Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Sitting in 15 acres of frangipani-filled gardens, Raffles has reams of old-world flair. Hallways lined with aged prints of Cambodia and an original wooden cage elevator takes you back in time, while the seriously elegant Restaurant 1932 serves Khmer menus inspired by royal kitchens and family homes (with a modern touch!). There's casual dining too at the bistro-style Cafe d'Angkor - the champagne breakfasts are top drawer. A nighttime favourite in Siem Reap, the Elephant Bar is a swish waterhole to try a signature Raffles cocktail. Wicker-domed daybeds sit beside the pool (one of the city's largest) and the spa provides nature-infused R&R - or a soak in the hot tub.

From State Rooms to suites (which have a separate lounge), each is bedecked with richly patterned carpets and faux-antique furnishings for a classic feel. Those in the Heritage Wing have kept their colonial aesthetic with handcrafted four-poster beds and 1930s memorabilia. The boutique Personality Suites were named after writers and travellers who left their mark in Siem Reap, and the Raffles Suites are draped in Cambodian silks and full of character. Most of the rooms have a balcony or spacious terrace and the bathrooms are spotless in Italian marble with a large shower and bathtub. Set apart from the hotel, the Royal Villa has two bedrooms and a stylish dining area.

Number one on everyone's list is the time-worn temple complex of Angkor Wat - see it at sunrise and spend a good few hours soaking up centuries of history. Boat across Tonle Sap Lake and pay a visit to the remarkable floating villages or kayak down quiet natural canals. Experience the many faces of Siem Reap as you tour artist workshops, learn to cook fish amok like a local or wander through the vibrant Night Market. Discover Cambodia's history at the Angkor National Museum or make your own Khmer-style pottery to take home!