Cambodia will stay in our hearts and memories forever
Cambodia
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Jan 10 - Jan 22, 2026
Our trip to Cambodia was absolutely exceptional. Everything about the trip exceeded my expectations. We stayed at 3 properties (Palace Gate Hotel in Phnom Penh, Maisons Wat in Battanbang and Templation in Siem Riep); all wereabsolutely wonderful. They were beautiful and extremely comfortable, without being ostentatious or out of place. The staffs at each hotel were helpful and welcoming.
The activities were amazing -- In Phnom Penh, we loved the impressive National museum and perfect Royal Palace. In Battambang, we loved seeing the great artisans (especially the pottery making) and experiences like rice paper making. And, of course, it was unbelievable to be in Siem Reap with the extraordinary temples, including Ankor Wat, but also such gems as Banteay Srei.
We had some fabulous meals and are now big fans of Khmer food. We would especially call out the world-class meal we had at the Embassy (Siem Reap) with chef Kimsan Pol and her all female team. We also had a great meal at the sister restaurant in Phnom Penh, Sombok. We had the requisite cocktail at the Elephant Bar (Raffles), which had great cocktails, but even more enjoyed the Le Moon Rooftop Bar in PHnom Penh.
Our guides were excellent -- knowledgeable, pleasant, and helpful. Pikh in Phnom Penh was one of the best guides ever. She had great knowledge, was very flexible about incorporating our needs, and just a pleasure to know. Arn was also excellent. Steve, our local specialist, did a great job of accommodating our needs and adjusting to the things we wanted to spend time doing. He found us great places to stay, arranged all of our activities, as well as our great guides. He was super responsive.
The people of Cambodia are especially warm and welcoming. This would be worth noting at any time, but given the very difficult history of Cambodia, and even some of the current bombing at the border, this is extraordinary. We felt welcome everywhere we went and loved meeting the people there.
Thank you for an absolutely wonderful holiday. Cambodia has become a place that is near and dear to my heart. Come visit. You won't be disappointed!
Hotel Reviews
Maisons Wat Kor is an amzingly beautiful hotel. The staff are incredibly helpful and welcoming. The common areas are beautiful with amazing plantings. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and so pretty. Everything was perfect.
This hotel is perfectly situated and the just the right amount of luxury! It feels like it belongs here and yet is so comfortable, with great food, a wonderful breakfast every day, and incredibly helpful Staff. Also, the pool is absolutely exquisite and a lovely thing to have in such a hot climate.
Activity Reviews
Great way to see the city! So much fun!
Extraordinary museum. Great artifacts, beautiful buildings, wonderful experience.
Not super special -- food was mediocre, atmosphere not local, people all tourists, room very hot without ventilation (many had fans, but we did not!)
Awkward concept -- we were not comfortable during this entire event. Going through an impoverished village and then riding an oxcart, while locals zoom by on the motorbikes. Getting off a boat (when the ride was not necessary or appealing) and being offered champagne in a dirt patch by the river in the middle of the afternoon). I could go on from there. But, this was the only low point of the trip.
The Royal Palace was absolutely gorgeous and impeccably kept up. Great visit!
This is an incredible museum. We learned a ton about the history of Cambodia and needed lots more time for our visit.
We loved cruising on the river, seeing the city at sunset and just relaxing after a day of touring. Fabulous!
Not to be missed. So very sad, but essential to understanding the history.
I don't think that many people go to Banteay Srei, but it was absolutely beautiful and incredible. We loved the place, the intricate and exquisite carvings, the small number of toursists. And the drive there went through some nice villages. It was great!
Wow! The circus was truly extraordinary. We loved seeing these young people perform!
Loved spending the day going to these different places. The family who made pottery was especially great!
Surprisingly, we loved this. Super interesting. Great tour.
Thanks so much for the lovely words. I love this: 'Cambodia will stay in our hearts and memories forever'. This is not the first time I've heard similar words from departing guests. Many visitors cherish the charms of Cambodia and that a developing country can inspire others. In fact, you really should work for the Ministry of Tourism!
Thank you also for appreciating the local activities and exploring villages around Battambang, the pottery village near Kompong Chhnang and much... Read more