Siem Reap is the Cambodian city everyone has heard of—unsurprisingly, as the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex nearby is the spiritual heart of Cambodia and tops Southeast Asia’s must-see list. But Siem Reap is much more than a gateway to Angkor Wat, especially if you stay at Jaya House Cambodia. It’s a destination worth discovering in its own right, as we soon found out.
We arrived from Bangkok, just a convenient one-hour flight away, and breezed through the airport thanks to our e-visa and pre-filled arrival forms. Our first glimpse of Jaya House River Park’s ethos came at the airport: complimentary transfer in a luxurious minibus, complete with reusable Jaya House water bottles, ice-cold towels, and fresh tropical fruit. A 45-minute drive past shimmering rice paddies and dense mango groves brought us to our destination.
Jaya House River Park – Sustainability in action
When Managing Director Christian de Boer opened Jaya House River Park, he did so after visiting numerous top-tier hotels across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. His goal wasn’t just to emulate what he liked—it was to eliminate what he didn’t. From hidden laundry fees to obsessive mini-bar policing, these annoyances were banished in favour of thoughtful, guest-focused luxury.
And it shows. Guests enjoy complimentary laundry, daily spa treatments, a tuk-tuk service for dinner runs (summoned with a complimentary guest mobile phone), and a free mini-bar. It’s relaxation without the fine print.
But what sets Jaya House apart is its heart. The hotel was the first in Cambodia to go plastic-free, and Christian helped launch the Refill Not Landfill initiative. All toiletries are made locally and organically—including the refreshing mosquito spray, which is a triumph in itself. Since opening in 2016, Jaya House has planted over 2,000 trees in its grounds and surrounding areas, often funded by eco-conscious guests. From reusable water bottles to promoting local producers, Christian and the hotel are doing everything they can to help contribute towards sustainability.
Style and Comfort
From the moment you step into the open-air reception—its high, white, net-draped ceiling offering an ethereal calm—you feel the hotel’s serene spirit.
The interiors blend timeless Art Deco touches with a modern Cambodian flair. Striped 1930s armchairs sit beside wind-up gramophones, while vibrant local art hangs in open, leafy spaces. One standout? The restaurant’s ceiling adorned with handmade silk flowers in crisp white rows.
Outdoors, a manicured lawn fringed with tropical trees leads to the raised swimming pool—an elegant centrepiece flanked by green-striped sunbeds. A second, smaller pool near the spa offers a tranquil hideaway. Speaking of the spa, it’s a sanctuary of peace—I drifted into a deep sleep mid-treatment.
Our room was spacious and harmonious, its balcony overlooking a lush tropical garden. White walls and dark sustainably sourced wood made for a cocoon-like experience. We slept deeply in our plush, cloud-like bed.
Hospitality
Evenings are best spent at the open-air Skybar, where sunset views, sultry Siem Reap breezes, and happy hour drinks set the tone.
Dining spans Khmer and international cuisine, elegantly served. The breakfast menu is a joy to read—from international favourites to ginger rice with tofu and the classic Khmer noodle soup Mie Katang. There’s even a vegan wine list that pleasantly surprises guests.
All staff are employed on a permanent basis—a rarity—and it shows. Service is warm, polished, and personal. Everyone we met went out of their way to make our stay exceptional.
Siem Reap: A City to Explore
Christian sat down with us on day one to share his vision for Jaya House and the role it plays in the local community. That night, he recommended Jomno for dinner—a restaurant showcasing modern Khmer cuisine. We sipped cocktails at Miss Wong, a chic 1920s Shanghai-style bar.
Siem Reap has evolved beyond a simple tourist stop. It’s a manageable, vibrant city with great food, stylish boutiques, and a thriving creative scene. We wished we had more than a few nights to enjoy it.
Jaya House Cambodia
A Hotel to Admire and Savour
From eliminating plastic to replanting trees and supporting the local community, Jaya House River Park is built on thoughtfulness and integrity.
But even if none of that existed, this would still be one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The experience was near flawless—every detail was thoughtfully executed. Jaya House is a rare gem, and I, for one, can’t wait to return.
For more information, visit Jaya House
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All imagery courtesy of Jaya House Cambodia.