EXOTISSIMO Experts in Asia - in Asia TRAVEL Exo Travel Guides Cambodia www.exotissimo.com Introducing Cambodia Thank you for choosing Exotissimo Travel Cambodia to of Angkor, and then leave the country. This is a real skies are clear. However, the dust at this time of year organize your travel arrangements in the kingdom of shame as the rest of the country is filled with fantastic can be irritating and the crowds at the Angkor temples Cambodia. This document will give you some more in- natural beauty and historic temples. So, depending on are at their highest numbers. March to May sees hot- formation about the country, the different destinations how long you have and where your interests like, the ter temperatures and dry skies, and the heat continues within Cambodia, useful facts for travelers, and a list- guide below can help you plan your trip. in to June through August when the monsoon season ing of the Exotissimo preferred hotels. starts. The rains, however, do not usually cause a ma- To truly experience Cambodia, you need to spend a jor problem for travelers as they tend to be short- but In Cambodia, Exotissimo has been very successful at of- few weeks traveling around. Natural attractions range hard- afternoon showers. fering tours which show a little bit more of the country from the northeastern jungles, to the lovely beaches then just the mass tourism places. We opened our first of Sihanoukville, and the mighty rivers that cut across The Cambodian water festival in October is a lively af- office in Phnom Penh in 2000 and have since added an the country. Our staff and guides are enthusiastic about fair with 3 days of dragon boat racing taking place in office in Siem Reap. We believe it is very important to their country of residence and are more than happy to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and Buddhist New Year in show you the unknown treasure of the real Cambodia. help you plan a journey perfectly suited to your needs. April as well as Pchum Ben Festival in September see Of course we will take you to see the highlights, as no Whether you seek luxury travel, an adventurous jour- families gathering at temples to celebrate. Although visitor should miss Angkor Wat, but we are also pleased ney, or a classic tour of Cambodia’s main sites Exotis- all of these are spectacular events, several restaurants to show you lesser known sites - something which is simo knows the best program for your holiday. and shops are closed meaning slight disruptions may often promised but not always delivered. occur in your travel plans. When to go in Cambodia? Where to go in Cambodia? The winter months (October to February) are the best Most visitors fly in to Siem Reap, visit the Temples time to travel to Cambodia as the air is cool and the luxury property: Tucked away from the tourist hubbub art work and traditional textiles. The hotel also has a excursion, buzzing around the temples in a helicopter Siem Reap of Siem Reap, the unique boutique hotel is part of the strong commitment to community development and its is an unparalleled experience. Relais et Chateaux network and offers 26 individually responsible travel outings are a great way to give back Most visitors to Siem Reap are there to visit the decorated rooms and suites in a unique architectural to the community. Any itinerary should include Angkor Wat, the magnifi- famed Temples of Angkor and who can blame style, and the combination with natural products and cent legendary temple. Bayon is another favorite with them? These spectacular ruins from the 9-14th elements provide for an artsy yet very comfortable at- its mysterious faces smiling down on visitors, while centuries are an adventurer’s dream. Located just What to see in Siem Reap? 7km from the entrance gate, Siem Reap has be- mosphere. the jungle covered Ta Phrom is an evocative blend of come a popular stop on the tourist trail of Asia. Of course, no visit to Siem Reap would be complete nature and architecture. Other temples in the vicinity Once a sleepy town full of farms and small shops, Mid Range without a visit to the Temples of Angkor. Over 100 tem- worth seeing are Phnom Bakeng, Pre Rup, Baphoun, the increase in tourists over the past 15 years has ples lie within the Siem Reap province dating from the and Preah Khan. brought an international feel to the town. Mod- ern hotels, internet cafes, and international res- An Exotissimo favorite, the Tara Angkor is a chic modern 9th-14th century. Passes are sold for 1 day, 3 days or 1 taurants are a welcome treat after a day spent hotel with quality rooms, welcoming staff, and a great week and whilst