This stylish, Bill Bensley–designed hotel in Siem Reap’s Royal Quarter blends whimsical design, deep local engagement and thoughtful, luxury standard service. Your stay also directly supports local education, community and culture.
Location: Nestled in Siem Reap’s tree-shaded Royal District (sometimes known as the French Quarter), Shinta Mani Angkor feels a world away from the tourist bustle, yet it’s just a short tuk-tuk ride from the Angkor Archaeological Park and the city’s riverfront. Its tranquil compound offers a leafy, intimate base for discovering both the temples and the creative soul of modern Siem Reap during your Cambodian adventure.
Rooms: The resort offers 105 rooms and suites spread across two wings: the Bayon Wing, overlooking the pool and gardens, and the Angkor Wing, close to the spa and restaurant. All rooms are thoughtfully decorated for whimsical, yet luxurious design. For a truly elevated stay, there are 10 Bensley Pool Villas, each 156 sqm and designed over two levels. These come with private pools, rooftop lounges, outdoor tubs and butler service. Six of these villas can be combined into larger two-bedroom villas, ideal for families or groups.
Amenities: Shinta Mani Angkor is packed with thoughtful touches and stylish facilities. There are two swimming pools; a 23-metre Bayon Pool and a 20-metre Angkor Pool, each with its own bar. The Outsider Gallery and Boutique showcases local art and design, with proceeds supporting the Shinta Mani Foundation. The hotel’s two restaurants, Kroya and Baitong, serve modern Khmer cuisine and all-day dining, while Bensley Bar offers a creative cocktail menu in a vibrant, art-filled space. In addition, there’s a 24-hour concierge, 24-hour in-room dining, and friendly butler service in the villas.
Activities: Wellness is rooted in tradition at the Khmer Tonics Spa, which offers treatments inspired by Khmer healing rituals, as well as facials using organic, locally made products. For an extra touch, pool villa guests can enjoy in-villa massages in their rooftop or garden areas. There’s also a small fitness centre, and the hotel arranges guided excursions — from temple tours of Angkor to local cultural walks, gallery visits, river cruises, and more. Guests can even take part in a Cambodian cooking class, starting with a market tour and ending in a hands-on kitchen.
Sustainability: What truly makes Shinta Mani Angkor special is its heart. The hotel supports the Shinta Mani Foundation, which runs a hospitality school on-site to train underprivileged Cambodians in hotel and service skills. By staying here, guests directly contribute to education, healthcare and community projects. The Outsider Gallery sells local artisans’ work, the spa employs marginalized therapists, and much of the revenue from the hotel helps sustain long-term social impact.
Let me create your perfect Cambodian holiday
Best places to stay in Siem Reap holidays
Cambodia Trip Inspiration
When to visit Cambodia
Find out the best time to visit Cambodia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
Start your year with a visit to Cambodia. The weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat temples without the scorching heat. Take a luxury cruise along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and local culture. The temperature is around 22°C to 32°C.
February
It's still the best time for exploring both cultural and natural attractions. Continue your exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park, visiting lesser-visited temples. Head to Cambodia's coastal areas like Sihanoukville and enjoy pristine beaches and water activities. Temperature: 23°C to 33°C
March
Experience the lively Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in Phnom Penh, a unique cultural celebration with boat races and colourful processions. Venture into the Cardamom Mountains for eco-adventures, discovering diverse wildlife and untouched rainforests. Temperature: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F) As the dry season continues, March offers great conditions for exploring. However, it can be a bit warmer, so staying well-hydrated is essential.
April
Witness the Khmer New Year celebrations with traditional rituals and water fights. Explore the vibrant markets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for local crafts and souvenirs. The temperature is around 25°C to 35°C April brings the Khmer New Year celebrations, it's also the hottest month. Expect vibrant festivities but prepare for the heat.
May
May offers a slight relief from the heat, making it a good time to explore, especially if you prefer a quieter travel experience. As the dry season comes to an end, consider visiting the less touristy parts of the country like Battambang and Kampong Cham for a more intimate experience. Embark on a luxury trek through the Virachey National Park, discovering remote tribal communities and pristine nature. Temperature: 25°C to 35°C
June
The rainy season begins in June. While it may limit some outdoor activities, it's still possible to enjoy your trip, especially if you plan indoor and cultural experiences Experience the lush green landscapes of Cambodia during the beginning of the rainy season. Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake to witness the unique way of life of the local communities. Temperature is approximately 24°C to 34°C at this time of year.
July
Explore the lush, rain-soaked jungles of the Cardamom Mountains, ideal for trekking and wildlife spotting. Consider a luxury river cruise along the Tonle Sap River, a lesser-known but captivating journey. Temperature is around 24°C to 32°C The rainy season continues, bringing lush landscapes and occasional downpours. It can be a mixed time for adventure, so plan accordingly.
August
The rainy season continues, making this a great time to visit Cambodia's waterfalls, like the beautiful Kulen Waterfalls in Phnom Kulen National Park. Enjoy the lush rice paddies and rural scenery in the countryside. Mixed Time to Visit. Temperature: 24°C to 32°C. Similar to July, August is also part of the rainy season. Plan for indoor activities and bring appropriate rain gear.
September
While the rain may still be present, it's a quieter time for tourists, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of major attractions. Explore the remote temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. The temperature is around 24°C to 32°C while the rain persists, September allows for unique experiences like visiting flooded forests and exploring areas less frequented by tourists.
October
As the rain subsides, the landscapes become greener and more vibrant, making it an excellent time to visit Angkor Wat and other historical sites. Consider a luxury river cruise along the Mekong River to experience Cambodia from a different perspective. Temperature: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F)
As the rainy season wanes, October provides lush landscapes and fewer tourists, making it a good time for more adventurous exploration.
November
The cool and dry season returns, making it an ideal time to explore Cambodia's national parks and forests. Venture into the remote Mondulkiri region for jungle adventures and interactions with local hill tribes. Best Time to Visit Temperature: 23°C to 31°C
The cool and dry season returns and November is one of the best times to visit Cambodia. Enjoy comfortable weather for all types of adventures.
December
End your year in Cambodia by exploring the stunning beaches of the Cambodian Riviera. Enjoy a luxury holiday in the coastal town of Kep, known for its seafood and relaxing ambiance. Wrap up the year with perfect weather for luxury adventures in Cambodia. It's the best time to explore the country's natural and cultural wonders. Temperature: 22°C to 31°C.
Speak to a Cambodia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Nia
Cambodia Expert