CAMBODIA
OVERVIEW
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, ancient temples, and warm hospitality. Home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and tropical landscapes—from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the peaceful charm of Siem Reap and its floating villages.
Official name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Capital: Phnom Penh
Major cities: Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville.
Population: ~ 17 million (in 2024)
Language: Khmer
Religion: Theravada Buddhism (official, majority)
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), USD widely accepted.
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CLIMATE
Cambodia has a tropical climate—hot, humid, and influenced by monsoons.
Dry Season: November to April (sunny and cooler)
Rainy Season: May to October (humid with frequent showers)
GASTRONOMY
Cambodian Cuisine
Khmer cuisine is light, fragrant, and balanced—rich in herbs, rice, and freshwater fish. It blends sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors, with influences from China, Vietnam, India, and France.
Amok Trey: Steamed fish curry in banana leaves.
Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with lime-pepper sauce.
Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork with rice.
Nom Banh Chok: Rice noodles with green curry sauce.
Samlor Korkor: Traditional vegetable and fish soup.
Nom Ansom Chek: Sticky rice cakes, bananas in coconut milk.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January: New Year’s Day
7th January: Victory over Genocide Day
8th March: International Women’s Day
Mid-April: Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
1st May: Labour Day
24th September: Constitution Day
October-November: Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
9th November: Independence Day
29th December: Peace Day (end of Khmer Rouge era)
DESTINATIONS
PHNOM PENH - Capital with character
At the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh blends royal heritage, colonial charm, and a vibrant urban spirit. From golden palaces to moving historic sites, the city offers a compelling gateway to Cambodia.
Key sights:
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Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – Iconic complex showcasing Khmer architecture and sacred treasures.
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National Museum – Home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
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Wat Phnom – Historic hilltop temple and the city’s founding site.
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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – A powerful memorial to Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge.
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Choeung Ek Killing Fields – Sobering site honoring victims of the genocide, located just outside the city.
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Central Market (Phsar Thmei) – Art Deco market bustling with local life, food, and souvenirs.
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Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) – Popular for handicrafts, fabrics, and antiques.
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Independence Monument & Norodom Sihanouk Statue – National landmarks marking Cambodia’s modern history.
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Mekong Riverside Promenade – Scenic riverside walkway lined with cafés and views of daily life.
Our handpicked hotels:
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Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh: A true Phnom Penh institution, Raffles has welcomed guests since 1929. Its restored colonial elegance blends seamlessly with modern comforts such as blackout curtains, soundproofing, and a full spa. Jackie Kennedy famously stayed here, inspiring the signature Femme Fatale cocktail served at the iconic Elephant Bar, renowned for its gin collection and afternoon tea.
- The Balé Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats, an elegant high-end boutique retreat, features 18 spacious private suites showcasing modern Asian architecture, refined design and gourmet cuisine. Set on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, the resort offers serene surroundings and breathtaking river views.
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Rosewood Phnom Penh: Occupying the top floors of the Vattanac Capital Tower, Rosewood Phnom Penh is a modern landmark of luxury with sweeping city views. Its 175 rooms, including 37 suites, blend refined design with contemporary comfort. Plush furnishings, intuitive technology, and panoramic vistas create residential-style spaces ideal for both business and leisure stays.
- La Rose Suites: Tucked away in the leafy Tonle Bassac district, La Rose Suites is a tranquil luxury 5-star boutique hideaway offering classic Khmer-inspired elegance. With 68 spacious suites, a peaceful courtyard, graceful architecture, and warm Cambodian hospitality, the hotel provides a serene escape in the heart of Phnom Penh — ideal for travellers seeking comfort, charm, and a true sense of place.
SIEM REAP – Angkor’s timeless wonders
Siem Reap is Cambodia’s cultural capital and the starting point for exploring the legendary Angkor temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat. Beyond ancient ruins, the city charms with vibrant markets, Khmer arts, eco-friendly stays, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Key sights:
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Angkor Wat – The world’s largest religious monument and Cambodia’s national symbol.
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Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple – Ancient royal city known for its giant stone faces.
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Ta Prohm – The famous “jungle temple” with tree roots growing through its ruins.
