Phum Baitang Resort, Siem Reap

Location

Phum Baitang is an escape. The location has no particular merit. It enjoys similar proximity to the Angkor temples as many other hotels resorts in town. It’s self-contained and self-sufficient. If you’re hoping to walk outside the resort to a restaurant or bar, or anything much, forget it. The Old Market area and major restaurants are a good 15 minutes by tuk-tuk or car through dusty, developing Siem Reap.

This is a place for those who want to divide their time between the temples and the resort - with minimal interaction with the town. Some travellers even do a stint at hotels closer to town and wrap up their Siem Reap stay with a few nights at Phum Baitang. 

Review

Luxury travellers to Siem Reap are spoiled for choice. And Phum Baitang, which opened in late 2015, has added another superb option to the mix. It's owned by the French Zannier hotel group, a family company that is behind a small number of impressive properties scattered around the world.

There are 45 villas modelled on the Cambodian traditional house, set over 8 acres. The feel is of a Cambodian village with rice paddies and gardens separating the villas. The luxury is uncomplicated and tasteful.

There are two villa types. The Terrace Villas are 80sqm including garden and the Pool Villas are 130sqm including garden and pool. Plenty of space for everyone.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Phum Baitang Resort, Siem Reap

Photo: Mark Bowyer Phum Baitang Resort, Siem Reap

Photo: Mark Bowyer Phum Baitang Resort, Siem Reap

Photo: Mark Bowyer Phum Baitang Resort, Siem Reap

Timber is the dominant material and it sets the tone. The decor is simple and warm.

The red couch in front of the bed in one of the rooms we checked out looked a tad awkward. But this place has a relaxed, unpretentious feel that you pick up in the design and decor - and the staff too. Even the guests seemed to have been seduced by the place. They had a friendlier air than is sometimes the case at the fanciest properties.

Phum Baitang seems to have become the new accommodation of choice for visiting VIPs - a big call in a town that also sports a Raffles, an Aman and a number of other impressive high-end properties.

There’s a great pool, restaurants, bars and a spa.

The concept of a luxury resort modelled on a village in one of the poorest countries in the world, may strike some as curious. Guests want for nothing here. But the design shows an appreciation for the local aesthetic that has to be a good thing. And simplicity always wins the day with us.

Phum Baitang uses the rice and vegetables grown on the property. They have a recycling programme, and they are also going plastic free. We didn't note any renewable energy or water sustainability projects.  We hope they're in the pipeline.

Disclosure
Rusty Compass recommendations are always independent. We list the places we think you should know about. That’s it. We’ve not stayed at Phum Baitang. We spent a couple of hours checking the place out. No money changed hands for this recommendation.