The Gen XY Lifestyle
Shinta Mani’s Insider List to Siem Reap
The team at Shinta Mani shares an insiders’ list of favourite spots and hidden venues in Siem Reap
A trip to Siem Reap has grown beyond just visiting Angkor Wat. The town has added numerous dining options, eclectic shops providing access to local and international artists and designers.
Here are five ways to discover Siem Reap:
Downtown: Siem Reap’s Downtown area is a hub and full of excitement during the day and throughout the night. With Old Market at the entrance, Pub Street in the middle, The Lane and Ally West –the freshest, funniest, chicest and most eccentric little street in town, here are several dining options.
– Miss Wong’s Cocktail Bar. The cherry-red lanterns suspended from the doorway beckon passersby to this hidden gem. Inside, slip into one of the intimate leather booths for an Indochine Martini.
– Charlie’s Bar. Established in 2013 by the husband and wife team; Charlie and Zoe Kumar, the bar has a retro-Americana feel and is decked out with plenty of interesting memorabilia to get the conversation flowing.
– Long’s Bar. One of the coolest bars in Siem Reap, has a chilled relaxed atmosphere with AC. Comfy pallet furniture and tasty drinks.
– Gelato Lab. Their traditional homemade Italian gelato is made from imported whole milk and slow-churned to perfection using only all natural ingredients, gelato and sorbets are made fresh daily.
– The Steak House at Pub Street. The newest culinary concept launched by Shinta Mani in the form of an American steakhouse, serving prime cuts grilled to perfection paired with abundant side dishes and over the top desserts.
Kandal Village: Nestled in the leafy central neighborhood, you’ll discover Siem Reap’s rising arts’ and culture precinct. Kandal (Middle) Village is home to a vibrant and eclectic new mix of around 25 cafes, galleries, baristas extraordinaire, arty home-wares, shops, spas and cool fashion stores unique to Cambodia. Come here to look (and buy) unique gifts, superb coffee, specialty juices, beautifully designed lacquer and ceramic home-wares, fashion accessories, eco-friendly delights for home and body, art, street fashion, jewellery, furniture and more.
Khmer Cooking Classes at Kroya: Shinta Mani’s Chef can take you on a Khmer culinary journey. Start with a visit to the Old Market to smell, taste and feel the Khmer Spices –fundamental ingredients for most dishes you will learn to prepare. Then head back to the hotel to learn some of traditional Cambodian dishes served at Kroya. Kroya -which means “food” in the Khmer Royal language, is Shinta Mani Club’s unique restaurant inspired by its heritage. The menu blends international as well as local products, combining fresh ingredients, native herbs and spices, to create innovative, palette pleasing flavours. Don’t forget to come back for dinner to enjoy the 7 course Tasting Menu following the seasons and the local harvest.
Phare the Cambodian Circus: Uniquely Cambodian and daringly modern, Phare offers Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top rated evening entertainment. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories –historical, folk and modern. Before the show, stop by Bensley’s Bar to enjoy a drink -or two, at Social Hour with one-for-one in drinks every day from 5.00 to 7.00pm.
Grasshopper Adventure: This local tour group provides adventurous rides to Kulen Mountain and to Beng Melea temple. With great guides, perfectly maintained bikes and attention to safety, they welcome families with children of all ages. Alternatively, they offer rides through the countryside and then kayaking through smaller floating communities on the Tonle Sap Lake.