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Banteay Srei – A smaller pink sandstone temple known for its detailed carvings.
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Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Villages – Boat tours offer a glimpse into unique lakeside life.
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Old Market (Psar Chas) – A lively market for souvenirs, spices, and local snacks.
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Angkor National Museum – A modern museum showcasing Khmer art and history.
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Phare, the Cambodian Circus – A high-energy performance blending theater, music, and acrobatics by local artists.
Our handpicked hotels:
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Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor: Dating back to 1932, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was one of the first luxury hotels in Siem Reap. Many famous travellers have stayed here over the years, including Somerset Maugham, the Clintons, and Charlie Chaplin.
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FCC Angkor by Avani retains subtle traces of its colonial past, set within the former French Governor’s residence, yet its character is distinctly contemporary. Behind the Indochina Art Deco façade lies a sophisticated, design-led boutique hotel with 80 rooms, blending a contemporary-classic style with a lively atmosphere that reinterprets colonial heritage for modern travellers.
- Zannier Phum Baitang: Phum Baitang offers an immersive Khmer-inspired experience, modelled on a traditional Cambodian village. Its 45 wooden villas, inspired by rural farmhouses, are set amid lush rice fields and swaying palm trees, creating a serene and deeply atmospheric retreat.
- Shinta Mani Angkor: An elegant boutique hotel in Siem Reap’s quiet French Quarter. Designed by Bill Bensley, it blends modern chic with Khmer-inspired details. The hotel features 105 rooms and suites, including 10 duplex Bensley Pool Villas with private pools, rooftop lounges, and butler service — part of the Bensley Collection.
- Anjali by Syphon, a stylish four-star boutique eco-resort in Siem Reap, just 5 km from Angkor Wat. Opened in 2018, it offers 29 contemporary rooms and suites showcasing modern Cambodian art and sustainable design. Guests can unwind at Anjali Spa, dine on refined Khmer and Western cuisine at Hunkaar Table & Lounge, and enjoy a complimentary tuk-tuk to downtown Siem Reap. Centred around a lush pool courtyard, the resort delivers a calm, modern retreat with a strong sense of place.
BATTAMBANG - Cultural soul & countryside
A peaceful riverside town, Battambang charms with colonial architecture, local art, scenic landscapes of rice paddies and rural villages. It’s a perfect blend of culture and countryside.
Key sights:
Bamboo Train – A fun countryside ride on a bamboo platform over old tracks.
Phnom Sampeau & Bat Caves – Hilltop views, wartime history, and a dramatic bat flight at sunset.
Wat Ek Phnom – 11th-century temple ruins near the river.
Central Market (Phsar Nath) – Art Deco architecture and local life.
Phare Ponleu Selpak – Circus shows and local art from a creative community.
Wat Samraong Knong – Historic pagoda and Khmer Rouge memorial.
Banan Temple – Small hilltop temple with scenic views.
Laang Spean – Prehistoric cave with ancient archaeological finds.
UNTAMED HIGHLANDS – Wild landscapes & tribal life
These northeastern provinces reveal the raw beauty of Cambodia’s northeast, blending nature, adventure, and indigenous heritage.
MONDULKIRI is a wild and remote province known for its protected forests, rescued elephants and scenic jungle landscapes. Home to the Bunong people, Mondulkiri is ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting and nature-based adventures.
Key sights:
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Jungle Treks – Explore dense forest, hidden waterfalls and rare wildlife.
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Cultural Encounters – Learn about the daily life and traditions of Bunong communities.
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Scenic Landscapes – Enjoy sweeping views of rolling hills, valleys and winding rivers.
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Ethical Elephant Encounters – Meet rescued elephants in their natural habitat at trusted sanctuaries, where your visit supports their protection.
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Elephant Valley Project – An NGO-run initiative offering day hikes and volunteer opportunities with rescued elephants, while supporting mahouts and preserving traditional ways of life.
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Mondulkiri Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary – A non-profit sanctuary providing ethical elephant walks and caring for rescued wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, civets, otters, porcupines and leopard cats.
RATANAKIRI is a remote province famous for red-earth landscapes, ancient forests and diverse ethnic communities, offering crater lakes, powerful waterfalls and immersive cultural experiences.
