Luxury Cambodia 2027: 5-Star Hotels, River Cruises and What’s New

Cambodia is often treated as a two-night add-on for Angkor Wat. That is a pity. With time, it offers some of the most characterful luxury stays in Southeast Asia: a 1930s grand hotel, a former royal guest residence, a riverside capital with a skyscraper hotel, a rainforest tented camp and a private island. And the Mekong links it beautifully to Vietnam by river.

This guide covers what is new or changing for 2027, plus the established hotels and river ships we trust. For each we give the status as of October 2026 and a link to the official page or announcement. We have left out anything we could not confirm.

Cambodia’s luxury hotels and cruises at a glance

Getting there: two new airports

Techo International Airport (KTI) opened on 9 September 2025 and replaced the old Pochentong airport (PNH) as Phnom Penh’s international gateway. It lies about 20–28 km south of the city in Kandal province, and its terminal was designed by Foster + Partners (Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; TTG Asia). If you last flew into Phnom Penh before late 2025, note that the airport and the drive into town have changed.

Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) has been operating since 16 October 2023, about 40 km east of Angkor Wat (AP via Khaosod English). Flights here mostly come from regional hubs, so check the current timetables when you plan. Because the airport is some way out, we schedule a calm arrival afternoon rather than a sunset temple visit.

Siem Reap: where to stay for Angkor

Angkor deserves at least three nights. That gives you early mornings at the main temples before the heat and the crowds, quiet afternoons at the hotel, and a day for outlying sites. Where you sleep matters, because you will spend your middle hours there.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – open since 1932

Siem Reap’s grand old hotel is a 1930s French Art Deco building with butler service, the Elephant Bar, a Raffles Spa and the restaurant “1932”, which serves Cambodian royal cuisine. The hotel can also arrange dinner at the temples (official site). It suits couples who enjoy history, a drink at the Elephant Bar and a sense of occasion after a day at Angkor.

Amansara – open

Amansara occupies a 1960s former guest residence of King Sihanouk, in New Khmer architecture, with 24 suites, many with plunge pools (official site). It is small, very private and calm – ideal for travellers who want to come back from the temples to near silence.

La Résidence d’Angkor – Luxury Collection expected October 2027

Marriott and KS Hotels have signed La Résidence d’Angkor to join The Luxury Collection, expected in October 2027 (TTG Asia, 17 March 2026). We will confirm the name and any changes when you book.

Another Siem Reap option we know well is the Sofitel – see our Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra review – and ideas for days beyond the temples in our Cambodia luxury experiences guide.

Phnom Penh: Rosewood Phnom Penh

Rosewood Phnom Penh is an ultra-luxury hotel in the Vattanac Capital tower (official site; Rosewood press release, March 2025). It is a good counterpoint to Siem Reap: after the temples, the capital gives you the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the riverside, and the city’s more recent history, which we approach carefully and with a good guide. Two nights is about right, more if you finish a river cruise here.

Beyond the classic route: island and rainforest

Six Senses Krabey Island – open

Six Senses Krabey Island has 40 pool villas on a 30-acre private island off Ream, near Sihanoukville, reached by boat (official site; TTG). It is not a new opening, but it is the most comfortable way to end a long Cambodia or Vietnam–Cambodia trip with a few days of doing nothing at all.

Shinta Mani Wild (Bensley Collection) – open

Shinta Mani Wild is a tented camp designed by Bill Bensley in the South Cardamom forest, between Phnom Penh and Koh Kong. Guests can arrive by zipline, and the camp has a strong conservation focus (official site; Breaking Travel News). It is a memorable choice for adventurous couples. Families should note that sources differ on the minimum age for children, so we check the current policy before suggesting it.

On the Mekong: river cruises old and new

A river cruise is the most relaxing way to link Vietnam and Cambodia: you unpack once and step ashore with a guide at markets, pagodas and workshops.

