Whilst it might not get as many mentions as the honeymoon super spots (Maldives, we’re looking at you…), Cambodia is a dream for an adventurous honeymoon. The top-notch tropical weather, perfect for pool or beach lounging, is certainly appealing for a first holiday as a married couple, but then there’s those lush green jungles just made for romantic treks, more cultural hotspots than you can shake a stick at, and a plethora of chic resorts to bed down in at the end of a busy day. It’s also within leaping distance of several other iconic South East Asian countries, making for an ideal country-hopping honeymoon too. For your reading pleasure: our Cambodia honeymoon guide…Newlyweds, what are you waiting for?
Classic Cambodia
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, Classic Cambodia is all about the must-see sights of beautiful Cambodia. You’ll begin in the capital city of Phnom Penh, exploring museums filled with Khmer history, eating in restaurants boasting gastronomic delights, and scouring the markets for local treasure. Then, escape to the tropical rainforest of the Cardamom Mountains in search of Malayan sun bears and clouded leopards; up here, you’ll truly feel like the only people in the world. Next up is the seaside escape of Kep. Cambodia isn’t known for its beaches, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack plenty of coastal charm… You’ll finish with a trip to Siem Reap, home of the famous ruins of Angkor Wat. No visit to Cambodia would be complete without it, after all…
Top spots to stay
For ultimate city luxury in Phnom Penh, the exquisite Rosewood will take your stay to the next level with a sky-high swimming pool, spangly rooftop bar and butler-serviced suites. In the Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Wild will steal your heart with its exquisite riverside location and eclectic furnishings, as well as a bar you can zipline into (yes, really!). Beachside Kep is home to the toes-in-the-sand resort, Knai Bang Chatt, an off-the-radar spot that is everything honeymoon dreams are made of, whilst in Siem Reap, Phum Baitang Resort entices with its subtle glamour. It’s also got the seal of approval from Angelina Jolie herself, and if it’s good enough for Hollywood royalty…
Journey along the Mekong
Cambodia is perfectly placed for a multi-country adventure, but wings and wheels aren’t the only methods of transport involved. On this Journey along the Mekong, it’s all about the water and you’ll drift along Asia’s most famous waterway, past sleepy villages and bustling communities, on a serene boat cruise. The trip starts in Cambodia, allowing time to take in the heady, historic sights of Angkor Wat. Two nights in the bustling capital of Phnom Penh is just enough time to enjoy the best of the city (and delve into the delicious cuisine), before you board your Mekong vessel. Float along the water into neighbouring Vietnam, ending your voyage in Ho Chi Minh City and disembarking for a taste of its history and exquisite fusion cuisine.
Top spots to stay
Enjoy Siem Reap in style at the luxe Belmond La Residence d’Angkor, a riverside retreat with chic interiors and a pool surrounded by sun beds that just beg to be lounged upon. Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the grande dame of Phnom Penh’s hotel scene and still has much of the original 1930’s charm that attracted guests like Jackie Kennedy. On the water, the Aqua Mekong Cruise is the boat to see on, complete with a rooftop pool, cocktail bar and even a spa. In Ho Chi Minh City, Hotel Des Arts Saigon is more than tempting and the sleek decor and spectacular city views are a fabulous end to the trip.
The best of Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
With its central location, Cambodia is perfectly placed to hop around South East Asia and this trip will whizz you through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, soaking up the best of them all. Your adventure begins in Thailand’s chaotic, helter-skelter city of Bangkok: lose yourself in the winding streets, taste some of the world’s best street food, sip on a sky-high cocktail (or two) and explore the exquisite temples. Next, head north to the alluring provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai where ancient temples and ruins, ethereal landscapes and elephant encounters are the name of the game. Then, it’s across the Friendship Bridge and into Laos where you’ll float along the Mekong, stopping off in Pakbeng and the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang. Finally, you’ll end in Cambodia with a visit to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. This ancient city is the largest religious monument in the world and stretches across a whopping 162.6 hectares. There is truly nowhere else like it in the world.
Top spots to stay
After a long flight to Bangkok, bed down in the peaceful riverside oasis of The Siam. With its own spa and sunset cruise, there’s no better way to convalesce. In the countryside, 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai combines old-school Thai charm with modern elegance and in Chiang Rai, escape to the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, where the luxury trappings and close proximity to the grey pachyderms creates a magical experience all round. In Laos, Le Grand Pakbeng, with its infinity pool and laid-back charm, provides the perfect spot for some recuperation before floating down the river to culture-rich Luang Prabang and the iconic Rosewood hotel. Round things off at Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap, ideally location in the heart of the French Quarter.
A Laos & Cambodia adventure
Laos and Cambodia are the white-shirt-blue-jeans combo of South East Asia: tried and tested and always classic. Not only is travel between the two simple and easy, they are also perfectly complementary in terms of cuisine, deep-rooted culture and incredible landscapes, so why not head off the well-worn romance trail and go in search of something new? The trip will begin in the cultural heart of Laos in the once-royal capital of Luang Prabang and soak up the scenery and take in the religious sights before heading south to Champasak. Here, the ancient settlements and temples will wow, including Wat Phu, thought to have been the inspiration for Angkor Wat, as well as the lush green vistas and plethora of activities. Then it’s onto Cambodia, where you can compare the famous temple to its predecessor and see how closely matched Wat Phu Champasak and Angkor Wat really are! Finally, end with some much needed beach time in Kep and bask in the sun by day, before indulging in the delicious local seafood at night.
Top places to stay
Exquisite Amantaka is everything a honeymoon hotel should be: picture four poster beds, delectable cuisine, private pools… and that’s just the beginning. River Resort Champasak is charming with a capital ‘C’, and the views of the Mekong and simple, Laotian stylings are heavenly. Touchdown in Siem Reap with a bang and stay at the boutique Shinta Mani Shack, perfectly placed in the centre of town and within easy reach of the iconic sights (and did we mention the bottomless ice-cream?). Finish in coastal Kep at Veranda Natural Resort and enjoy a spot of R&R in the garden or by the infinity pool, drink in hand. Bliss.
