Pool at the Shinta Mani Hotel, Siem Reap

The Shinta Mani Hotel in Siem Reap Cambodia is one of the most understated, truly great hotels of the world. It's not just the swish stripes, courtesy of hotel designer extraordinaire, Bill Bensley (swoon), the sublime service or even the serene Spa that makes it so special. It's the Shinta Mani Foundation that will fill your soul to the brim. 

Through the Foundation, the Shinta Mani provide small business start up assistance to local businesses, a school program that educate students for ten months, a health program that supports doctors and dentists to provide medical check ups in rural areas and a USAID partner program is establishing sustainable farming. 

Beauty with a purpose. Yes please.

1. Even if you aren't staying there, put in a visit to Kroya, Shinta Mani Angkor's signature restaurant. Ask for a seat at one of the hanging day beds suspended over the edge of the goldfish pond.

We've borrowed the Shinta Mani's suggestions for other tastebud temptations. Thank you for sharing, Shinta Mani!

2. The Steakhouse at Pub Street is the newest culinary concept launched by Shinta Mani in the form of an American steakhouse.  Tucked away in Siem Reap's old market area, The Steak House serves prime cuts grilled to perfection paired with abundant side dishes, over the top desserts and a comprehensive international wine list. Its prime location allows guests to experience and enjoy the eclectic vibes of Siem Reap’s Downtown area. Sit outside and people-watch in the arty, pedestrianized Passage, or favour the cool air-conditioned interior with its funky lighting, 30m wooden wave wall and floor to ceiling wine cellar.  Special 20% early dinner is available from 05:00pm – 07:00pm daily.

3. The Dining Room is one of the best restaurants in Siem Reap and is located on the ground floor of Park Hyatt Siem Reap, it offers a selection of French ‘au provencal’ and Cambodian dishes made from traditional recipes.  Ingredients are carefully sourced and each dish is thoughtfully prepared. This restaurant is set in a serene environment, facing a colonnade looking onto the Courtyard which features a 100-year old Banyan tree. The menu features provincial French and traditional Cambodian cuisine, drawing on the seasonal products freshly available in the market and selected premium import items.

4. Gelato Lab. Their traditional homemade Italian gelato is made from imported whole milk and slow-churned to perfection using only all natural ingredients, gelato and sorbets are made fresh daily.  The place is located in the Old Market area which is about 5 to 10 minutes’ walk form along the riverfront. 

5. Spoons. Spoons is designed to enhance EGBOK (Everything's Gonna Be OK, a social impact business) student’s training skills in food and beverage while providing a Cambodian culinary experience that is authentic and unique. At Spoons, they aim to provide each of their students with experiential learning from a skilled, professional team, to provide our guests with an authentic experience that acknowledges and celebrates the culture of Cambodia and to generate revenue in support of EGBOK. The place is available for lunch only.

6. Embassy. An exclusive fine dining experience unparalleled in Siem Reap and headed by local legends Executive Chef Pol and Sok, the Kimsan Twins. Their experience has taken them to a different continents and under the mentoring of a Michelin starred chef. They bring to Embassy restaurant a unique Khmer gastronomy menu that is regularly changed. 

7. Apsara Show with Dinner. Situated in the serene gardens and surrounded by traditional Cambodian boundary stones with majestic wooden gates at the entrance Raffles Hotel, the Apsara Terrace is a 'must-do' experience in Cambodia. Enjoy a majestic performance with Cambodian dances and Khmer martial art with a selection of pan-Asian barbeque cuisine. This distinctive Cambodian venue is very versatile – for parties, barbecues and pre-dinner cocktails.

8. Mie Café. Mie Cafe features gourmet cuisine in a serene garden setting located conveniently just north of town on the road to the ancient temples of Angkor. The traditional Khmer house with outdoor patio and garden offers a refreshing place to enjoy delightful unique treats. Chef Pola prepares Khmer and western gourmet artfully, combining his Swiss culinary training with knowledge of traditional Khmer dishes. The restaurant is closed on every Tuesday.

9. The Hashi. The restaurant is located 2 minutes tuk tuk rides from the hotel. Good place to enjoy variety of newly tasteful dishes added in their menu. The Teppanyaki is also worth of try as it will allow you to experience of how it feels like to be dining with a real Japanese cuisine.

10. Dakhsin Indian Restaurant. Dakshin’s boasts the finest spices, carefully sourced Halal meats and the only authentic tandoor oven in Siem Reap, lovingly transported from India. Easily found in the center of the main tourist area, Dakshin’s is the rising star of Siem Reap’s Indian restaurants. Calm and cool in the hustle and bustle of the Old Market area, Dakshin’s is sophisticated but not overly fancy, with exposed brickwork and a pretty mezzanine paired with traditional decorative touches and warm lighting. Book an upstairs table for an intimate small group dinner, or enjoy the brightly lit and air-conditioned downstairs dining area. The place is known also as one of Halal restaurant in town.