Chum Reap Suor,
As we approach the end of the rainy season, I’ve loved seeing all the lush greenery, but it’s also wonderful to welcome back the bright sunshine as we enter our high season. I’m looking forward to my next temple inspection and spending more time with our guides, getting to know them even better as they help your guests discover the beauty of Angkor.
In the meantime, I’m very pleased to introduce two new products in Siem Reap. While they are designed with families in mind, they are also a great fit for couples or groups of friends: Become Celestial Dancers: An Apsara Experience and Lakhon Khol Mask Painting.
In the hotel section, we are highlighting Shinta Mani Wild’s exclusive promotion and sharing updates on Amansara’s full renovation!
Happy reading!
Sophie and the EXO Cambodia team
Get inspired - Featured experiences
Lakhon Khol
Mask Painting
Half day / Siem Reap
Uncover the dramatic world of Lakhon Khol, Cambodia’s UNESCO-recognised dance-drama traditionally performed by men. Set in a tranquil and private house away from the crowds, this hands-on creative session invites families to explore the epic tales of the Reamker (the Cambodian Ramayana). Guided by skilled craftspeople, young artists bring mythical monkeys, noble heroes and fierce giants to life through colour and paint.
Why we like it: Families learn the art of Lakhon Khol by crafting and painting their own traditional Cambodian mask from start to finish. It’s a wonderful creative break from temple touring, leaving guests with a custom, travel-ready souvenir.
Best suited for: Ideally for kids aged six and above, and any person seeeking a hands-on cultural experience hosted by local artisans.
Become Celestial Dancers:
An Apsara Experience
Half day / Siem Reap
Step into Cambodia’s rich classical heritage and bring the ancient stone carvings of Angkor to life. In this interactive family workshop, children and parents alike transform into celestial Apsaras. Guided by artists in a private setting, the whole family experiences the gentle rhythm, storytelling gestures and vibrant traditional costuming that have defined Cambodian court culture for centuries.
Why we like it: I loved how intimate this experience feels. Being hosted in a quiet private home, your guests get to wear genuine silk dance attire and learn classical hand gestures straight from local artists. It’s such a meaningful, hands-on way to connect with Angkor’s history.
Best suited for: Designed for kids aged six and above to enjoy a shared, playful cultural activity with their parents. Also for any person looking for an immersive and private Khmer dance.
Get inspired
Travel for Good (TFG) experiences
Travel for Good experiences are curated adventures that turn the journey into a force for positive change. By focusing on community, nature and heritage, these experiences aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on the destinations visited.
Kampot Pepper
at Sunset
Half day / Kampot
Travel for Good classification:
Art, food and creativity
A private experience showcasing the journey of Kampot Pepper from farm to table. Over two hours, discover ther meticulous processes and enjoy a dedicated spice tasting. The tour ends with a relaxing cocktail and a stunning panoramic view of the sunset.
Why we like it: Visiting a Kampot pepper plantation is a classic highlight of this region. But we do things a bit differently: exploring in the late afternoon offers a much more intimate, authentic atmosphere, finishing with a peaceful sunset over the plantations and the lake.
Best suited for: A great fit for guests looking for an intimate local experience away from the crowds.
Cycling Roluos Group
& Kampong Phluk
Half day / Siem Reap
Travel for Good classification:
Low carbon
Explore the temples of Angkor on bicycle. Avoid the crowds by cycling the lesser-travelled paths with experienced guides to visit famous sites in Angkor at off-peak hours and lesser-known temples that feel magical due to their solitude.
Why we like it: While most cycling tours stick to the main Angkor temples, this route offers a completely different path – riding through quiet rural countryside, peaceful villages and lesser-visited early Angkorian temples.
Best suited for: Great for guests who enjoy light to moderate cycling and want to explore beyond the main Angkor park.
Featured properties
Shinta Mani Wild
Koh Kong
Nestled deep within the wilderness of the South Cardamom National Park, in a pristine wildlife corridor three hours’ drive south of Phnom Penh, this ultra-luxury eco-resort designed by Bill Bensley merges world-class comfort with active conservation. From ziplining into the reception to joining wildlife ranger patrols and enjoying customised, all-inclusive jungle adventures, it offers an unforgettable immersion in nature.
Special Offers & Package Inclusions for 2027
- Booking period: Valid from now through 31 December 2026
- Stay period: 6 January 2027 – 31 October 2027
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Promotions:
- Stay 3, Pay 2: Valid for stays between 6 January 2027 – 31 October 2027
- Early bird: 10% discount when booked at least 90 days prior to arrival
- Conditions: Offers cannot be combined and excludes the peak/festive period (21 December 2026 – 5 January 2027).
- Deposit: No deposit required at confirmation.
Why we like it: The atmosphere of venturing into the jungle with a breathtaking view of the waterfall. Completely private tents featuring a maxi-bar and outdoor bathtub.
Ideal clients type: Couples looking for complete privacy and eco-conscious travellers who want a unique, immersive experience without compromising on luxury.
Amansara
Siem Reap
Originally King Norodom Sihanouk’s private guest villa, Amansara provides a serene, ultra-exclusive retreat just minutes from Angkor Wat.
Reopening of Amansara after four months of renovations:
- Upgraded accommodation: Five suites now feature newly added private pools, alongside the debut of two new categories: a Junior Pool Suite and a Two-Bedroom Family Pool Suite. All 24 guest suites have received a full soft refresh.
- The new bar: Located in King Sihanouk’s original 1960s private dining room, this intimate space returns to its heritage as a venue for pre-dinner aperitifs and craft cocktails.
- Enhanced wellness & hydrotherapy: The Aman Spa now features new hydrotherapy facilities – including hot and cold plunge pools as well as a sauna.
- Refined arrivals & experiences: Guests now enjoy a personalised check-in with private seating, private dining on the upgraded Amanbala lake boat and custom family remorks for exploring Angkor.
Why we like it: With timeless minimalist design, private custom-curated temple excursions and exceptional personalised service, it remains one of Cambodia’s most iconic luxury stays.
Ideal clients type: Discerning luxury travellers, culture and history enthusiasts and couples.
Destination news
Updated schedule at Phare Circus Siem Reap:
We are pleased to share an updated show schedule for Phare Circus. From November 2026 through March 2027, an additional 5:00 PM performance will run alongside the daily 8:00 PM show every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. This seasonal show features the exact same performance, story, seating categories and pricing as the evening show. Guests attending the 5:00 PM session will enjoy complimentary popcorn with every booking. Additionally, guests will receive a free soft drink or beer for every USD 8 spent at the Phare Café.
Cambodia – Laos: New flight schedule effective from December 15th, 2026.
Air Cambodia will operate a direct flight three times per week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) between Phnom Penh (KTI) and Vientiane (VTE):
KTI-VTE: 11:50-13:30 by K6800
VTE-KTI: 14:30-16:10 by K6801
Events & seasonality:
Our EXO calendar public holidays 2027 is finally out and available here.
Team insight:
To mark the 15th anniversary of the EXO Foundation, our team has been participating in several sustainability initiatives and activities over the year. Most recently, we ran a photo challenge centred on ‘Fun, Joy, and Care’, where team members came together to express their commitment to sustainability!
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