Victoria Mekong Cruise – operating

Victoria Mekong sails between Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: 8 days/7 nights in either direction, 4 days/3 nights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and 5 days/4 nights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Departures are listed through December 2026; 2027 dates were not yet shown when we checked (official site). We use it on our Vietnam–Cambodia cruise, from US$1,687 per person.

AmaWaterways AmaMaya – expected January 2027

AmaMaya, a new 60-stateroom ship with the same layout as its sister AmaDara, two restaurants and a sun-deck pool, is expected to start sailing the “Charms of the Mekong” and “Riches of the Mekong” itineraries in January 2027 (Cruise Critic; Luxury Travel Advisor).

Aqua Mekong – new itineraries

Aqua Expeditions has announced new routes for 2026–2028 (Seatrade Cruise News). The “Kratie” sailings head up the Mekong to see Irrawaddy dolphins at Kampi, with 4- and 7-night options in July–August 2026. The “Phat Sandai” sailings, of 3, 4 or 7 nights in the December–February season from 2027, visit a Tonlé Sap floating village and a community fishery, with kayaking. There is also a one-off “Vietnam & Cambodia Expedition” on 16–23 April 2027.

Heritage Line and Pandaw – established options

Heritage Line’s Jayavarman and The Jahan sail the Lower Mekong between Saigon, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on 3-, 4- and 7-night itineraries; the 7-night trip includes ten private excursions (Luxury Travel Advisor; official site). Pandaw sells Saigon–Siem Reap sailings for 2026–2028 (official site).

How to build Cambodia into a 2027 trip

For most couples and families, Cambodia works best as part of a longer Vietnam journey: 12–22 days, two or three nights in each place, and the river or a short flight to link the countries. A few ways we do it:

• Cruise tour from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, from US$2,016 per person: eight days from Angkor down the Mekong via Phnom Penh, Can Tho and Ben Tre to Saigon.
• Vietnam–Cambodia cruise on Victoria Mekong, from US$1,687 per person: five days from Saigon through the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh.
• Siem Reap and Phnom Penh escape, 6 days, from US$840 per person: one night in the capital and four in Siem Reap, with two full days at Angkor. Ask us to quote it with any of the hotels above.
• Essential Indochina for Couples, from US$2,380 per person: seventeen days from Luang Prabang through Vietnam to Angkor Wat.
• Vietnam & Cambodia, 16 days, from US$2,572 per person (based on 3–4 adults; domestic flights quoted separately).

Prices are the “from” prices as listed on each tour page, based on 2 travellers sharing unless noted; your final price is confirmed for your dates. If Vietnam is part of your trip, check the entry rules in our Vietnam e-visa guide, and see our favourite Vietnam luxury holidays for the Vietnamese half of the journey.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport do I fly into for Phnom Penh now?

Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced Pochentong (PNH) on 9 September 2025. It is about 20–28 km south of the city, so allow extra time for the transfer.

How many nights do I need in Siem Reap?

Three or four. That allows early starts at the main temples, rest in the middle of the day and time for outlying sites without rushing.

Is there a new luxury hotel in Siem Reap for 2027?

Not a new building, but La Résidence d’Angkor is expected to join Marriott’s Luxury Collection in October 2027. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Amansara remain the classic choices.

Which Mekong cruise is best between Vietnam and Cambodia?

It depends on length and style. Victoria Mekong offers 4- to 8-day options; Heritage Line and Pandaw sail longer set itineraries; AmaMaya is expected from January 2027. We match the ship to your dates and pace.

Is Cambodia suitable for families with teenagers?

Yes. Angkor by bicycle or tuk-tuk, a floating village and a few days on an island usually work well. We check child policies hotel by hotel, especially for Shinta Mani Wild.

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Written by the Metta Voyage travel team in Hanoi. Last updated October 2026. Opening dates and cruise schedules come from the hotel, operator and press sources linked above (checked 25 October 2026) and can change. Prices are the “from” prices published on our tour pages (checked 25 October 2026), based on 2 travellers sharing unless noted; your quote confirms the price for your dates. Photo: Metta Voyage.

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