Key sights:
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Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake – A perfectly round crater lake with clear water, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
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Ka Chon & Katieng Waterfalls – Beautiful jungle waterfalls surrounded by pristine rainforest.
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Indigenous Villages (Jarai, Kreung, Tampuan) – Traditional stilt houses and living tribal cultures.
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Tompuon Communities – Known for handicrafts, animist beliefs and strong cultural identity.
STUNG TRENG is a peaceful province in northeast Cambodia, where the Mekong flows through clean wetlands and green forests. It’s great for travellers who love nature and quiet places.
Key sights:
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Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast, biodiverse protected area in northern Stung Treng Province. It is globally recognised for safeguarding endangered species, including Cambodia’s national bird, the giant ibis. The sanctuary protects critically endangered wildlife threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
Key species include:
- Birds: Giant ibis, white-shouldered ibis, rare vultures.
- Mammals: Eld’s deer, banteng, gaur, sambar, sun bears, clouded leopards. -
Ecotourism supports both conservation and local communities, with part of the revenue reinvested into protection efforts. Activities include endangered bird watching, guided wildlife tracking, river cruises, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Where to stay:
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Siem Pang Forest Lodge – a tented eco-resort that blends naturally into the forest and offers a luxurious yet authentic experience of wild Cambodia. Each stay helps support the preservation of this fragile, biodiverse sanctuary.
Glamping amid pristine forests, the lodge was designed to sit gently within the landscape. Fifteen elevated safari tents curve through the trees on hardwood decks, creating the lightest possible footprint. The resort was built around the existing forest, with many standing trunks incorporated into the design, ensuring every tent has its own quiet, private space.
TONLÉ SAP - The Heart of Cambodia
Tonlé Sap is Cambodia’s great freshwater lake, home to floating villages where life is shaped by the water, traditions and community.
Key sights:
Kompong Khleang Floating Village – One of the largest stilted villages on Tonlé Sap, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional lake life.
Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve – A UNESCO-protected natural area known for its rich wildlife, flooded forests and wetlands, supporting local communities and aquatic life.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary – A renowned wetlands sanctuary home to rare water birds and important migratory species.
KAMPONG CHHNANG - Empowering communities
A peaceful riverside province known for its traditional pottery villages and rural charm. Here, Smiling Gecko supports local communities through education, vocational training and sustainable livelihoods. Founded in Switzerland in 2012, Smiling Gecko Cambodia was established in 2014.
Our focus:
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Kindergarten and School – Founded in 2017, the SGC HISF Education Campus now educates 500+ children and aims to reach 1,000, providing a vital pathway out of poverty in rural Cambodia.
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Agriculture and Livestock Farming – Produces organic food and sustainable livelihoods, helping families become self-reliant and support their communities.
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Craftsmanship and Production – Produces essential goods and serves as key training centres for youth and adults, providing skills, dignified work and stable income.
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The Gong – A centre of performing cultural arts for Cambodia.
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Humanitarian Emergency Aid – Guiding people to help themselves while delivering emergency food, medical supplies and clean water.
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Farmhouse Resort & Spa – A meaningful holiday at the award-winning Farmhouse Resort, where travel supports community impact.
(Source: https://farmhouse-smilinggecko.com/)
KAMPOT - Peaceful and authentic
A riverside town with colonial charm, Kampot is known for its pepper farms, relaxed vibe, and scenic countryside. With its mix of culture, nature, and seaside breezes, Kampot offers the perfect escape for those seeking authenticity and relaxation.
Key sights:
Bokor Hill Station – Eerie colonial ruins with sweeping mountain views.
Pepper Plantations – Visit world-famous Kampot pepper farms.
Green Cathedral – Peaceful river loop, ideal for kayaking.
Phnom Chhnork & Phnom Sorsia – Ancient cave temples and bat-filled caverns.
Salt Fields & Big Durian – Rural scenery and quirky local landmarks.
Kampot Town – Colonial charm, markets, and riverside strolls.
Tuek Chhu Rapids – Bamboo platforms and natural pools.
Kep (Day Trip) – Fresh crab, beach, and seafood market by the sea.
