From the ancient temples of Angkor to the dense rainforest of the Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia has lots to offer travellers willing to venture beyond its better-known attractions. A new six-night package from Shinta Mani Hotels brings together two very different experiences, including three nights in Siem Reap followed by three nights at one of the country’s most unusual luxury retreats.
The Temples to Jungle experience combines Shinta Mani Angkor, a Bill Bensley-designed hotel in the heart of Siem Reap, with Shinta Mani Wild, an all-inclusive tented camp hidden within the South Cardamom National Park.
Three nights at Shinta Mani Angkor
The first stop is Shinta Mani Angkor, situated in Siem Reap’s French Quarter close to the Royal Gardens, river, restaurants and markets. The UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor are approximately 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk, making it a convenient base for exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Guests on the package will stay in one of the hotel’s ten Bensley-designed Pool Villas, each offering 156 square metres of space. Expect bold patterns, colourful interiors and carefully chosen antiques, alongside carved murals depicting the robes of King Jayavarman. Each villa has its own nine-metre swimming pool, outdoor bathtub and rooftop lounge.
The rooftop is particularly appealing, with guests able to arrange a private Khmer barbecue, enjoy a massage or even spend the night sleeping beneath the stars. A dedicated Bensley Butler is available around the clock to organise experiences and share their insider knowledge of the city.
A full-day guided excursion to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm is included along with private transport and temple passes. Back at the hotel, guests can enjoy a 90-minute treatment for two at Khmer Tonics Spa.
There’s more to Shinta Mani Angkor than its accommodation. The property originally began as a hospitality training school for disadvantaged Cambodians and that commitment to education continues through the Shinta Mani Foundation. The hotel also houses the Bensley Outsider Gallery, where artwork and locally made pieces are sold in support of community projects.
Three nights at Shinta Mani Wild
The second half of the journey takes guests south to Shinta Mani Wild, where the surroundings change from historic temples and busy streets to rivers, waterfalls and thick tropical forest.
Even the arrival is memorable. Guests can choose to travel the final 400 metres by zipline, flying over the forest canopy and river before landing at the aptly named Landing Zone Bar where a welcome drink awaits.
The camp has just 15 luxury tents positioned along the river to make the most of the natural surroundings. Each has been individually designed by Bill Bensley with vintage furnishings, air-conditioned bedrooms and outdoor decks complete with bathtubs overlooking the water. Some have particularly imaginative themes, including a tent dedicated to Jackie Kennedy and the Bohemian tent.
But it’s what happens outside the tents that makes Shinta Mani Wild particularly interesting.
Guests can join Wildlife Alliance rangers on anti-poaching patrols, learning about the work being done to protect the forest from illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. Other activities include kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and checking camera traps with the camp’s naturalists, which have previously captured images of endangered species including pangolins and pileated gibbons. For something less strenuous there are boat excursions along the Srey Ambel Estuary with opportunities to explore mangrove-lined waterways and stop for a picnic.
Everything is included during the three-night stay, from meals and drinks to private guided activities and unlimited spa treatments. The Khmer Tonics Spa offers treatments in some rather unusual locations, including river-stone foot massages beside the water and sunrise yoga atop the zipline tower.
Travel with a purpose
Both properties support the Shinta Mani Foundation improve opportunities for disadvantaged Cambodian communities through education, healthcare and development programmes.
At Shinta Mani Wild the Foundation also works with Wildlife Alliance to help protect the surrounding rainforest and its wildlife. The camp occupies a 350-hectare forest concession that had previously faced the possibility of development and conservation remains an important part of its operation.
Package details
The six-night Temples to Jungle package costs US$10,500 for two people, excluding applicable service charges and government taxes and is valid until 20th December 2027.
A 33% discount is available for stays between 1st May and 30th September 2027, reducing the package price to US$7,000. This seasonal offer is prepaid and applies to new bookings only.
For more information and reservations, please visit: www.shintamani.com or email wild@shintamani.com.
Author Bio:
Sam Mead is a freelance writer and entrepreneur specialising in family travel and memorable food experiences, seeking out destinations, hotels and restaurants shaped by personality, story and a meaningful sense of place.
Photographs courtesy of Shinta Mani Hotels
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