The Most Unusual Places to Stay in Cambodia
From the Angkor Wat to the rush of the cities and its dark depths of untouched jungle, Cambodia has plenty to satisfy the curious traveller in you. Take the adventure further by booking into creative accommodation. From jungle igloos to traditional teahouses, here are the most unusual places to stay in Cambodia.
Cardamom Tented Camp
This eco-camp lies in the heart of Botum Sakor National Park – 18,000ha (44,479 acres) of protected jungle that serves as a natural corridor to a large population of wild elephants. Nine safari-style tents are furnished in rattan and bamboo, blending contemporary design with functional adventure travel. You can hike with local Wildlife Alliance Rangers, plant trees and set up camera traps before kayaking down the Preak Tachan River to spot gibbons and hornbills.
Canvas & Orchids Retreat
Perched on a secluded bend of the Tatai River, this floating pontoon is only accessible by boat from Koh Kong – guaranteeing complete immersion at the base of the Cardamom Mountains. Each of the 13 luxury tents hides a spacious lounge, comfy beds and a river-view deck, inviting guests to dive right into their surroundings. This unique place to stay in Cambodia also offers free kayak use and very affordable jungle excursions.
Jungloo at Templation
Glamp close to Angkor Wat in these unique tented bungalows, hidden in the private grounds of the Templation hotel in Siem Reap. The eight jungloos (jungle igloos) are the first of their kind, designed in an effort to promote sustainable travel. Each structure is self-cooling, built with bug and humidity-busting natural materials that blend into their plush design. You can step out of your private plunge pool to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Eden Eco Village
This charming spot strips travel back to basics, with simple riverside bungalows overlooking the lush Kampot jungle. You’ll find an inspiring dedication to ecotourism here, with solar-powered rooms with “pee-only” toilets that nourish the resident “pee garden”. Most of the staff are hired from local villages, and the restaurant produce is sourced from nearby farms. Wander through a mango orchard before lazing in a hammock and letting the flowing river lull you to sleep.
TeaHouse Asian Urban Hotel
The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, can be a little hectic for some, making this tranquil hotel a welcome retreat. Design elements are taken from traditional Asian teahouses, including gorgeous china tea sets, pared-back furnishings and an entrance flanked by fish ponds. Splashes of lucky red characterise the rooms, while lush greenery surrounds the spa, pool and teahouse, easing guests into a quiet corner of peace.
Shinta Mani Wild
Be the king of the jungle in this ultra-luxury place to stay in Cambodia, hidden at the crossroads of three national parks. Wild by name and nature, a zip line connects you to the cocktail bar, overlooking a coursing river best explored by private boat. Fifteen tented suites are decked out in polished teak, furnished from bed to patio in safari-inspired design. Guests with cash to splash can sleep at the base of a waterfall.
Green Leaf Boutique Hotel
Mother Nature lovingly gazes over this award-winning retreat in Siem Reap, as part of a massive mural that wraps around its room balconies, pool and hallways. Colourful depictions of plants and animals reflect its ethos as the only non-profit hotel in Cambodia, providing local communities with education and environmental support. You can opt for a one-to-eight-day yoga retreat, with 100 percent of profits put towards building wells.
With 10 North American gateways flying non-stop to Hong Kong, and easy connections throughout Asia, Cathay Pacific inspires you to move beyond the familiar and experience more of Asia. Book now at www.cathaypacific.com.
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Want to travel green? Discover our guide to the best ecofriendly hotels in Cambodia and book now on Culture Trip.