast is included. Book now
Useful Links:
- Jaya House River Park
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat