TRAVEL & WINE EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD
Published 03 Sep 2024
Siem Reap Cambodia
Pocket Guide. Do. Stay. Food. Drinks. Spa. Nightlife.
Also see our article on Phnom Penh.
Cambodia is a destination you will never forget. Khmer (Pronounced Ke-Mai) people and many expats living and making a difference to the wine and cocktail scene from the fine restaurants to the wine bars to the French Hospitality and Culinary schools. Photo by Florian Hahn
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Do.
Angkor Wat Temples
There are many temples listed, some are popular, these are my favorites. Small & Big Circuit (Ta Phrom, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Preah Khan, Ta Som, Bayon and Baphuon, Banteay Srei, Beng Melea, Phnom Bakheng )
Tip, hire an official tour guide if possible; folklores and local stories are interesting. Tuk Tuk Driver and tickets can be organised from your hotel concierge. Highly recommend 3 days for $62.
If you are up for a challenge, Grasshopper Adventures offers a unique Cycling tour of the temples.
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More information
www.grasshopperadventures.com/destination/bicycle-tours-in-cambodia/
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Floating Villages
Floating Villages | Sunset at Kampong Pluk Floating Fishing Villages is an experience not to be missed. It’s a half day tour, travelling on the bus for 1.5 hours, finishing up with Sunset of the day on the boat. Tour can be booked from your hotel concierge.
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Phare Circus
Phare Circus | More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent, making Phare Circus the top-rated evening entertainment in Siem Reap. Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training center in Battambang.
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https://www.pharecircus.org
Photo from Facebook/PhareCircus
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Speak like Khmer
Just one hour of your time learning Khmer. Khmer (Pronounced as Ker Mai) is the language spoken in Cambodia. Take a hour lesson in Basic Khmer for travelers and learn a few phrases that is going to greatly better your experience in Cambodia. They also organise bike tours and cooking classes.
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Old Market (Phsar Char)
Bustling market features dozens of vendors selling local produce, spices, textiles & souvenirs. Frequented by tourist and locals. Cambodian Gongs and Krama
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Wat Bo Temple
Wat Bo Temple | Wat Bo offers an enchanting blend of buildings, statues, monuments and the captivating sound that fills the air with the serene chants of meditating monks. Its picturesque garden areas, making it an ideal destination for exploration. Free to visit but please observe dress code whilst entering any temples.
Photo from Erwin
Stay.
Some of our favorite places to stay.
Rambutan Hotel
Rambutan Hotel | Rambutan Hotel & Resort are both social and eco-responsible properties that are hip, happening and gay friendly. Just 5 mins walk from Phsar Cha (the old market) in the historical center of Siem Reap town. Salt water pools, restaurant, bar and spa that focus on comfort and privacy.
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Rambutan Lane, Phum Wat Damnak
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Sala Bai Hotel and Restaurant School
Sala Baï Hotel and Restaurant School | A vocational training school for underprivileged young Cambodians. Skills such as hospitality, wine training, cooking, bartending, room service, room presentation, table setting are taught.
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By staying at Sala Baï Hotel, you’ll be contributing directly to the education of students as you’ll be enabling them to practice their newly acquired skills every day in real conditions.
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Wat Svay, Tonle Sap Road (5mins tuktuk, 2km to city)
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Photo from Facebook/salabaischool
Viroth's Villa
Viroth's Villa | Located in the peaceful area of Wat Bo, Viroth's Hotel and Villas are well located within restaurants, bars and markets. It's 60's architecture and lush environment brings you back in time equipped with modern facilities; swimming pool, spa creates a tranquil and peaceful space to unwind.
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Street 23, Wat Bo Village
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Photo from Facebook/virothvilla
Sala Lodges
Sala Lodges | Inspired by the charm of traditional Cambodian wooden houses, 11 houses from the era of 1956 to 1985 have been carefully preserved and restored to create a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel experience. Located just 5mins to the city, this is a tranquil and peaceful space to unwind.
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Salakomreuk no. 498
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Photo from Website
Food. Wine.
Multi cultural food scene in Siem Reap that makes your mouth water.
Tevy's Place
Tevy's Place | Tevy is an amazing Cambodian lady who cooks tasty food. She’s hardworking and runs a women empowerment premise. Traditional Khmer cuisine at local prices. A must visit when visiting Siem Reap.
Street 26, Siem Reap
Map
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https://www.facebook.com/tevysplace
Photo from Facebook
Embassy Restaurant
Embassy Restaurant | 2 Cambodian female Chefs, Pol Kimsan and Sok Kimsan helm an all-women kitchen and front-of-house team at one of Siem Reap’s finest Cambodian restaurants showcasing Khmer cuisine with beautiful wine pairing.
Corner Street 05, Krong Siem Reap 17253
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https://www.embassy-restaurant.com/
Photo from Facebook/embassyrestaurantsiemreap
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PinakPou Restaurant
PinakPou Restaurant | Having dined and hosted many friends and family at Pou Restaurant & Pou Kitchen (closed in 2020), I have nothing but pure admiration for Siem Reap born and raised Chef Mork Mengly, affectionately called Pou.
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His newest restaurant is now located at #557 Wat Bo Road. Now at this new location, Chef Mengly sources local ingredients to create family & street recipes paired with a curated wine list.
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Wat Bo Street, 25 (Located in Maison 557 Hotel)
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https://www.facebook.com/pourestaurantsiemreap
Photo from Facebook
Mama Shop
Mama Shop | Making pasta from scratch isn't easy but with resources from Cambodia, Simone makes soulful mama recipes, keeping the Italian traditional alive in Siem Reap. Also featuring a good collection of Italian wines from Sangiovese to Falanghina.
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678 Hap Guan St
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https://www.facebook.com/mammashop.italian.restaurant
Photo from Facebook
Coffee. Gelato.
Sometimes one just need a relaxing place after a whole day of trekking the Angkor Wat Temples.
KOTO Antique Coffee House
KOTO Antique Coffee House + Andkow & Co. | Shin is a leather craftsman from Japan, making various chic designs of leather goods from wallets, belts and repurposing antiques and artifacts into something cool. The coffee house features a working atelier just like a fashion house in Paris.
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717 Mondul 1 Village, Kandall Village.
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https://www.instagram.com/koto_antique_coffee
Photo from Instagram
The Little Red Fox Espresso
The Little Red Fox Espresso | Making a cup of delicious coffee requires the same art form as sommeliers, using the senses to blend coffee profiles that's loved by everyone. Start your journey with David and his friendly team. Of course, Espresso Martini is on the menu. Who's better to create Espresso Martini than the coffee brewers themselves.
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593 Hup Guan Street Mondul 1 Village
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https://thelittleredfoxespresso.com/
Photo from Instagram/thelittleredfoxespresso
Sister Srey Cafe
Sister Srey Cafe | This cafe is a must visit. From good coffees to vegan and gluten free options, the friendly team are passionate about coffees, food and great service. From part time students to learning new skills, they fully support the young Khmer students.
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# 9, Street of Religious Sangkat Old Market Bridge
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https://www.facebook.com/sistersreycafe
Photo from Facebook
Gelato Lab
Gelato Lab | One of my favorite gelato only ever found in Siem Reap is at Gelato Lab. They make a 80% dark chocolate gelato with Kampot pepper. Try it while you are in Siem Reap.
House #11, Mondol 1 Village
Map
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https://www.facebook.com/gelatolabsiemreap
Photo from Facebook
Cocktails.
A vibrant tipple scene in Siem Reap. Here are some of my must-visits.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar | A relaxing place away from the hustle where people could chat and not be drowned out by loud music.
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Street 26, Krong Siem Reap
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Photo from Facebook/misswongcocktailbar
Asana Wooden House
Asana Wooden House | This is the last Khmer wooden house in the heart of Siem Reap. Enter from a discreet entrance on Street 7 and you will find this wooden house in the midst of the Pub Street / Night Market jungle. Amazing cocktails. Definitely worth a visit after a big day at visiting the Angkor Wat Temples.
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Street 7, Siem Reap
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https://www.asana-cambodia.com
Photo from Facebook/Asana-cambodia
Tequila Bar by Itacate
Tequilar bar makes you have fun. Check out their specials with all you can eat tacos or oysters.
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Alley W, Krong Siem Reap
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Bensley's Bar
Bensley's Bar | This bar is located on the second floor at Shinta Mani Angkor Hotel and Villa. It features over 30 Gins from all corners of the world with thoughtful tonic pairings. Combining the best spirits and high-quality mixers to match with an awesome collection of french and international wines should you choose.
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Oum Khun St and 14th street, Shinta Mani St
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https://shintamani.com/angkor/food-drink/bensleys-bar
Photo from Website
Spa.
Sometimes one just need a relaxing place after a whole day of trekking the Angkor Wat Temples.
Relax Spa
Relax Spa | Devote 2-3 hours of good massage and self care with great atmosphere and peace. One of my favorite spa precovid, now fully Khmer owned and operated.
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Next to Park Hyatt Hotel, Sivutha Blvd
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Photo from Facebook/relaxspa.sr
Karona Spa
Karona Spa offers the art of traditional and modern healing rituals. Excellent treatments that respect the elegant, warm and traditional Cambodian culture.
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Taphul Road, 021, Krong Siem Reap
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Nightlife.
Who says that Siem Reap is boring ?
Barcode
Barcode | Awesome LQBTQ+ friendly bar with resident DJ going with cool vibrations in addition transformists Drag Queens shows that brighten up the evenings. Friendly vibes.
Mondul 1 Village, New Street A.
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Siem Reap Soundlab
Siem Reap Soundlab | Siem Reap is also home to classical, jazz, contemporary musicians & singers making a difference in the local scene. Simon Gilbert is an amazing violinist from France and he plays at various venues in Siem Reap. He also volunteers his time teaching local kids.
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The Mended Drum
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Photo from Facebook
Curated.
Matthieu is based in Paris.
He works as Chef de Cabine PNC. He is also an onboard Sommelier and is very fascinated by the arts and culture of Cambodia.
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Dennis is based in Cambodia.
He is from Sydney and currently resides in Phnom Penh, loves food and wines
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JJ is based in Sydney.
He works as a Business First Cabin Crew and is a Sommelier in the sky and teaches hospitality.