Best hotels in Cambodia

In the trendy stomping grounds of Phnom Penh urban centre, Rambutan welcomes you with the promise of top notch hospitality. The airy interiors tap into Cambodia's art scene with evocative paintings and sculptures whilst maintaining a casual feel. Most of the rooms are found in a retouched Khmer-style villa with plenty of locally-crafted furnishings and Cambodian silks to add character. Although the hotel doesn't sit in the historic heart of the city, it's close to streets of tempting restaurants and a tuk tuk will have you standing at the Royal Palace in minutes. A cocktail in the quiet garden is just the ticket after a day's exploits.

If your dreams of Cambodia wouldn't be complete without a whole lot of adventure, the jungle-packed world of Cardamom National Park is the place you need to be. Under the never-ending creativity of designer Bill Bensley, every inch of Shinta Mani Wild was created to share something utterly unique. Join the chef on a foraging expedition (for that evening's dinner ingredients), take a dip in the 33m-long clifftop Cistern and explore the hidden spaces of the park with your Adventure Butler. The best part? Shinta Mani works even harder to protect Cardamom's wildlife than it does to impress its guests.

Hidden away on a tiny speck of island in the Koh Rong archipelago, Song Saa is a romantic, forget-your-worries resort. This piece of paradise was discovered by chance, but nothing about its construction was thoughtless. In a marine reserve set up by its owners, Song Saa was built in harmony with nature - salvaged wood from fishing boats has literally become part of the furniture. Hidden amongst the palm fronds or over-the-water with steps leading into the sea, the luxury villas have plenty of Cambodian soul. Enjoy down time on the sugary beach or put your flippers to good use on a dive of the coral reefs.

Emerging from a pure blue sea, Krabey has the appearance of a seaweed-encrusted shell dropped off Cambodia's southern coast. In actual fact, it's private resort island where shaded loungers sit on a secluded patch of beach, pearl-infused body masks await at the spa and the lush Ream National Park is a speedboat ride away (look out for dolphins on the way!). True to form, Six Senses was built to leave the smallest footprint and a conservationist will gladly show you the island's butterfly haven. Chic villas are dotted throughout 30 acres of jungle and wall-to-wall glass means the vistas are always a 10/10.

As a top contender for one of Cambodia's bucket list-worthy towns by the sea, Kep was once the holiday spot for the rich and glamorous. The eye-catching villas at Knai Bang Chatt are proof of that (they've had some rather aristocratic owners over the years!) and after a facelift, the resort looks like it was plucked from the pages of ArchDigest. Knai Bang Chatt was created with the ethos of travel as an art form, while taking care of nature and the people who call this sunny coast home. Despite its past life as a hotspot, Kep is an under-the-radar gem with a boatload of ocean exploits and excursions into the countryside.

At first glance, the triple-decker ship has the look of a hotel adrift on the Tonle Sap Lake, water rippling like silk at the bow. Dressed in a coat of wood and metal, the Aqua sails takes you past ancient floating villages before embarking on a journey along the Mekong Delta. Along the way, trace the country roads on a bicycle or birdwatch from the comfort of a rooftop lounger - cameras at the ready! Serene interiors create a relaxing place to rest after a busy day packed with activities. Evenings are spent watching a classic at the cinema or enjoying the sunset over a cocktail.

In a melee of lotus ponds and palms, Maison Wat Kor does simplicity so well. Traditional wooden abodes are scattered across the grounds (ask the gracious staff about their history), which house just 10 rooms and a rustic restaurant. In a tranquil setting just outside of Battambang, the resort is well-positioned to explore the city's bucolic surrounds on a bicycle or bamboo 'train', which is an experience not soon forgotten. Battambang is an enigma in itself, where sleepy country town meets a burgeoning creative scene - and food stalls to be tried on every corner. Retreat from the world in this little slice of tranquility.

After days of grand temples and dizzying cities, a change of pace comes in the form of Koh Russey Resort. Enjoy a breath of fresh, sea air and sun-drenched relaxation where the views are exquisite, the seafood is grilled to perfection and there's always a stretch of sand with your name on it. The resort's style is refreshing, with steely-grey and glass villas inspired by the geometric Cambodian Karma fabric, and greenery cascading down the walls. Enjoy a selection of cooling libations served on the beach, luxuriate with soaks in your outdoor tub or throw yourself into holiday mode with kayaking or snorkelling in the crystal water.

Amongst the elegant mansions of Siem Reap's French Quarter, Shinta Mani is in refined company - and it holds its own with signature aesthetics to make Bill Bensley proud (each room has bespoke artwork from his studio). Greeted with a sunny 'welcome home' after meandering through the bustling Old Market streets or the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, you'll feel well looked after but never smothered. Sheltered by leafy gardens, the boutique hotel centres around a pinstriped pool (but more on that later) and every room has an airy veranda for enjoying those quiet mornings just outside of enticing Siem Reap.

