Amansara
Write A Review
"No better place to stay to experience the awe of Angkor – but the hotel itself was a little sterile"
The main reason to visit Siem Reap is, of course, to explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Amansara delivers an experience that makes this magical location truly unforgettable. Every detail is thoughtfully planned: guides and transport were outstanding, itineraries perfectly structured, and the little touches—like cold towels and drinks—were timed impeccably, just when you needed them most. The guides even revealed the best spots for photos at each temple. Simply extraordinary. The suites at Amansara are beautiful, as expected from an Aman property. However, the resort feels more clinical than other Aman's in cultural settings, such as Amandari, and the service—while professional—is slightly mechanical. The pool is small, and even a child’s slightest noise echoes across the resort. Food was fine, and the spa excellent. Despite these minor points, there is no better place to stay when visiting Angkor Wat.
"Perfection beyond"
We can’t begin to express how much we enjoyed every moment at this hotel. The rooms are stunning, featuring mid-century modern design with a private patio and pool—a truly unique and luxurious experience. The service was impeccable, attentive, and made our stay feel effortless. We can’t wait to return!
"A Stay Filled With Thoughtful Touches & Lasting Memories"
We had a truly wonderful stay at Amansara, made even more special by a complimentary upgrade to a pool suite. From thoughtful touches like having my jacket cleaned overnight to the genuine care shown when my husband felt unwell on the Tonle Sap boat tour — a heartfelt thanks to Phaneth — we felt completely looked after. Our guide, Buntham, was excellent and even captured some of our favorite candid photos at Angkor Wat. At breakfast, Ramorn surprised me with Noum Kong after a casual chat about my love for donuts, sharing stories of how locals enjoy them in the fields — such a personal and memorable touch. The highlight was the birthday surprise for my husband, and we are grateful to Guicle and Chanthoeun for their warm hospitality. Thank you, Amansara, for turning small moments into lasting memories.
"A legend but …"
This legendary property offers a rare sense of privacy in the very heart of Siem Reap. We stayed in a suite with a private pool that was larger than a typical plunge pool—warm, spacious, and so enjoyable that we only visited the main hotel pool once. The room itself was large, clean, quiet, and a perfect retreat. The service was exceptional—staff are extremely well trained, friendly, and always attentive. The hotel also offers a variety of excellent activities. We explored Angkor Wat both by car and in the charming hotel rickshaw, and even had the chance to ride in King Sihanouk’s vintage Mercedes limousine—an unforgettable and highly recommended experience. The spa radiates tranquility, and our couples massage was outstanding. Daily thoughtful gifts added a personal touch—one being a Cambodian scarf I still wear proudly as a reminder of the kindness of the Cambodian people. We also received a moving flower blessing from a local monk, a truly special moment. The bar is a must-visit—we enjoyed one of the best Bloody Marys we’ve ever had and admired the extensive whisky selection. Housed in what was once the King’s private cinema, the dining and bar space is architecturally striking, and the traditional apsara dance performed there was beautiful. That said, not everything met expectations. A special request to celebrate my wife’s birthday dinner on the rooftop was denied due to “weather concerns,” only for us to later discover the space had been reserved for a large, loud group of tourists. Ironically, that evening brought the only heavy rain and wind of our stay, forcing them inside—leaving my wife understandably upset. Additionally, while food presentation was fine, the flavors often felt muted, as if the ingredients had lost their freshness. In all, Amansara delivers a truly unique and memorable experience, with moments of magic that stay with you. However, for a property of this caliber, greater consistency in honoring special guest requests and elevating the dining experience would make it flawless.
"Outstanding experience with great GM and team"
The location is unbeatable, right next to multiple historic temples dating back to the 9th century. These temples are truly wonders of the world and a must-see for any avid traveler. Our tour guide, booked through the hotel, was fantastic and we highly recommend him. Spending 3–4 full days exploring the temples is ideal, and we also recommend a couple of days in Phnom Penh to learn more about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s tragic history. The staff at Amansara are exceptional—probably the most attentive of any Aman we’ve visited. Led by the GM, MJ, who was kind, present, and responsive, the team made us feel completely cared for. Head chef Sattar was outstanding, accommodating multiple off-menu requests, including Indian dishes. Among the servers, Ramorn and Phanet stood out for their professionalism and warmth. We booked a package including a stay at Amanpuri in Phuket, which came with perks such as transfers, a massage, tours, breakfast at Khmer House (a small Aman-owned property by the reservoir), a Jasmine blessing with a priest, and excellent laundry service. The spa treatments, from massages to facials, pedicures, and a soul-healing session with visiting specialist Coco, were all excellent. The property itself is architecturally stunning, blending modern, French, and Cambodian styles. Once a guesthouse for royalty and celebrities like Jackie O, it exudes charm and history. We stayed in a pool suite, which offered wonderful privacy, even as the main pool was lightly used. Our only minor critique was dealing with central reservations, which failed to connect us to the hotel in advance, making itinerary planning more difficult. Overall, Amansara offers a perfect combination of luxury, privacy, and proximity to one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures.
