Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap have collaborated to create an exclusive 7-day ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ package.
The experience takes in the best of both destinations, including the iconic luxury hotels that are historic landmarks in their own right.
Beginning in Phnom Penh, guests will stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which opened in 1929 and boasts French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco design influences. Here they are met by their Raffles Butler, who can assist with local excursions and hotel activities, as well the property’s Resident Historian who is also on-hand to guide visitors through the hotels storied legacy.
The next two days include outings with the official biographer of Cambodia’s royal house who will guide visitors to the nearby Royal Palace of Cambodia. Guests will also visit the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture, where they are privately led by the museum’s lead curator. A special afternoon tea will also be arranged with Cambodian royalty, Her Highness Princess Chansita Norodom.
The experience in Cambodia’s capital will also include local culinary activities, an architectural tour, and a Khmer fine-dining meal at the hotel’s Restaurant Le Royal, including a five-course wine dinner highlighting Cambodian gastronomy.
Raffles Hospitality from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
On Day Four, guests will travel by private helicopter from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, where they will check into Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, designed in authentic 1930s French Art Deco style. Here they will be welcomed by their Raffles Butler, who will guide them to their poolside suite or royal villa.
In Siem Reap, visitors will explore the ancient Khmer archeological site of Angkor – a UNESCO world heritage site – on a Vespa scooter. The tour includes stops at the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm, along with some of the complex’s lesser-known architectural wonders.
The following morning, guests will take in the sunrise at Angkor Wat and then further explore the nearby archeological sites before visiting a local art gallery and the floating village of Chong Kneas at Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The evening will conclude with a Khmer dinner at the hotel’s 1932 restaurant.
Guests will also visit Banteay Srei, considered to be the most intricate of Cambodia’s temples and the crown jewel of Angkorian art. They will also visit a dance school under royal patronage and see the last remaining elephants of Angkor in Kulen National Park. In the evening, the experience will conclude with a temple dinner at Angkor Archeological Park, illuminated by blazing torches and flickering candles. The final morning will include a hot-air balloon ride above the temples of Angkor that also takes in the countryside dotted with sugar palm trees.
The new package is part of Raffles’ global ‘The Butler Did It’ campaign, which features signature experiences across five continents, with a focus on the personalized service performed by Raffles’ legendary butlers since 1887.
To book part or all of this itinerary, Raffles requires two months’ advance notice. Seasonalities, royal duties and the availability of hosts and other elements of the itinerary are subject to change. Pricing is available upon request.
For more information, visit: raffles.com/siem-reap/experiences/A-Tale-Of-Two-Cities.
