Maison Polanka is an intimate luxury boutique hideaway in Siem Reap, set in lush tropical gardens close to the Royal Gardens, Angkor National Museum and the eastern side of the Siem Reap River. It’s only a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market and main restaurant area, yet the atmosphere feels wonderfully private and peaceful.
The property is very small and personal, with traditional Cambodian wooden villas set within a large garden estate. Rather than feeling like a conventional hotel, it has the atmosphere of a private residence, with antique pieces, local textiles, shaded pathways and a strong sense of Cambodian character. It’s a lovely choice for travellers who value atmosphere, privacy and thoughtful design over large resort facilities.
Rooms are spacious and individually styled, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, sitting areas, minibars, tea and coffee facilities and private bathrooms. The villas and suites vary in layout, with some offering terraces, garden outlooks or additional living space, making them especially appealing for couples, families or friends travelling together.
Dining is relaxed and personal, with Cambodian and international dishes served in a garden setting. Meals feel more private-house than hotel restaurant, which suits the overall mood of the property beautifully.
Facilities include a swimming pool, spa treatments, garden spaces, restaurant, bar and bicycles. The pool and gardens are the heart of the property, offering a calm retreat after early starts at Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm and the wider temple complex.
Reviews often praise the peaceful setting, beautiful gardens, warm service, spacious rooms and deeply personal atmosphere. Guests particularly value the feeling of staying somewhere distinctive and authentic, though those wanting a large hotel with extensive facilities may prefer a bigger resort.
Bottom Line: Maison Polanka is a charming, highly personal Siem Reap retreat, ideal for travellers wanting privacy, character and a beautiful garden setting close to both town and the temples.
5 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Terrace Villa
Hotel
Set on a quiet stretch of the Mekong just outside the city, The Balé Phnom Penh feels more like a private riverside retreat than a typical Phnom Penh hotel. It’s the sort of place you choose when you want genuine downtime, with the city’s key sights still within straightforward reach by car.
The design is sleek and minimalist, with calming lines, water features and lots of open space, and the mood is deliberately unhurried. Service is discreet and genuinely warm, and the whole place has a hushed, “take a breath” feel that works beautifully after busy touring days.
Rooms are all-suite and notably spacious, with a clean modern aesthetic, big bathrooms and thoughtful comforts that make it easy to settle in. Expect strong air-conditioning, good bedding, generous lounging space, and the little details that matter when you are escaping the heat.
If you can, choose a river-facing suite for the best sense of place, especially at sunset when the light softens over the water. Courtyard suites are also excellent and tend to feel very private, with lovely views across the calm inner gardens and pool area.
Dining centres on the hotel’s restaurant, which delivers refined Khmer flavours alongside familiar favourites, and breakfast is typically a made-to-order affair rather than a bustling buffet. Dining can be as formal or as relaxed as you like, from an elegant table setting to something simpler by the pool.
Location is in a peaceful riverside area outside central Phnom Penh, so plan on a 20 to 30 minute drive into town depending on traffic. The trade-off is worth it for the tranquillity, and it pairs well with a city stay if you want both energy and escape across your trip.
The centrepiece is the long riverside pool, which is ideal for an afternoon reset, plus there’s a well-equipped gym and spa treatments for post-sightseeing recovery. It’s a strong choice for couples and anyone who values calm, space and privacy, rather than being in the thick of the city.
Reviews consistently highlight the serene setting, striking design, and the professionalism of the team, with many guests calling out the exceptional pool and the overall sense of peace. Room size and comfort are frequent positives, and the food and breakfast tend to be well regarded, especially for shorter stays.
Bottom Line: A polished, minimalist Mekong-side retreat with big, beautiful suites and a standout pool, ideal for travellers who want Phnom Penh’s highlights by day and real calm by night.
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Courtyard Suite
Hotel
Knai Bang Chatt is Kep’s standout boutique retreat, set on the seafront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and within easy reach of the Kep Crab Market, Kep National Park and the town’s small beach area. It’s a lovely choice for travellers who want a peaceful coastal stay with design, atmosphere and a strong connection to the slower rhythm of Kep.
The resort is built around restored 1960s modernist villas, reflecting the period when Kep was Cambodia’s fashionable seaside escape. The style is understated and elegant, with clean architectural lines, tropical gardens, sea views, shaded terraces and a relaxed, barefoot feel rather than formal resort luxury.
Rooms are individually styled and calm in tone, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibars, tea and coffee facilities, comfortable bedding, spacious bathrooms and either garden or sea views depending on category. Some rooms are more compact, so it’s worth choosing a higher category if space and outlook are important.
Dining is a real strength, with a focus on fresh seafood, Cambodian flavours and relaxed seaside meals. The setting is especially appealing at sunset, when the light softens over the water and Kep’s coastal character comes through beautifully.
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gardens, bicycles, water-based activities and access to the broader Kep West facilities. The pool and seafront areas are ideal for slowing down after time in Phnom Penh, Kampot or Siem Reap.
Reviews often praise the peaceful setting, stylish villas, warm service, excellent food and sea views. Guests particularly value the quiet, restorative atmosphere, though the beach here is more for views and water activities than classic swimming.
Bottom Line: Knai Bang Chatt is a refined, characterful Kep retreat, ideal for travellers wanting seaside calm, excellent food, understated design and easy access to the crab market, national park and coastal countryside.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Hotel