As the 30s were rolling into town, Raffles Le Royal took its place as one of Phnom Penh's top hotels. With a grand look and famous guest list (Jackie Kennedy has a cocktail named after her), Raffles occupies one of the best addresses in Cambodia's capital city. The hotel has one new wing, but its interiors hark back to a different time with black-and-white photos along its elegant corridors and a fine blend of Khmer and French styles. After laying out on peppermint-striped loungers by the pool, dive right into the city's whirlwind of royalty, history and eye-watering market places.

Where Cambodia's high society once flocked for a sun-touched getaway, Kep is a low-key resort town with the Gulf of Thailand on its lapping shores. A sea shell's throw away, in the lush fringes of Kep National Park, the resort feels secluded enough to be on its own island. Spread across 2.5 hectares, the rooms and villas are inspired by their natural surroundings from rustic pebbled walls to bespoke wooden decor. In true Cambodian style, Veranda keeps it simple with warm service and a laid-back approach - not to mention spectacular views everywhere you look!

Leave behind the hubbub of the city and talk of tourist trails to enter a quaint world of pastel-coloured colonial homes and street food to rival all. Take up residence at one of the prettiest hotels in Battambang, with lemon walls and characterful rooms behind painted white shutters. Once a family home, this hotel looks like it still lives in the 30s but its service is 100% up-to-date. La Villa is perfectly positioned to enjoy a wander through the city, stopping to find a bargain at the Phsar Nath Market or learning to cook fish amok at a local restaurant. And let's not forget a one-of-a-kind ride on the bamboo train.

If the walls at Raffles could talk... First opened in 1932, the hotel is a matriarch in the leafy French Quarter of Siem Reap and has played host to famous names like Charlie Chaplin and Michelle Obama. A grand figure in white, the colonial-style hotel is a short stroll away from the Royal Palace and the city's art scene, and there are always vespas at the ready for a trip to see the incredible Angkor Wat. In between historical wanders, there's afternoon tea as a pianist tickles the ivories and evening festivities of traditional Apsara dance. And a personal butler who sees to your every wish!

Start your lap round the rollercoaster that is Phnom Penh on a high note at the Rosewood. Occupying the top 14 floors of the city's tallest building, the hotel has become a glossy landmark where the views are impeccable (think rivers, royal palaces and temples) and service is exceptional. Behind its coat of steel and glass, the Rosewood satisfies the eye with its 'statement piece' decor, and the need for a quiet haven above the city clammer - the rooms are massive and the Khmer Soak will more than sooth any travel fatigue. When you're ready for more action, the rooftop bar is spectacular at sunset!

Cambodia may bring to mind visions of revered temples and rides through the countryside on a vespa, but if you'd like to walk on the wild side - this is the camp for you. Tucked away in the heart of Botum Sakor National Park, where clouded leopard and sun bear roam, Cardamom Tented Camp protects its slice of paradise. And by staying here, as your guides will chorus, you help 'keep the forest standing'. After a boat ride along the river (there's no other way to reach it), enter a world where nature comes first. Did someone say off the beaten track?

Battambang is a town where time seems to have paused and its history, written across the shuttered facades of its buildings. Combining features from Khmer and French architecture, the Bambu Hotel isn't overdone, but has a simple, colloquial touch. Whilst there, you'll find yourself on placid cycles by the river, and boat rides to remote, stilted fishing villages, learning to cook with Bambu's chef or sipping on locally-made rice wine. It may not be the Four Seasons, but the team at the Bambu know what they're doing - and they do it well. You'll leave with your shoulders a little lighter and a new appreciation for good, old-fashioned hospitality.

Just a few minutes outside Siem Reap's bustling centre, Jaya House has a peaceful location overlooking the river. Inside, the design is chic and monochromatic and the atmosphere is relaxing and sanctuary-like; there are always beautiful vases of fresh flowers too. The hotel offers a number of different tours and activities, from the greats of the Angkor Archaeological Park to boat trips on the Tonle Sap Lake. On your return, you'll be greeted with a cold, jasmine-scented towel and iced herbal tea, followed by a complimentary massage if you fancy it.

Nestled within the very heart of BKK1, one of Phnom Penh's trendiest districts, this resort is a true oasis amidst the bustling streets. The rooms and restaurants form a shell around a multi-layered garden where one pool trickles into another and vines are draped over every wall. Inside, elements of rough stone, unfinished wood, leather and metallic touches work together to create an industrial look with an added layer of warmth and sophistication. Its flagship restaurant, Kuang, is preceded by others of the same name, which have been making quite the reputation across Asia – you certainly won't be disappointed.

Jaya House's passions are made very clear from the moment you set foot inside. The interiors are entirely crafted from sustainably-sourced wood and stone, every wall and surface adorned with artwork made by local artists. As Cambodia's very first plastic-free hotel, being green is at the top of Jaya House's priorities, alongside the celebration of the city's thriving arts scene. When you're not admiring the handiwork of the artisans or lazing beside one of the hotel's two pools, Angkor Archaeological Park will be calling your name. The hotel also has a variety of tours on offer to show you a different side to Siem Reap.

