I've Found Heaven. It's called Sojourn.
Trip Start
Sep 20, 2009
1
4
17
Trip End
Oct 08, 2009
Siem Reap Province, Kândal, Cambodia
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sojourn is a small boutique resort with about 10 luxury huts around a beautiful saltwater pool. There is also a small restaurant/bar, with pretty good food. The food and drink prices are a little high, but if you are too tired to go into town it's a good option.
The distance from town is both its main fault, and one of its biggest strengths. It is impossible to just walk into town for dinner. A 15 minute tuk-tuk ride is a must. At first this was annoying but eventually I came to treasure it. The drives in and out of town allowed me to see both city and village life I wouldn't have seen otherwise. i loved sunset rides with the wind blowing through my hair, and the sight of sugar palms against the darkening sky.
Another slightly unusual downside was the scent from the village. It was a mix of animal dung and burning garbage. But incense was lit nightly. I suspect this was to cover the slight aroma as much as to ward off the mosquitos. No worries, though. It really wasn't enough to bother me, and I grew to love the incense.
Some other unexpected bonuses were sunrise walks through Treak Village where the hotel is located, the occasional sound of monks chanting in the Pagoda down the road, and meeting villagers when walking on the backroads. All things I wouldn't have experienced if I had stayed in town.
Visit their website for more info, photos, rates, etc. Sojourn Boutique Villas
If you are on a tight budget, the owners also own a guesthouse in town, It's not as luxurious as Sojourn, but it is safe, clean, and pretty darn nice for a a guesthouse. The Villa At Siem Reap
I'm just going to post some photos and let them do the talking.
