Phum Baitang means ‘green village’ in Khmer. Picture pretty wooden villas framed by lush lawns, swaying palms and lemongrass plantations, and you can see why the name is a perfect fit. Part of the Zannier Hotels collection, this village-style retreat lies on Siem Reap’s rural outskirts, just 10 kilometres from UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat.
Phum Baitang’s architecture captures the rustic charm of traditional Khmer abodes, without scrimping on modern comforts. Stepping into your Khmer home-from-home, expect high ceilings, aged wood floors, woven bamboo, tastefully chosen antiques, and warmly lit, understated décor. All 45 of the villas are raised on stilts and divided into two types, centred on their respective star attractions: private plunge pools and scenic terraces.
At the two on-site restaurants, the scent of lemongrass mingles with the tempting aromas of Cambodian and fusion cuisine. Locally sourced ingredients include rice plucked from the property’s own paddy fields. If you’re only wishing to wet your whistle, head to the century-old farmhouse-turned-cocktail-lounge. Here you can recline in rattan chairs as you sample fine wines, vintage liqueurs, and more.
Relaxation comes easy at Phum Baitang. There is a spa – styled on
Angkor Wat’s temple architecture – offering pampering wellness
treatments amid tropical gardens. Meanwhile, the 50-metre, infinity-edge
swimming pool offers a sunset-facing dip with garden views. Where
better to catch your breath after the frenetic pace of the city, than
this oasis of Cambodian calm?
Why we like it
