Anjali by Syphon is a small, contemporary retreat that feels like a calm pocket of greenery away from the bustle, built around a central pool courtyard and leafy gardens. It suits travellers who want easy access to both the temples and town, while still coming back to somewhere genuinely restful.
Rooms are generously sized for Siem Reap, with a clean modern look, good air-conditioning, and private balconies that make downtime feel easy. If you can, consider upgrading to a pool-access room for that “step outside and swim” convenience, or one of the suites for extra space and extra comfort.
Dining centres on Hunkaar Table & Lounge, serving a mix of refined Khmer dishes and familiar Western favourites, with a focus on fresh ingredients. It’s ideal for an unhurried breakfast before an early temple start, or an easy dinner on a night you’d rather stay in.
Location is a practical middle ground. You’re close enough to be in town quickly when you want it, but far enough out to feel quieter in the evenings, and the hotel’s tuk-tuk options make getting around simple.
Reviews often mention the warm, attentive staff, the peaceful pool area, and how spacious the rooms feel. Guests also tend to value the relaxed atmosphere, especially after full days out at Angkor.
Bottom Line: A stylish, leafy base with excellent service, roomy modern accommodation, and a restful feel that works beautifully between temple days and laid-back evenings.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Garden View Room
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.
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x 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.
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Classic Room
Hotel
