Cambodia has such a unique energy—jungle temples, dreamy islands, buzzing cities—and we tried to experience a little of everything. We moved around quite a bit and stayed in very different places: from a private pool villa in Siem Reap to a no-frills bungalow by the sea. If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia and wondering where to stay, here’s a full breakdown of the hotels we booked—from stylish pool villas near Angkor Wat to barefoot bungalows on the islands and leafy retreats in the capital.
We moved around quite a bit and ended up loving the mix. Each stay had a completely different feel, and I’d honestly recommend every one of them, depending on what kind of vibe you’re after.
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Siem Reap – Templation Hotel
We started in Siem Reap, where we stayed at Templation Hotel (read the full review here). It’s set just outside the city center, close to the Angkor temples but surrounded by greenery and peace. We booked one of their private pool villas—and honestly, it felt like its own little jungle hideout. Lots of space, big windows, soft concrete floors, and the biggest pool I’ve ever had all to myself.
The breakfast was served by the main pool or in-room, and the whole atmosphere was just so calm. After long temple days in the heat and dust, coming back here felt like a reward.
Koh Rong – Anaya Koh Rong
From Siem Reap, we flew to Sihanoukville and caught the ferry to Koh Rong, one of Cambodia’s most pristine islands. We stayed at Anaya Koh Rong, a small boutique resort right on peaceful Pagoda Beach.
The setting is tropical-dreamy: think palm trees, an infinity pool by the sea, and quiet bungalows nestled in a garden. The beach here is super swimmable and not crowded at all. It’s the kind of place where you live in your swimsuit all day. I wrote about my full experience at Anaya Koh Rong here. If you’re searching for where to stay in Koh Rong and want something boutique but relaxed, this one worked perfectly for us.
Right next to Anaya is its sister property, Tamu, which gives off more of a tropical-cool, minimalist vibe. Think: black-tiled pool, modern architecture, and clean lines. They also have deluxe tents right on the beach, if you’re into glamping and want to be even closer to nature—just you, the ocean, and a few palm trees swaying overhead.
Fun fact: Both Anaya and Tamu come with outdoor bathrooms, which adds to the whole island-living charm… though it’s definitely one of those things where you need to be okay with showering under the sky (and occasionally sharing the moment with a curious gecko or two 😅).
Koh Rong Sanloem – Island Center Point
After the wedding, we ferried over to Koh Rong Sanloem, which is smaller, quieter, and just a little bit wilder. We stayed at Island Center Point (full review here), a very simple bungalow hotel right on Saracen Bay.
It’s not luxurious—more of a barefoot, salty-hair kind of stay—but the location was everything. You wake up and step straight into the sea. No loud music, no roads, just white sand and turquoise water. If you’re planning a digital detox or just want to be in nature, this is it.
Phnom Penh – PAVILION Hotel
To finish the trip, we spent three nights in Phnom Penh, staying at PAVILION Hotel. It’s part of the same hotel group as Templation, and it has a similar vibe—lush, low-key, and beautifully designed. The hotel is tucked behind big walls, hidden away in the middle of the city with two pools and leafy courtyards.
It’s adults-only and full of character. You’re just a short walk from the Royal Palace and riverside, but it still feels like a retreat. This one was a real surprise—I hadn’t expected to love Phnom Penh as much as I did.
If you’re still figuring out where to stay in Cambodia, this mix worked really well for us. Each place gave us something different—culture, coast, island time, and city life—and the hotels felt like a real part of the experience.
You can find our full Cambodia travel diary here with more tips, route details, and impressions from the trip. And as always, feel free to reach out via Instagram @trvlxpt.diary if you have questions while planning.
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