NATIONAL PARKS
Wildlife and nature
Cambodia’s national parks and protected areas safeguard vast rainforests, wetlands and mountain landscapes, offering rich wildlife encounters and immersive nature experiences.
Major National Parks & Protected Areas:
- Phnom Kulen Mountain – A sacred mountain and national park about 50 km north of Siem Reap, home to ancient temples, holy waterfalls, and the reclining Buddha, and considered the birthplace of the Angkor Empire.
Key sights:
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River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean) – Riverbed carved with Hindu symbols and deities.
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Preah Ang Thom – A 16th-century monastery with an 8-metre reclining Buddha.
- Srah Damrei – Ancient sandstone elephant sculpture from the 8th–9th century.
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Trek to the scenic Kulen Waterfall.
- Stay in Phnom Kulen, cradle of the Angkor Empire.
Where to stay:
Phum Boran Homestay – Experience Phnom Kulen with an overnight homestay that supports a local family and offers genuine immersion in Cambodian life. Explore ancient carvings, jungle temples, and waterfalls with a local ranger, share home-cooked meals, and gain deeper insight into the birthplace of the Angkor Empire—an authentic, community-based travel experience.
- Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary – A protected wetland on Tonlé Sap Lake, famous for rare water birds and seasonal breeding colonies.
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Preah Monivong Bokor NP – Located in southern Cambodia, is known for its cool climate, misty views and dense jungle, offering rich wildlife and scenic hiking opportunities.
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Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary – One of Cambodia’s most biodiverse areas, supporting rare primates including douc langurs and gibbons, with guided wildlife tracking experiences.
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Virachey NP – Located in the northeast, this remote wilderness shelters rare wildlife such as gibbons, hornbills and sun bears. Ideal for multi-day jungle treks and nature exploration.
- Botum Sakor NP – A coastal forest reserve with mangroves, river systems and diverse wildlife, ideal for eco-exploration.
- Southern Cardamom National Park, established in 2016, is Cambodia’s newest and one of its largest protected areas, linking six parks into a vast conservation landscape. Rich in biodiversity, it offers immersive rainforest experiences — home to gibbons, otters, deer, carnivorous plants and vibrant birdlife — explored through guided walks or boat trips, while supporting community-based ecotourism and conservation.
Where to stay:
- Cardamom Tented Camp offers an eco-friendly stay under canvas in the rainforest of Koh Kong province. Working with Wildlife Alliance and forest rangers, it supports conservation and local communities within Botum Sakor National Park. The camp features nine comfortable safari-style tents, thoughtfully designed to minimise environmental impact, each with en-suite facilities, hot showers and private patios for a sustainable yet comfortable wilderness experience.
Guests can join a range of engaging camp activities focused on conservation and community support.
- Guided trekking
- Zip-line
- Tubing
- Setting up camera traps to monitor local wildlife
- Finding and recording wildlife footprints and trails
- Cataloging flora and fauna in the conservation areas
- Exploring the river systems by kayak
- Self-guided hikes along carefully prepared trails
- Learning about negative influences of poaching, logging and sand dredging
- Canvas & Orchids, a unique eco-focused retreat set along the winding Tatai River, surrounded by lush rainforest. Blending adventure and comfort, guests enjoy nature-based activities by day and relax at night in floating tented villas or island tents on land. With a maximum of 46 guests, an intimate and peaceful escape is assured.
We offer exploration and adventure that make the most of the unmatched beauty defining Cambodia’s magical land.
- Trekking in the Cardamom Mountains
- Community encounters
- Dawn jungle trek
- River sunset cruise
- Tatai waterfalls by boat
- Immersive nature experiences
- Shinta Mani Wild, an all-inclusive luxury tented camp in the remote Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia. Designed by Bill Bensley, it blends bold design, conservation and true jungle remoteness in one of Southeast Asia’s last untouched wilderness areas.
Tents – Your Home in the Jungle
Set along the river, 15 private tents offer secluded luxury in the heart of the rainforest. Thoughtfully positioned with minimal environmental impact, each canvas-roofed tent is unique — perched above the river and wrapped in foliage. Expect air-conditioned comfort, cloud-soft beds, hand-picked antiques, and private decks with riverside tubs for an intimate jungle escape.
