FCC Angkor by Avani is more luxury residence than a hotel. Based on the banks of the Siem Reap River, this old French colonial governor's mansion has been given a contemporary update without losing any of its old-world appeal. The location is stellar, minutes away from the 12th-century Angkor Wat, and close to most of the historically rich places in Siem Reap. You're near enough to the frenetic main thoroughfare, but set back in a serene lawn, surrounded by lush foliage and abundant wildlife. And with its sleek strip of pool and evocative evening lighting, this dazzling white building dishes up a huge serving of old-meets-new glamour.
FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) was used back in the day by journalists of every stripe - you half expect to see stringers at their typewriters on the veranda. But in keeping with today's young, effervescent feel, expect instead to see savvy locals and expats sipping cocktails at the bar and tucking into spicy Khmer curries in the restaurant. Service is immaculate yet unobtrusive; and the 80 rooms and suites are understated, intimate and unique.
Highs
- Fantastic food, especially the lingering breakfasts with fresh pastries, tropical fruit, sweet honey and homemade yoghurt
- Super-chic rooms and suites, each named after different herbs or spices - cardamom, mint, lemongrass
- Unpretentious and buzzy atmosphere that would suit couples and friends alike: this is not your average hushed, sterile, luxe hotel
- Spiritual massages and Apsaras body scrub at the on-site spa (30% discount to hotel guests): use of the pool, sauna and Jacuzzi is free
- Idyllic view from the terrace of buzzy Siem Reap - day or night
Lows
- At weekends, the bar and restaurant can get busy so book tables in advance
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance when having a sundowner on your veranda, so use plenty of citronella
- Lack of facilities for children and proximity to a busy road mean this is not really a family place
- Some may not like the louvered sliding bathroom doors which don't block sound
Best time to go
Avoid March to May, the hottest season, also the least popular. The rainy season is over by November and the weather is relatively cool (but still hot) through to the end of February (making this the most popular time to come, thus the busiest). The paddy fields are at their lushest in the rainy season (June to October), which is also the coolest time of year; the rains rarely last all day.
Our top tips
- You need at least 3 full days to do the temples of Angkor justice, and explore the town, which means you probably want to stay 4 nights.
- Each room is full of incense which correlates to its name; if in doubt opt for lemongrass
Location
FCC Angkor by Avani is in the centre of Siem Reap Town, 3 blocks from the main strip, overlooking the Siem Reap river and minutes away from Cambodia's magnificent Angkor Wat.
By Air:
Fly into Siem Reap International Airport (7km). If you're flying in from abroad, aim for Bangkok, then take a connecting flight.
From the Airport
As a rule of thumb in Indochina you should book a transfer (see [rates:CA007:Rates) and arrange for your hotel to pick you up from the airport. Public transport is confined to only the very biggest cities and taxis are not always reliable.
By Boat:
It's possible to take a ferryboat or speedboat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Tonle Sap lake (4-6 hours), but choose your vessel with care. The crossing can be extremely rough, the boats overcrowded, and the lifebelts non-existent. Some of slower cruises (2-3 days) are much more civilised.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Cambodia and getting around
Airports:
- Siem Reap Angkor International 46.0 km SAI
- Phnomh Penh International 235.0 km PNH
Other:
- Beach 500.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km