"The most practical solution for the high-end traveler"
Amansara is perhaps the most practical choice for the high-end traveler who wants to explore the intensity of Siem Reap and its temples by day—often from the comfort of an air-conditioned Mercedes—while retreating each night to the ease of pampered luxury. That said, expectations should be managed. Seasoned Aman guests will find this property less overwhelming than some of the brand’s standout resorts in Bali or Japan. The service here is genuinely warm and attentive, the rooms are clean, and while the food is good, the menu is somewhat limited. Their fleet of cars and the quality of guiding services are reliable and make exploring the area seamless. In the end, I would rate it 8 out of 10. Siem Reap is absolutely deserving of a place on your bucket list, and while Amansara may not be Aman at its most iconic, it is still the most effective and comfortable luxury base for discovering the wonders of Angkor.
"Personalized Luxury"
Amansara was our first Aman visit and it left us in complete awe. From the time they pick you up at airport, the experience is personal, caring and attentive. The staff at Aman is well trained and goes out of their way to make sure the stay is comfortable. It felt like the word NO did not exist here as our every request was catered to and they went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful time. GM MJ is approachable and always available. I especially want to callout the F&B Head Mr Rakesh and Chef Satkar as they made our dining experiences unforgettable. We were amazed by the variety, flavors and thanks to them, we got great Indian food in Siem Reap. Additionally, the care and attention that everyone in the dining area showed significantly enhanced our stay. We did the Angkor, biking and Floating village tours through the hotel and Yoko was a knowledgeable guide whose experience and passion really came through. The Spa facilities are world class and our son did kickboxing classes in the gym which were well organized and fun. Overall, this was an experience of a lifetime and we can’t wait to visit our next Aman property.
"A bit underwhelmed"
We stayed for two nights, and this was our first time at an Aman property. I chose to spend the extra money because we wanted to experience Angkor Wat and Siem Reap in a more meaningful way than just staying at a nice hotel. While the excursions were well organized and enjoyable, the resort itself offered surprisingly little—especially considering the cost. There was no gym, the spa menu was very limited, and dining options were also restricted. Perhaps it was just our experience, but I can’t say I’ll choose to spend the premium for Aman again if this is the level of value provided.
"3 Star on Aman Scale"
Having stayed at seven Aman properties, I must say this was the most unimpressive one. To be fair, let me separate the people from the resort itself. The resort felt more like a 3-star compared to the exceptional standards I’ve experienced elsewhere with Aman. The property is surprisingly small—comparable in size to many large California homes. Rooms were adequate, clean but compact, and the single dining room offered food that was, unfortunately, borderline edible. On the other hand, the people were truly wonderful. Cambodians are among the most polite, soft-spoken, and genuine individuals I’ve encountered, and the staff embodied these qualities beautifully. Their warmth and kindness left a lasting impression. The Cambodia experience overall was incredible—humbling, enriching, and memorable for the entire family. However, if reviewing the hotel alone, Amansara simply did not meet the hallmark standards of the Aman brand.
"Like an Oasis of Calm…"
We spent three weeks traveling through Asia—Shanghai, Hong Kong, Vietnam—and ended with Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Amansara was a wonderful finale to our trip. Not 100% perfect, but close. The staff were outstanding and the meals excellent. The serene setting and beautiful grounds created the perfect retreat after long temple excursions, bike rides, and museum visits. Our suite was spacious, filled with natural light, and opened onto a patio with a plunge pool. While I found the style a bit “white and stark,” it was still very comfortable. That said, a few details need attention. The stone sinks in our suite had permanent dark spots that resembled mold—unsightly for a luxury property. The closet doors also didn’t align properly and constantly banged against each other, something housekeeping surely must have noticed. Small issues, but ones a 4–5 star property should easily resolve. Overall, Amansara delivered an oasis of calm with truly exceptional staff. Despite minor flaws, it was a fitting and memorable end to our Asia adventure.
"White Box"
Our stay had some undeniable highlights: our guide was excellent, sunrise at Angkor was breathtaking, and the dinners were truly spectacular—the chef is without question the resort’s strongest asset. The Cambodian staff were also fantastic and highly professional, delivering service with genuine warmth. That said, at $2,700, the experience fell short of expectations. The atmosphere around the pool was far from serene, with one family bringing inflatable toys and another couple playing loud opera music—hardly the tranquil Aman setting one would expect. To make matters worse, we had to ask for a pool menu and then order from inside, which felt out of step with the brand’s promise of seamless luxury. The antique cars, boat rides, and Tuk Tuks were delightful touches, and again, the staff themselves were first class. However, the room was stark and uninviting—a cold white box. While the bed and pillows looked comfortable, properties like The Peninsula or Four Seasons easily surpass Aman in this regard. This was our first Aman experience, and unfortunately, it will also be our last. Friends of ours, seasoned travelers staying at Raffles, had a much more satisfying stay. Overall, a deeply disappointing introduction to the Aman brand.
"Beautiful hotel, excellent service, but is it worth it?"
The hotel is undeniably beautiful, with a warm and extraordinary level of service that makes you feel right at home. Having a knowledgeable private guide at Angkor Wat, who knows how to avoid the crowds, was a highlight, as was being picked up at the airport in a vintage Mercedes and breezing through border control and customs like a VIP. These thoughtful touches make the Amansara experience feel very special. That said, the cost is exorbitant. While I can only hope that the staff—who are the heart of this property—are compensated well, it does leave you wondering why, in a country with such modest wages, a hotel like this charges so much.
Amansara
Once a royal guesthouse, Amansara is a peaceful, luxurious retreat with minimalist design and personalized service. It’s perfect for those seeking exclusivity and a serene environment.
Address
Krong Siem Reap 93101, Cambodia
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+85563760333