With a name that means 'green village', you wouldn't expect anything less than acres of wafting palms, lemon grass meadows and a rice paddy where water buffalos can be seen dozing in the shade as you cycle by. Designed to mirror a quintessential Cambodian village, Phum Baitang is blissfully rustic. Leave your quaint wooden villa to take a dip in the tropical pool (with drinks at the bar) or saunter over to the Spa Temple where ancient rituals bring you back to life. Tucked away from any sign of busyness, the resort provides a bevy of cushioned spots to sink into and simply enjoy the tranquil surrounds and when you're re-energised, Siem Reap is just a tuk tuk ride away.

Set along a tranquil stretch of river, Treeline is an oasis of peace and greenery in the middle of Siem Reap. The brainchild of Brown Coffee co-founder, the hotel is full of creative details inspired by the traditions of Cambodia's countryside. The simplistic, square architecture is adorned with ledges of hanging foliage and potted plants, and as the name suggests, most of the hotel gazes over the treetops. While it would be tempting to spend all day on a lounger beside the pool, the ruins of Angkor will likely pull you away - but on your return there will be cocktails on the rooftop waiting...

From not-so-humble beginnings as the guest house for King Sihanouk, the hotel was transformed by the renowned Aman group into a chic and calming oasis in Siem Reap. Built in the understated New Khmer style, there's little to distract from pure relaxation. After arriving in a royal 1960s Mercedes, enjoy pampering treatments at the spa and retreat to the blissful seclusion of your suite before cocktails on the candlelit rooftop. Intricate sandstone reliefs drop hints about the sights waiting just outside the garden walls - you'll have a private entrance to the striking Angkor Wat temples and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the city.

Set in a bucolic scene where the smell of spices fill the air, there's a village of villas perched on stilts - each a traditional home from across Cambodia lovingly given a new lease on life. Sala Lodges is green in more ways than one with refillable metal bottles, bamboo straws, and menus crafted from grass and banana plants. You can keep enjoying the charms of the countryside on a birding boat trip or visit the pride of Cambodia, the temples of Angkor Wat. After a day of soaking up every sight in Siem Reap, the cooling stone pool is where we'd like to be.

Before you've had time to set foot in a temple, you'll likely hear of the design genius, Bill Bensley. Artfully created with his signature monochrome accents and bold murals, the hotel is Siem Reap at its chicest. You can even pick up an original Bensley piece from the in-house gallery! From its leafy lane in the French Quarter, Shinta Mani is minutes from the tempting stalls of the Old Market area and Siem Reap's famous emblem, the temples of Angkor. The hotel is by no means just a place to rest your head, rewarding a day of adventuring with a floral footbath or G&Ts as you watch the streets in full swing.

With its tapestry of ageing pagodas and 1920s shop houses, Siem Reap feels like a postcard come to life, although not without a vibrant side. Viroth's Hotel somehow blends the two with a tropical design (there are few walls where greenery doesn't grow) and an easy flow between every space, while a vintage Mercedes wait out front to deliver you in style to your next 'X' on the map. There's no shortage of those, from markets of delicate, handmade textiles to the sprawling Angkor Wat temples that never cease to amaze. When you're all walked out, the foliage-fringed pool sits in floating distance of the bar!

The Bensley Collection is a group of private villas shaded by the gardens of the royal residence, ensconced within the vibrant streets of Siem Reap, near the magical Angkor Wat temple complex. There are 10 private villas with custom designed furniture and a private pool. Each villa offers 1562 meters across two pavilions including a floor to ceiling glassed bathroom with views over the garden and outdoor bathtub and rain shower. Inside the living space, three dimensional murals have been carved to render the romantic folds of Jayavarman’s robe – one of the Khmer Kings known for his powerful pioneering spirit – the perfect complement to such exquisite surrounds. Try the seasonal, seven-course Khmer Tasting Menu (inspired by the local harvest) at Kroya, pause for a sundowner at Bensley’s Bar, or sample a selection of fine Khmer beef farmed and aged locally at The Steakhouse.

The temples stand nearby. Serenity is in the air. A secret lake by itself, the swimming pool reflects majestic palm trees. Nestled in a vast expanse of tropical flora, 50 living spaces, most with private pools, invite to rest, relax and contemplate. Your own oasis. One of a kind.

Foreign correspondents, archaeologists, royalty – they all gather here at the FCC Angkor, a peaceful sanctuary shaded by banyan trees right in the centre of the Old French Quarter of charming Siem Reap. Formerly the residence of the French governor, the historic mansion has been renovated with modern comforts, but retains its cosy, intimate vibe. Set out and explore the legends of Angkor Wat each day, then return to Scribe, the city’s go-to for cocktails and conversations.

Located in the Krous Village, surrounded by lush vegetation, Anjali by Syphon is surrounded by restaurants and activities. The hotel houses sophisticated rooms and suites, ranging from a superior twin room to a deluxe rooftop suite. Each room type is thoughtfully decorated and features modern amenities which include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a mini-bar. The hotel is home to the Hunkaar Table & Lounge which serves both Asian and western fusions and innovative cocktails. The hotel offers various packages which include accommodation and activities such as the Cambodian temples, a tour through Angkor as well as visiting Angkor Wat's UNESCO World Heritage sites.