Raffles Cambodia’s ‘Path of History’ Tour and New Book

Hotel Le Royal – Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotels

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap has unveiled an immersive new “Grand Path of History” tour that transports guests back to a golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The permanent exhibition uses rare photographs, vintage video footage, architectural drawings and other artefacts to chart both Cambodia’s story and the evolution of one of the region’s most storied luxury hotels.

The experience is complemented by a new 160‑page history book, A Tale of Two Hotels – Raffles in Cambodia, by hotel historians Andreas and Carola Augustin. Showcasing both Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and its sister property, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, the book chronicles the early boom years of international travel and the travellers, visionaries and hoteliers who helped shape them.

A Golden Age of Travel, Retold

‘Grand Path of History’ at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

The “Grand Path of History” tour traces the period from 1900 to 1940, when steamships and early aircraft opened up Cambodia to adventurous visitors from around the world. It highlights true pioneers of hospitality such as the Sarkies brothers in Singapore, whose Raffles brand has defined luxury travel for nearly 140 years.

Led by an in‑house Raffles historian and curated by Andreas and Carola Augustin, the exhibit is available exclusively to hotel guests. As visitors move through the displays, they see how Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s 96‑year history intertwines with Cambodia’s cultural diplomacy, from the Royal Ballet’s early performances in Paris to high‑profile visitors like Charlie Chaplin at Angkor Wat and Le Royal.

Two Iconic Raffles Hotels, One Story

A Tale of Two Hotels – Raffles in Cambodia extends the exhibition beyond the hotel corridors, inviting readers into Cambodia’s two grandest heritage properties. With colourful archival photography and rich storytelling, the book explores how Raffles Hotel Le Royal (opened 1929) and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (opened 1932) became essential stopovers for archaeologists, explorers and refined travellers en route to Angkor and Phnom Penh.

Today, both hotels continue to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Cambodia. Each received prestigious MICHELIN Keys in the guide’s inaugural Cambodia edition, while Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also voted the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Living Heritage: Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Hotel Le Royal

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor remains an elegant base for exploring Angkor Wat, combining 1930s French Art Deco style with Cambodian influences in its rooms, suites and villas. Surrounded by lush gardens and a signature pool, the hotel retains the atmosphere of a refined rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers, updated with contemporary comforts.

In Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers 175 refurbished rooms and suites where French colonial, Khmer and Art Deco design come together in a bold yet timeless interior. From historic bars to leafy courtyards, the property reflects the same commitment to preserving heritage while welcoming modern travellers in understated luxury.

A Tale of Two Cities: History Meets Modern Adventure

Bringing both hotels together, Raffles Cambodia now offers a seven‑day “A Tale of Two Cities” stay, linking Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in one seamless journey. Guests can pair days at Angkor’s temples and the “Grand Path of History” tour in Siem Reap with time in the capital’s vibrant cultural and culinary scene, framed by stays at Hotel Le Royal.

The new tour and book underline how Raffles sees storytelling as central to luxury travel in Cambodia. By preserving and sharing the narratives behind these hotels, Raffles invites guests not just to stay in historic properties, but to step directly into the living history of a destination.