TIMESTAMP: AUGUST 2019
SWEET SLEEPING @ Templation Siem Reap
Have you ever had an experience where your every need or want was anticipated one step ahead of your own mind? Where your expectations are so far exceeded that your brain is blown to bits?
THIS IS THAT PLACE.
Excuse me while I practice my queen’s wave.
Positioned less than ten minutes from the entrance of historic Angkor Wat Archaeological Complex loaded with impressive temples, and a $3 tuk-tuk ride into the city center of Siem Reap, Templation is a true Cambodian treasure.
A L U X U R I O U S ONE.
If it’s feeling like royalty that you’re after (and sleeping like it too), then this is the spot to stay. Templation makes luxury a real possibility for travelers who’s pockets aren’t overflowing on the regular; a splurge without having to sacrifice in other areas of your trip.
Plus, the pond pool. Yeah, it’s designed after a laaarge pond…
coolness factor: 2839742938401934 / 10.
DETAILS>>DETAILS
After you’re done being greeted like a celebrity and sipping your welcome drink in the open-air bar/restaurant space overlooking the impressively clever pond-pool, you should put your “ready to be wowed” pants on to check-in to your room.
Poolside rooms with terraces are an option, as well as the 1 or 2 bedroom villas that HAVE THEIR OWN POOL. So, if you get tired of one pool, you can go to the other pool, and so on and so forth. (You won’t, but it’s a choice.) The sounds of the jungle will accompany your dip-dippin’.
This is not one of those “plunge pools” either that are approximately 2 inches by 2 inches; this is legit. And with 1,000% humidity some days, you’ll use it.
If you’re going to treat-yo-self anyways, the villa is the way to go.
Here are some more eye-candy level reasons why:
The bedroom is decked out with an expansive window too, so you can gaze lovingly at your private patio and pool, of course.
We should talk about the bathroom. The outdoor bathroom. If you go to SE Asia and don’t shower outside did you even go to SE Asia? Rain shower and ginormous soaking tub included - um…yes, please.
THAT VIEW THOUGH
There are two kinds of views at Templation:
- The stepping-back-in-time views whilst wandering temple after temple in nearby Angkor Wat views.
and
- The breakfast-in-pool views. That’s right, before you venture anywhere away from the hotel, a floating breakfast will indulge and fuel you…from your pool, naturally.
Move over breakfast-in-bed, there’s a new kid in town. Floating breakfasts are motivation to wake up, let alone the full day of exploring Cambodia lying ahead of you.
↬ Did I mention breakfast is included in the room rate? Because it is.
At Templation, you can order your breakfast the night before to be delivered to your room - pick from a fairly extensive menu (make sure to get fresh fruit!) and check the floaty box (pretty sure that’s the technical term) to experience this unique + fun way to start your day.
Pancakes taste better from the pool, trust me.
WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO
Visit the Temples, obvi.
It is the claim to fame for Siem Reap, after all.
↠ Sunrise
A n g k o r ☆ W a t
sunset
↠ P r e ☆ R u p
There are a handful of regular tuk-tuk drivers outside of Templation’s lobby and the staff will help you arrange for a sunrise, sunset, and everything in between trip to the temples that sparks your interest.
my favorite
T a ☆ P r o h m
Browse Markets.
There are plenty of markets in town to browse for souvenirs, hand-crafted goodies, food treats, etc.
Eat.
With more delicious restaurants than I had time to try, I’ll have to pass on the baton. Here are a few favs from my few days (intentional rhyming) in Siem Reap:
↠ The restaurant at the Templation…they do more than floating breakfasts.
↠ Marum
Don’t forget the street food, it’s cheap, and good.
Drink.
Siem Reap’s downtown area has an entire street dedicated to thirst and adult beverages quenching that thirst. Enter PUB STREET.
Tired of the party atmosphere?
Head to a quieter side street and sample some of the craft beers (yes, really) at the Siem Reap Brew Pub.
Other than sip-able brews, they give you homemade Cambodian roasted peanuts and they are RIDICULOUS. Try the new bael fruit beer and stay for some live music.
↬ For happy hour, score a seat in the open-air lounge at Templation and for inventive cocktails, head to Miss Wong’s.
Visit a floating village.
Kampong Khleang is the more off-the-beaten-path floating village where you can get a glimpse into local life about an hour outside of Siem Reap.
↬ It should be noted that, depending on the season, boat trips down the river may not be running due to the river levels being extremely low.
We booked a private driver who is an English speaking guide and it was fantastic: Cambodia Private Taxi.
TIPS
↬ Currency: US dollars are widely used. Make sure to bring cash with you that is newer, crisper, and smaller bills than the $50 that I had and no one would take. Seriously, if it’s ripped/torn/written upon at all, it will likely not be accepted. When paying, you’ll either get change in US dollars, or sometimes Cambodian riel for smaller amounts. ATMs dispense US dollars as well.
↬ Angkor Wat pass: these are not cheap, but necessary. There are 1, 3, or 7 day passes available to purchase ($37, $62, + $72). We went two days and paid for one. How? We went just before the admission office closes at 5:30 (arrive at 4:45) and purchased a one day pass for the following day that allows you to also use it for sunset that night. We were able to do sunset at Pre Rup and then sunrise and a tour of 3 other temples starting at 5am the following morning.
↬ I HIGHLY recommended getting to Angkor Wat well before sunrise to secure a spot in the front. It gets extremely crowded. I planted myself to the far left at the ponds, and the reflection was on point.
↬ For sunset at Pre Rup you can go to the top of the temple “mountain” but that’s not the best view, in my opinion! Walk around for a vantage point that will allow you to have some of the structure in the scene with the sunset colors as the epic backdrop.
↬ Although there’s a ton to see and do in Siem Reap, make sure to build in a bit of time to just chill at the hotel. It’s such a unique property with a relaxing atmosphere, you might as well soak it all in.
SO YOU WANNA STAY?