Experiences – Unforgettable moments, All included
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Sundowner cocktails – sunset drinks overlooking the jungle
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Arrival by zipline – a thrilling entrance above the rainforest canopy
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Jungle cruises – explore hidden waterways by boat
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Kayaking – paddle through calm rivers and forested banks
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High-end foraged cuisine – refined dishes using local, wild ingredients
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Natural wellness – nature-inspired treatments and relaxation
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Anti-poaching patrols – join rangers protecting the forest
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Camera trapping – help monitor rare wildlife
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Picnic feasts – private dining in scenic jungle settings
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Mountain biking – ride through rainforest trails
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Birdwatching – spot rare and colourful species
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Cooking classes – learn local and foraged recipes
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Swimming at the cistern – cool off in a natural jungle pool
BEACH & ISLANDS
Tranquil and untouched
With white sands, crystal-clear waters, and an unspoilt, laid-back atmosphere, Cambodia’s islands provide a serene escape for beach lovers, nature seekers, and those in search of understated luxury.
Koh Rong – Pristine white sands, secluded shores, and rich marine life in a luxury eco-island setting, ideal for barefoot luxury seekers.
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Song Saa: An exclusive private island resort in the Koh Rong archipelago, known for its barefoot luxury, sustainability focus, and secluded island escape — ideal for the eco-minded sophisticate.
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The Royal Sands: A luxury beachfront resort on the pristine white sands of Sok San beach, Koh Rong island, offering 67 villas, including ocean-view and beachfront options, select private pools, refined dining, a spa, and a secluded island escape.
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Golden Beach Resort: A four-star beachfront retreat in Sok San village, Koh Rong island, set on pristine white sands and known for excellent service, modern amenities, and complimentary activities including kayaking, snorkelling, fishing trips.
Koh Russey (Bamboo Island) – A private island in the Koh Rong Archipelago off the coast of Sihanoukville, known for high-end eco-tourism with luxury resorts set amid lush tropical landscapes and pristine beaches.
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JATI Resort: Just 10 minutes by speedboat from the mainland, this Shinta Mani–managed resort offers year-round access, 84 spacious modern villas, high-standard service, and a vibrant, colourful design.
- Koh Russey Resort: A luxury retreat offering a tranquil escape with a secluded copper-sand beach, focused on nature and relaxation, featuring 50 pavilions and 13 villas with modern amenities, including select private pools and ocean views.
Koh Krabey – A private island with clear waters, lush forests, and a tranquil atmosphere, offering a tranquil barefoot-luxury retreat — ideal for a wellness escape.
Home to the eco-luxury Six Senses Krabey Island, this 30-acre sanctuary with 40 villas blends modern design with seclusion, featuring tropical rainforest, secluded coves, organic gardens, sea pools and sustainably crafted villas linked by scenic boardwalks.
Kep Beach – Relaxed and picnic-friendly, with the lively Crab Market, Kep National Park, and Rabbit Island close by.
A sanctuary by the sea, Knai Bang Chatt Resort is where nature sets the pace. With just 18 rooms, it offers an intimate and private haven that blends relaxation, culture, and community.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISES
Scenic and storied
Unforgettable journeys along the legendary Mekong River, tracing the rich cultures of Cambodia and Vietnam.
Selection of Mekong River Cruises operating between Cambodia and Vietnam
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Aqua Mekong: Ultra-luxury, small ship, high-end suites, Michelin-chef dining, design-driven.
(Source: https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/)
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Scenic Spirit: Ultra-luxury, European standards, high-end target.
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Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise: Boutique luxury with rich cultural immersion, French-colonial/Khmer style.
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Heritage Line The Jahan Cruise: Elegant, British-Indian colonial décor, strong brand.
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Mekong Princess Cruise: More accessible luxury; smaller ship, good value.
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Mekong Navigator: Mid-luxury market; strong value.
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RV Tonle Pandaw: Adventure-luxury hybrid, good for culturally oriented travellers.
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Victoria Mekong Cruise: Shorter routes, ideal for clients with less time.