The Best of Cambodia & Laos

combo and sinks set in unique oversize ceramic cauldrons. The central lobby is a series
of platforms and private sitting areas, a good place to rest after a day at the temples. The
staff is very welcoming. The pool is small but picturesque in a verdant courtyard at the
rear. The Auberge de Temples Restaurant is on a small island in the central pond and
serves fine French and Khmer cuisines. The hotel’s Apsara Theater Restaurant, just
outside the gate, has Khmer-style banquet dining and performances of Khmer Apsara
dancing nightly. The whole place is infused with Khmer culture and hospitality, and so
popular is the original that they’ve expanded (see Angkor Village Resort below). Angkor
Village is often full so be sure to book ahead.
Wat Bo Rd., Siem Reap. & 063/965-561. Fax 063/965-565. www.angkorvillage.com. 52 units. $169 (offseason
discounts available). AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet; outdoor pool; limited room
service; small library. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar, Wi-Fi.
Angkor Village Resort This campus of luxury rooms is located a few steps closer
to the temples (it all counts when you’re racing for the sunrise). The resort offers the same
standard of comfort and style as its sister hotel (see above), but with a fun pool as well as
large ponds of Japanese koi, fountains, and lush landscaping. The resort does a good job
of creating a sanctuary far away from town, but unfortunately the loud music from
nearby developments occasionally overpowers the tranquil buzzing of cicadas. Rooms are
set in two-story blocks of Khmer-style peaked roofs, two rooms on each floor. Rooms are
stylish but lean more to the cozy than to the austere. A Naga (snakelike temple decoration)
adorns the one desk; old prints of Angkor scenes hang on the walls; and four-poster
firm beds complete the cozy effect. All rooms have balconies overlooking the pool. Bathrooms
are large with raised shower units open to a tile room with a one-piece wooden
counter set with two bright, free-standing porcelain sink bowls; pale-green tile and cool
indirect lighting are quite pleasing. The toilet area is separate. The staff is as friendly as
they come. Breakfast of fresh breads and crepes by the pond is a treat (and the kids will
love feeding the fish).
Phum Traeng (on the north end of town nearer the temples), Siem Reap. & 063/963-561. Fax 063/963-
363. www.angkorvillage.com. 40 units. $199 double. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet;
outdoor pool; limited room service; small library. In room: A/C, fridge, minibar, Wi-Fi.
FCC Angkor This hotel is located beside the restaurant of the same name (p. 108).
Located behind high walls and shaded by towering tropical trees, the FCC has an excellent
location. All the rooms have names (Basil, Lychee, and so on), not numbers, to give
things a personal feel. Rooms have low beds on wooden frames and modern amenities
like flatscreen TVs and hip furniture. The decor is similarly cool, with pale-yellow tile
floors paired with fun block color paintings hang on the walls. The long and narrow
outdoor pool is great for an afternoon cool-off.
Pokambor Ave. (next to the Royal Residence and just north of the post office). & 063/760-280. Fax
063/760-281 www.fcccambodia.com. 31 units. Low season $130–$150 double, $280 suite; high season
$170–$190 double, $340 suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor saltwater pool. In room: A/C,
TV/DVD, fridge, minibar, Wi-Fi.
Pavillon d’Orient Another Art Deco colonial hotel arrives in Siem Reap, but
this one stands out for its newness and boutique charm. Pavillon is a great choice in this
price range as it comes with nice perks like free tuk-tuk transportation to the temples.
Rooms are large and all have private balconies overlooking the central garden. Bathrooms
come with tubs and rain showers. This buzz-worthy place is often full so make sure to
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WHERE TO STAY