Hotel Picks

Siem Reap is a city made of hotels and guesthouses. Some have the charm of the old Kleang, others the garrulous kitsch of nouveau riche owners. There isn't a day that goes by without some new hotels blossoming or wilting away. From $2 to $2000 dollars (a night with private pool), there is plenty of accommodation to choose from. We pick a handful for your convenience.

 

Krorma Yamato

#311 National Road 6, Siem Reap - Tel: (012) 893 001 / (017) 777 110

US $5 to US $10

Crowd: Japanese backpackers and anybody who enjoys Japanese politeness and cleanliness at discount prices

Go for: Great value without sacrificing hygiene and safety

The Japanese constitute one of the larger expatriate communities in Cambodia. Many marry Cambodian spouses and stay beyond their postings as aid workers, others came to Angkor never to leave. It is relatively easy to feast on sushi, tempura and other Japanese bean cakes in Siem Reap. Krorma Yamato is conveniently located, a strong arm's stone's throw from the Royal Residence on the way to the airport, a hundred metres from the city centre. One should not expect a Japanese ryokan, but the inn has a sizeable collection of Japanese DVDs, which can be enjoyed in cozy rooms, equipped with fans or air conditioners. The patrons are mainly quiet Japanese independent travelers, students and backpackers. Simple, clean and quiet with a cute anime logo, the Yamato Scarf is an easy value pick by Gnarfgnarf City Slickers.

 

Nida Villa

#263 Vithei Charles de Gaulle Street, Siem Reap - Tel (063) 963 304

US $25

Crowd: Families with children

Go for: Family run guesthouse with big rooms and big garden

This renovated historic villa is located opposite the Kantha Bopha Hospital, on the main road to Angkor Wat. A true family guesthouse run with by Master Thony and Mistress Vantha. Master Thony or his sidekick Master Map ("Fat") will pick you up from the airport in an old Toyota Camry and provide you useful tips on the town, and after a few days the latest gossips. The rooms are large with air-conditioning, two queen size beds, and en-suite bathrooms. Children will enjoy the truly tropical moist semi-evergreen garden and its fountains, rabbits and chickens. A hearty breakfast is included. Guests have a choice of the usual eggs, meats, fruits, but Mistress Vantha's Khmer cuisine is exceptional. Word of mouth brings weary travelers to these calm surroundings. French is spoken, and if you are lucky (you are a congenial guest acting in good faith), you will be able to order Khmer meals for a modest bill.

 

Grand Hotel d'Angkor

#1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Siem Reap - Tel (063) 963 888

$250 to US $2000 (two thousand US dollars for Uma Villa Suite)

Crowd: Jet setters, foreign emissaries, politicians, but also people with discount coupons and on package tours

Go for: Luxury and history

Le Grand Hotel d'Angkor is the younger sibling of Phnom Penh's Hotel Le Royal. Le Royal follows French colonial architecture, whereas le Grand Hotel is of international Art Deco design. A historic building inaugurated in 1932, le Grand Hotel is an infant by the measure of Khmer civilisation, but belongs without doubt to bygone eras. The room rates are among the dearest in town, and are accompanied with service in semi traditional attire bowing to the floor. This establishment is likely suited to accommodate the capricious tastes of celebrities. The bars and restaurants hark back to times when elephants shuffled tourists around the "ruins of Angkor". The lift is one of oldest in the world, though presumably restored to meet modern safety standards... With a view on the Royal Residence, where His Majesty the King of Cambodia occasionally sojourns, and in the direct axis of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, it is difficult to find a more auspicious location. The nightly performance of Cambodian classical dance with buffet (for US $25) is popular with tourists.

 

 

Restaurant Picks

 

Sugar Palm

Ta Phul Road, in the block behind Kroma Yamato, Siem Reap

Price: Cheap to Average

Crowd: Families and friends

Go for: Khmer traditional cuisine in a traditional house on stilts (traditional woods?)

Sugar Palm is a laid-back Khmer restaurant that serves traditional food on the welcoming balcony of a traditional house on stilts. The interior is tastefully populated with wood carvings and furniture. Sugar Palm's dishes would satisfy discerning Khmer taste buds as well. Classic foods such as pomelo salad, stir-fried chicken with ginger, sweet and sour soups, or sticky rice with mango can be enjoyed with little hesitation. Bare-foot service is unhurried and polite, and prices are more than reasonable. Sugar Palm is our down to earth good Khmer food pick for Siem Reap.

 

Viroth

#246 Wat Bo Street, Phnom Penh - Tel (012) 826 346

Price: Average to expensive

Crowd: Families, tourists, couples on a date

Go for: Approachable Khmer food verging on pan-Asian fusion cuisine

Viroth's cuisine is an excellent introduction to Khmer food for visitors not entirely familiar with Asian dishes. Prahoc, fermented fish paste served with vegetables and rice can be sampled with little risk by adventurous travelers as Viroth's rendition is far less pungent than customary. Because of its popular success, the main dining hall on the first floor of the restaurant may at times be swamped by tourists. The romantic section on the ground floor is more conducive to wooing while ordering approachable Asian fare.

 

Bistrot de Paris

Phleuv Thnou, Old Market, Siem Reap

Price: Average to Expensive

Crowd: Local expatriates and usual suspects

Go for: Easy and friendly French food

A little corner of Paris in this corner of Cambodia. While our grandparents and parents' generations spoke fluent French, most of us prosaically learn English to obtain employment. French food and wines have however remain popular in urban areas. French baguettes are found anywhere, even in the countryside, and are part of Cambodian diet. Try the baguette and sugar (nom pagn skor) from street vendors, a workers' and kids' favourite. French restaurants are easily found in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, mostly run by "Francais des Tropiques". The Bistrot de Paris typically serves hearty and friendly French dishes, in a simple yet picturesque setting. Without fanfare, at reasonable prices and right in the middle of Siem Reap's old quarter.