Phum Baitang

Foolishly, we started the main part of our tour of SE Asia at Phum Baitang. Everything else got judged by this extraordinarily high standard. First, arrival at Siem Reap airport: smooth, swift and straight into PB's air-conditioned vehicle. Siem Reap itself is a little dusty so the PB estate is a welcome oasis but it is far more than that. The wooden structures, rice fields and abundant greenery are not only beautiful but extremely relaxing. Our welcome was, at least for us, a European couple in their late 60s, entirely correct: personal without being inappropriately so, swift without being rushed and efficient without being in the least bit cold. Our room, up on stilts opposite a bright green rice field, was magnificent. So often, there is inadequate hanging space or insufficient light or a skimpy bath robe. None of that! Linens were all high quality, the bathroom generously sized, plenty of power sockets for phones, laptops etc and aircon that worked. But it isn't the physical side of PB that impresses the most. It is a combination of staff and that intangible: atmosphere. Every single person we met was charming and engaged, from the spa to the bar. Both restaurants were relaxed and delightful. Even the man washing down the water buffalo in the afternoon made us smile. There is bird life everywhere, from jungle fowl to the hundreds of swifts screaming above the paddy fields as the sound goes down, catching insects. The guides, too, arranged by the hotel, were full of knowledge, very open to wider conversations, for instance about the troubled history of the country, and flexible as to what to see and when. Angkor Wat is, as expected, astonishing but there is so much more to see and our two guides helped us to see at least some of it! IIf you're planning to visit the Siem Reap area, we couldn't recommend PB too highly. We enjoyed it so much we've actually booked a 2027 trip to Namibia (not South Africa, the original plan) in order to enjoy Zannier hospitality again. It was that good!

Having heard so much about Phum Baitang (especially since Angela Jolie rented the entire resort for the filming of Tomb Raider), expectations are incredibly high. We can say that they were even exceeded. You could easily believe you're staying in the heart of a Cambodian village, but with every imaginable luxury. Spacious wooden bungalows, offering plenty of privacy, are scattered across a vast area, with rice paddies being harvested by farmers in the center, and three buffalo grazing at the edges – pure idyll! Add to that two world-class restaurants (Bay Phsar and Hang Bay) and exceptionally friendly and competent staff. You'll want to return, even if you've already seen Angkor.

Amazing setting and exceptionally good service. Staff is very friendly.

Absolutely loved this hotel. Such a peaceful setting in nature. Bikes provided to get around the resort if needed. We had rooms 8 and 9 both next to each other - each had a small garden with pool. The hotel also has a large main pool which is very nice. We only ate breakfast and lunch at the hotel as we preferred to go out to Sian Riep in the evenings. The food was great and pancakes and waffles or eggs cooked to order. We organised our excursions to Angkor Thom and Wat through the hotel. The guide and driver were excellent and I would thoroughly recommend this rather than trying to do it yourself as it is so hot and would take a lot longer doing it yourself. They provided us with lots of chilled water and chilled towels which was appreciated! The hotel has a tuktuk service that takes you into town. This is fantastic. A real plus point of something that is fun and convenient. We made full use of this every evening. One thing we did which is not mentioned in the hotel excursions was a trip to the local circus. This is a charitable endeavour to support local artists. It was not expensive to get tickets - the performance was about an hour and it was so well done. Highly recommend as part of an evening in Siam Riep. The tuktuk picked us up afterwards and took us into town. Finally, a note about the staff. All very lovely, kind people, who were keen to help however they could. An absolute credit to the hotel. We would definitely return here. O

This is a classy hotel in every respect. Wonderful styling inspired by Cambodian village architecture. Set among rice fields it has a peaceful feel but is also the epitome of luxury. The food and service is world class. Has the quality of a a luxury chain without feeling cookie cutter. Highly recommend.