Finding Paradise in Cambodia

Authentic experiences often come from those who’ve lived them. In this candid account, Karma Group fractional Member Leanne Robb shares a detailed guide from her recent two-week adventure at Karma Bayon in Cambodia, offering fellow Members an insider’s perspective on this cultural gem. We think she could have a second career in travel guides! 

Leanne Robb’s Karma Bayon Adventure

“Karma Bayon feels like a walk back in time – a beautiful taste of traditional Cambodian architecture set in lush gardens. It’s a relaxing, quiet, serene resort where the main background sounds are often the gentle cultural music and chanting from local ceremonies.”

Top Tips

• Traditional rooms with dark wood-paneled walls and ornate sculptures.
• Modern/industrial finish rooms. Most rooms have a circular bath plus an ensuite.
• Excellent Hot Water – (Tip: Flick the tap to the RIGHT, opposite to Australian plumbing).
• Air Conditioning is very good. Fans are provided In all rooms (and verandahs around the pool bar).
• Bathroom Products: Soap, body gel, shampoo, and excellent conditioner (no body lotion provided).
• 2 Pools (1 salt water, 1 chlorinated freshwater).
• Hot spa (39°C) and cold spa (14°C) – loved the cold spa!
• Poolside candlelight dining – highly recommended!
• Pushbikes are available.
• Karma-sponsored tuk-tuks are usually available on-site. If not, drivers are available across the road. Highly Recommended Driver: Mr. Lay (+855 92 562 697 via WhatsApp).
• Bayon Quiz Night: Wednesdays 5–7 PM (free drinks & nibbles – excellent for socializing! Must sit with strangers, not family/friends.)

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Activities & Tours (Highly Recommended)

• Karma Orientation Tour (by Tuk-Tuk): Free.
• Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium: US$25 (includes transfers).
• Angkor Temples: One-day temple pass: US$37.
• Sunset at Floating Village: US$38 (includes dinner & transport).
• Three in One Tuk-Tuk Trip (US$8):
  • APOPO Hero Rats finding landmines (US$10)
  • Killing Fields (US$3)
  • Angkor National Museum (US$12)
• Pub Street: Must-visit! (Bright, colorful, party vibe.)
• Night Markets: Fantastic food options (~US$2.50/dish). Beers for US$1!
• Open Air Bus Tour: US$9 (Double-decker, 2-hour tour).

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Special Karma Tour

• Karma Bayon Street Market Foodie Tour:
  • US$12 (includes transport + food tasting).
  • Tastings: Khmer noodles, fruits, bugs, frogs, spiders, snails, pig brain soup, spring rolls, fermented fish, pork skewers, desserts, and more!
    

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Restaurants & Cafés We Loved

• Local Cafés:
  • Family restaurant/café across the road (good coffee, cold drinks).
  • The Matcha Atelier (behind the yellow wall, next to Karma).
  • The Grange (one minute walk, turn right).
  • 3 Sisters (beside Angkor Supermarket) – amazing seafood fried rice (US$3.50).

• Restaurants:
  • Viva Mexican Café (near Pub Street) – mains US$5.50–$12.
  • Elia Greek Restaurant (Tapas for 3: US$18).
  • Crep’Italy (lane to the right of Pub Street) – best crepes and coffee.
  • Il Forno Italian Restaurant – delicious lasagna (US$6.50).
  • Burger Jungle (Sok San Road) – Kiwi owned.
  • Temple Design Restaurant – Great menu, spacious.
  • Riverside Night Markets – affordable and tasty street food.
  • Khmer Taste Restaurant – excellent food and amazing specials (e.g., chicken burger + chips for US$2).
  • The Space Restaurant – loved the upstairs vibe overlooking Siem Reap streets.

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Final Thoughts

We had an absolutely memorable stay at Karma Bayon! From the warm hospitality of Vin and his team to the tranquil setting, incredible activities, and vibrant local food scene – this was the perfect Cambodian experience! Highly recommended! ”

Ready to experience Karma Bayon? Current Karma Group Member offers include 75% off points, free WiFi, 25% discount on food and beverages, complimentary Angkor Wat tour for two, return airport transfers, and a US$100 F&B voucher. Contact your Karma Concierge today to begin your own Cambodian adventure.