you could spend a lifetime exploring, If you have more time, trips further afield lead to less exploring the temples in the Cambodian heat. Yet, location near the Temples of Angkor. Equally recom- we recommend at least 2 full days for temple explora- crowded temples and spectacular photo opportunities. Siem Reap retains its small town charm and visi- mendable, Borei Angkor Resort & Spa comes in a classic tion. This will allow you to see all of the main temples, Just 12 km from Siem Reap are the Rolous Group of tors who take the time to explore the town and its surroundings are rewarded with a deeper insight Cambodian style of true elegance and comfort. plus a few outlying ruins without racing around. temples, some of the earliest ruins in the region. The in to Cambodian culture and lifestyle. petite Banteay Srey features intricate carvings in pink Splurge There are several options for getting around the tem- sandstone and nearby Banteay Samre is a hidden gem Although a three night stay is the perfect amount Where to stay in Siem Reap? Boutique ples. Car, bus, and van remain the vehicles of choice, tucked away in the jungle. of time for exploring the temples, however we strongly recommend a longer stay to truly experi- For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, there is no but we recommend taking a day to cycle through the ence Siem Reap and its many wonders. Whatever your budget and whatever your accommo- A hidden gem in Siem Reap is Viroth’s, a small hotel doubt that Amansara is the place to stay. Housed in temples. Traveling by two wheels gives you a unique Beng Melea sprawls across one square kilometer and dation needs, Siem Reap has something to suit your with just seven rooms tucked on a quiet side street the grounds of a former royal palace and featuring top perspective and an eco-friendly way to see the temples. remains covered in trees, roots, and vines. Constructed Activities around Angkor & Siem Reap tastes. With over hundreds of hotels and guesthouses near the heart of the city. Trendy, relaxing, and inti- of the line service and facilities, the Amansara is re- Elephant Rides are available and you’ll feel as if you’ve in a similar style to Angkor Wat yet overrun by nature, There is more to Angkor than Temples! Jump on a bicycle and pedal among Angkor’s fabled temples, to choose from, selecting accommodation can seem mate, Viroth’s made the Conde Nast Hot List in 2008. defining the face of luxury in Cambodia. La Residence stepped back in time to the days of the Angkorian Beng Melea is a truly adventurous place to visit. Koh ramble through Siem Reap’s untouched suburban like a daunting task. However, our team in Siem Reap is The new and intimate Villa Kiara is tucked away in a D’Angkor is an ideal base for exploring the temples, kings as you meander through the woods and temples. Ker, situated to the northeast of Siem Reap, is the rem- pockets on an ox-cart, watch rural landscapes constantly researching and visiting hotels, both old and typical Cambodian village setting and boasts with its with leafy green gardens, warm hospitality and luxuri- A tethered hellium balloon is available near Angkor Wat nants of the Khmer capital in the late 9th century and whiz by on a horse riding adventure around Siem new, to stay up to date on the best options in town and tranquil, beautiful garden with pool. The 16 rooms ous rooms. Likewise, the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is which gives distant, but sweeping views of the temples features a circular loop of about a dozen ruins. Reap. to find the perfect hotel for you. Below is a selection come in a minimalist, trendy style where local materi- graceful colonial building offering a refined atmosphere and their surroundings. But the most exciting experi- of our recommended hotels for each category which we als add comfort and a twist - a haven of relaxation! in the heart of Siem Reap. A bit trendier, the Hotel de la ence available is a helicopter flight around the area. Need a break from temple touring? Siem Reap has sev- hope will make your decision easier. The classy Heritage Suites Hotel is a somewhat different Paix features stunning Art Deco rooms accented by local Ranging in length from 8 minutes to chartered half day eral other activities and opportunities for travelers. A boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake should also not be Shopping and Dining overlooked. Each year during the rainy season, the lake swells to five times larger and the plethora of fish Artisan’s D’Angkor is a unique organization working to provide the livelihood for the lake’s residents.