World-renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley gives us the lowdown on one of his favourite cities in Southeast Asia
Where I stay in Siem Reap…

The Shinta Mani Bensley Collection as it is the most comfortable, luxurious and private residence in Siem Reap.

The restaurant you should visit…

Vibe Cafe, is an amazing vegan restaurant in the ever-growing hipster neighborhood of Kandal Village. Looking for a juice detox or perhaps the best vegan dishes in Indo China? Then Vibe is the place to go. Get out and explore the neighborhood and feel good (inside and out) while you do it.

Where you should go for cocktails…

Miss Wong. Sophisticated and quality cocktails in the heart of Siem Reap’s old town. Always a great mix of locals and tourists. An artistic crowd.

The best place for interior buys…

Go to Louise Loubatieres Gallery where you’ll find an array of arts, crafts, textiles and design objects from Southeast Asia.

Bill Bensley's Guide To Siem Reap

Bill Bensley's Guide To Siem Reap

The souvenir that you should take home with you

Buy a well for a family from the Shinta Mani Foundation and take home a photograph of the well as a keepsake.

The one thing that you should do before you leave.

Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Bill Bensley's Guide To Siem Reap

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Iguazu Falls Brazilian Amazon Salvador & Bahia Brazil South America

  • Stroll along the beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro
  • Paddle the canals and lakes of the Anavilhanas Archipelago in the Amazon, looking out for pink river dolphins
  • Watch the locals perform the Brazilian martial art capoeira in the Pelourinho district of Salvador
  • Sail around the 365 islands just off the shores of the Costa Verde coastline
  • Witness panoramic views above Devil’s Throat Gorge at Iguazu Falls

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 13 nights

Cultural Discovery of the Northeast

New York North America

  • Marvel at the Manhattan, New York skyline while cruising around the harbour
  • Enjoy a VIP Broadway experience, including cocktails and a backstage tour
  • Witness views of the monuments of Washington DC on a night tour
  • Learn the secrets of James Bond at the International Spy Museum
  • Go on a guided tour of Harvard University, a top Ivy League school

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 10 nights

Photography Weekend in Siem Reap

Siem Reap

  • Explore Angkor Wat with American fine art photographer and photojournalist John McDermott
  • Visit Beng Mealea, one of the few ancient temples you can climb
  • Learn about life in the local villages and dine at a local home
  • Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest lake in south-east Asia
  • Discover Siem Reap’s colourful markets

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 3 nights
Destinations Featured in the Article
Cambodia, Asia

Cambodia

From ancient temples to breathtaking landscapes and undiscovered beaches, Cambodia offers luxury holidays steeped in culture and history.

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