It has long been a dream of mine to visit Cambodia, and in particular Angkor. I knew when I was able to take a long trip away from work, Cambodia would be the focal point. Siem Reap is the gateway town to Angkor and its incredible temples.
I wanted to stay in town for a while, and really take my time exploring Angkor. I didn’t want to rush seeing it all, and so I was looking for a hotel that would offer an oasis of calm and peace to come back to after long days out exploring temples in the heat.
Jaya House River Park was absolutely perfect. It offered beautiful accommodation in a glorious setting – and so many complimentary, wonderful finishing touches. Plus it’s second to none in terms of its environmental and community consideration. Let me tell you all about it!
You can read my full post on Siem Reap HERE (coming soon) and Angkor Archaeological Park HERE.
Location of Jaya House River Park Hotel
The hotel is situated right along the river in Siem Reap. From the hotel, it’s a tuk-tuk ride to mythical Angkor Wat, and a short drive to numerous other temple sites (there are over 50 to explore)! That means it makes getting to Angkor Wat for sunrise perfectly do-able, and it’s easy to get to Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Pre Rup and many other of the most famous temples in the area.
The hotel is also perfectly placed to explore the surrounding area’s nature. It’s a short drive to the Kulen mountain and waterfalls, Kbal Spean waterfall, and to ride out in to the countryside on a bike trip. Siem Reap itself is a busy and lively town – offering a number of good museums, some nice local markets and lots of places to sample Cambodia’s cuisine.
Important Tip: Siem Reap airport has recently moved (not yet reflected on Google Maps), so when you arrive it is over a 1hr drive to the hotel. The hotel offers complimentary airport pickup for stays of 2 nights or more, so remember to let them know your flight details!
Accommodation at Jaya House River Park Hotel
The accommodation is stunning; I would describe it as “rustic luxury”. It’s well maintained, clean, and curated but also wild, and embracing of its natural jungle setting. We were booked in to a Junior Suite, and had a beautiful warm and cosy space to call home for a week.
The bed was large and comfortable, and there was a huge seating area with plenty of room for a sofa, coffee table, large desk and TV. There was also a walk in wardrobe area with plenty of space to hang clothes and keep suitcases. Everything in the minibar including water, soft drinks and beer was complimentary.
The bathroom was simple but beautiful, with a huge grey stone bath, spacious shower area, and a large sink area. There was also an outdoor shower which was a lovely touch I wasn’t expecting! Finally the room also came with two patios – one out at the back with two chairs and a table, and one out at the front with two chairs; perfect for relaxing on!
Cleaning service was impeccable each day, and there was a night time turn down service which included lighting candles and burning lemongrass to keep the pesky mosquitoes at bay. Plus some complimentary daily popcorn and fruit basket. Perfect!
Food & Drink at Jaya House River Park Hotel
There is only one restaurant on site, but all food served is super high quality and we didn’t have a bad meal.
At breakfast there is a buffet offering fruit, pastries, cereal and salad items. There is also a full menu of around 15 choices – ranging from eggs to traditional Cambodian breakfasts, smoothie bowls and pancakes. It means that even after 7 mornings, we were still able to eat something different each day.
There is also a lunch/dinner menu available which serves around 20 different dishes and numerous drinks too. Again there is a wide range of choice, from traditional Cambodian to carbonara and a burger. It was nice to have some variety and Western options after 2.5 weeks of only Asian food. Room Service is also offered, with around 50% of the in-restaurant dishes on offer.
In addition to the restaurant, there is also a Sky Bar which has a happy hour from 5-6pm each day and serves great cocktails. It also hosts numerous performers – we went for a jazz night and it was brilliant.
Amenities & Experiences at Jaya House River Park Hotel
Well, where to start. This is where the hotel really sets itself above. Let’s start with the shaded swimming pool, a beautiful area to sit and avoid the sun, with a small pool in the central atrium of the hotel. It’s STUNNING. I spent many an afternoon happily sitting here reading my book and dozing off after an early morning start to see temples (as it’s good to go before it gets too hot).
There is also a main swimming pool, which is big and has a lot of sunbeds around it which get the sun during the day. I loved that as soon as you sat down at both pools, cold water arrived, and often little snacks appeared like bowls of ice-cream, crisps and so on. I preferred the smaller shaded pool, but my husband was forever swimming in the main pool and said it was one of the best hotel pools he’s ever been in!
The hotel also offers an absolutely incredible spa, again set amongst lots of calming greenery. I had massages 6 days of my 7 staying here – it was a wonderful (but probably bad) habit to get in to given it was totally, completely free!
Amazing Highlight: Your stay includes a complimentary 60 minute spa treatment every single day. Yup. Heaven.
Other incredible COMPLIMENTARY offerings include:
- Unlimited laundry during your stay. After 2.5 weeks of travelling, we managed to get absolutely everything washed and left with clean packing again for no cost at all!
- Free tuk-tuk services to anywhere in Siem Reap. The driver will either wait for you, or you are provided with a phone so you can call the hotel for pick up!
- Water Bottles: All guests are provided with a complimentary water bottle to keep, which can be filled up at numerous stations around the hotel. There is no plastic anywhere.
Other wonderful touches include:
- Breakfast pastries and someone making coffees from 4am in the morning to cater for anyone who is doing the Angkor sunrise trip. Official breakfast then starts at 6am.
- Curated trip experiences: We didn’t do any as we explored solo, but the hotel offer guided journeys through the temples of Angkor and beyond.
- Complimentary bug spray: Every time you leave the hotel.
- Complimentary refreshments: An arrival cocktail and small meal, plus refreshing towels every time you return to the hotel.
- Books & Magazines: A great selection is on offer around the hotel.
Community & Environmental Work at Jaya House River Park Hotel
Jaya House is more than just a hotel. It is a role model in sustainable tourism, thanks to its owner and GM, Christian (who was on site all 7 days of our visit, talking to guests and staff from early morning to late at night). Some examples of work the hotel has been doing:
- Support for NGOs: Contributes a fee per night of stay to Green Gecko Center for Street Children, the Cambodian Landmine Relief Fund and the Small Art School.
- Made in Cambodia Market: Set up one of the main markets in Siem Reap to support local artisans (where I bought two beautiful hand-crafted postcards), strengthening local economic opportunities.
- Children’s Book Drive: Provided underprivileged local children with books. Guests are offered the opportunity to buy a book which the hotel then delivers.
- Local Employees: Intentional employment of Cambodian nationals, and the first hotel in Siem Reap to hire a female tuk-tuk driver!
- Single Use Plastic Elimination: Eliminated single use plastic entirely.
- Tree Planting: Since 2016, the hotel has planted over 2,000 trees in Siem Reap.
- Local Production: In room toiletries are from Jaya Organics, made locally in Siem Reap, by local people. You can also buy these products during your stay. We went home with bug spray and moisturiser.
- City Cleanups: Works with local government and other businesses to organise clean ups around Siem Reap. Guests can support and join in any efforts.
Jaya House is an absolutely wonderful hotel. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. It’s super special, the accommodation and amenities are stunning, and it’s important to contribute to a stay that delivers something meaningful for local communities. What do you think of Jaya House River Park Hotel? Let me know in the comments below!
Stay safe and happy travelling!
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