5 Best Hotels in Cambodia

This tropical hideaway of rustic wooden bungalows stretches along a sandy crescent beach on the quiet side of Koh Rong Sanloem. The airy rooms are basic but clean, though the real draw here is the beach, brimming with clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The restaurant serves generous portions of Cambodian and international food, with fresh fish daily, and the breezy, laidback bar is the place to spend your evenings. Contact the hotel in advance and they will meet you at the boat from Sihanoukville to assist with luggage.

This boutique hotel is located on one of Siem Reap's most charming laneways in Wat Damnak neighborhood, home to the historic pagoda with tranquil gardens and great street food eateries. Rambutan has loads of charm, with rooms (most have balconies and outdoor bathtubs) set around a gorgeous saltwater pool lined with sunbeds and tropical plants. The resort has Urban Residencies upstairs—sleek contemporary apartments with industrial-chic touches, kitchens, and dining-living rooms that are ideal for longer stays.

As one of the best backpacker's options, the Ivy offers cheap accommodations a short walking distance to most central spots. Guests can relax with a drink in the courtyard or play some pool. The friendly restaurant serves Western and Khmer dishes, including numerous healthy and vegetarian options and a popular Tapas Night on Friday, and the bar has a happy hour with $2 cocktails.

Rana offers a one-of-a-kind, well-organized experiential homestay for adults or families in the Cambodian countryside. Run by an American and his Cambodian wife, Rana aims to colorfully inform visitors about the local culture, history, lifestyle, and cuisine through a two-night stay in a clean but basic rattan hut on stilts. In authentic Khmer village style, the hut has no running water (but fresh water is supplied for bathing using a bowl) and no electricity. Houseguests are fed delicious organic home-cooked meals, and escorted on guided walks, bicycle rides, and other tours of the area, where they get to meet locals and Khmer Rouge regime survivors, learning how rural Cambodians actually live.

This popular lodge has an eco-friendly philosophy and offers clean, well-maintained wooden cottages and a traditional hill tribe house in a jungle setting at Yeak Laom Lake about 5 km (3 miles) outside the city. The lodge has its own "kitchen in the jungle" serving mainly Khmer dishes, and staffers are more than happy to suggest nearby activities and help you arrange tours of the area. You can enjoy nature right on the property—there are several points with outstanding sunrise and sunset views, and a few short nature trails for when you feel more energetic. Tuk-tuks to and from town cost around $3.