The Overview

King Sihanouk commissioned French architect, Laurent Mondet, in 1962, to build a guesthouse enabling visiting dignitaries to enjoy a cool and contemporary stay while allowing them to embrace the outstanding ancient ruins and temples within its jungle and rice paddy terrain. The ruins of nearby Angkor, clinging on in the clutches of forest and farmland are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranging from a cluster of bricks to the world’s largest single religious monument.

Nearby the Angkor Wat temples, the government stores more than 6,000 priceless statues and other relics for safekeeping and research in a separate building that is usually off-limits to the public. Fewer than 200 scholars and visitors a year are allowed access - and you can be one of them, thanks to the Amansara.

Like a scene out of the Indiana Jones movies, a private guide escorts Amansara guests into the warehouse for a close-up view of the sandstone inscriptions and sculptures from the 12th-century ruins. And if you’re really eager to experience the full majesty of the temples in private, the hotel can organize an exclusive tour with an archeologist followed by dinner under the towering edifices - long after the roughly 5,000 visitors who flock to Angkor daily have gone home. Advance booking for both is essential.

Address:
Road to Angkor
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Telephone: +855 63 760 333

Website: http://www.amansara.com