FCC Angkor by Avani: A Showcase of History and Refinement in Siem Reap

The Best of Siem Reap at Your Fingertips

Conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap, FCC Angkor by Avani enjoys a privileged position along the peaceful river, just steps from the Royal Independence Gardens and the Royal Residence. Surrounded by ancient trees and lush tropical vegetation, the hotel offers an enchanting setting, conducive to both relaxation and discovery. The city's iconic sites, such as the Royal Palace, the Night Market, and Pub Street, are easily accessible on foot. Across the way, trails along the river attract walkers and joggers throughout the day. The legendary Angkor Wat temple is just a fifteen-minute drive away, ideal for an early morning outing or a memorable sunset.

A Colonial Icon Transformed into a Design Haven

FCC Angkor by Avani skillfully blends historical heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Formerly the French governor's residence turned police station and then a meeting place for foreign correspondents, this iconic building was reimagined in 2019 to be reborn under the leadership of Avani Hotels & Resorts. Behind the walls of this elegant Khmer-style Art Deco villa unfolds a refined boutique hotel, where clean modern lines meet Khmer influences in a subtly luxurious atmosphere. Furniture made from natural materials, handcrafted details like handwoven rattan baskets, and discreet references to the site's history infuse FCC Angkor by Avani with a unique and authentically modern character.

Distributed across two distinct wings – the Heritage Wing and the Premiere Wing – the hotel is organized around an open-air lobby, where a relaxed, almost meditative atmosphere prevails. At the entrance, a white rickshaw stands between two monumental gongs, while carved frescoes inspired by the temples of Angkor adorn the walls. The rooms, arranged horseshoe-style around a long and elegant pool, invite serenity in the heart of carefully landscaped tropical gardens. The original mansion has been preserved and transformed into the main restaurant, retaining all its character with its period facade and subtly restored interior.

Elegant Rooms with Refined Cambodian Style

The 80 rooms and suites offer a haven of peace in the heart of Siem Reap, perfectly isolated from the outside bustle. They open onto meticulously maintained tropical gardens or the saltwater pool, a true gem of the hotel. The design is both understated and refined, with noble materials, custom-made wooden furniture, and Cambodian artisan textiles that give the whole a warm and authentic atmosphere. The minimalist ambiance, punctuated with nods to the colonial era, creates a soothing cocoon conducive to rest.

We stayed in a 33 sqm Deluxe Courtyard Room, featuring a private balcony with pool views, perfect for enjoying the tranquility at the end of the day. The decor combines contemporary elegance and subtle Khmer details, with natural wood elements, artisanal objects, and a beautiful harmony of neutral tones. The bathroom, equipped with a copper basin and a rain shower, impresses with its neat aesthetics and quality finishes. Everything is designed to offer modern comfort in a setting with typical Cambodian charm.

A Refined Morning Buffet

Breakfast is served at The Mansion, the iconic restaurant of FCC Angkor by Avani, in a setting that is both elegant and soothing. Offered as a buffet, it showcases both Cambodian specialties and breakfast staples, all complemented by tasty exotic fruits. The offering, both generous and varied, caters to all desires, whether one seeks a light and healthy start to the day or a more indulgent moment.

A Superb Dinner at The Mansion to the Rhythm of the Sacred Dancers

The Mansion offers elegant comfort food blending Khmer, Asian, and French influences, served from morning to evening in a setting steeped in history. Located in a former colonial building from the 1950s, this open-plan venue captivates with its retro atmosphere and modernist decor. Here, one can enjoy both Khmer dishes and bold fusion creations, either indoors or under the shade of ancient trees in the tropical garden. Committed to a sustainable approach, The Mansion favors local ingredients and offers a fine selection of artisanal cocktails and local beers.

For an even more immersive experience, the restaurant The Mansion offers a mesmerizing performance by the Sacred Dancers of Angkor twice a week, staged outdoors, facing the diners. We were fortunate to witness this during our stay, a timeless moment where the richness of Cambodian culture harmoniously blends with the pleasures of the table.

The evening began smoothly with refreshing mocktails aptly named Scribe Frozen Wilds, a fragrant blend of passion fruit, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar syrup. We then opted for the four-course Khmer Voyage menu, a true invitation to a gustatory journey. As a starter, the A4 Saku tuna ceviche, accompanied by avocado, cucumber broth, caviar vinaigrette, and zucchini and mint oil, set the stage with finesse. Then came the Tom Yam soup with freshwater shrimp, perfectly spiced with galangal, lemongrass, mushrooms, and coconut milk. For the main course, the grilled organic duck breast, served with sautéed eggplants, Kampot pepper, kaffir lime leaf, and Thai roots, offered a powerful yet refined blend of flavors. Finally, to conclude the culinary journey in style, the Matcha Strawberry dessert combined the sweetness of strawberry compote with the intensity of high-quality matcha and the lightness of mascarpone. An exquisite dinner enhanced by a hypnotic performance: a rare and unforgettable moment.

Creative Cocktails and Cambodian Spirits

Nestled in the heart of the lush tropical gardens of FCC Angkor by Avani, under the benevolent shade of ancient trees, the Scribe Bar is a true open-air oasis. With its relaxed and elegant atmosphere, it invites guests to savor creative house cocktails, artisanal beers, refined sake, and a fine selection of natural wines. Throughout the day, one can enjoy light bites, while the upper terrace, connected to the restaurant The Mansion, offers a pleasant view over Pokambor Avenue.

During our stay, we had the pleasure of participating in a tasting of local spirits offered by the hotel, an experience as original as it is authentic. In collaboration with the sustainable distilleries Herbal Kulen and Seekers Spirits, and the artistic NGO Colors of Cambodia, FCC Angkor by Avani has created an exclusive collection of house spirits. We tasted the FCC Vodka, distilled in Phnom Penh, whose sweetness of cassava and the sharpness of Asian lemon tree leaves provide a beautiful balance and a warm finish. The FCC Herbal Gin, meanwhile, crafted from plants grown at the foot of the sacred Kulen mountain, entices with its subtle floral notes enhanced by a touch of lemongrass. These exceptional spirits are also highlighted in very aromatic house cocktails, available on the menu at the Scribe Bar.

Letting Go and Harmony at the Visaya Spa

Nestled in a haven of serenity, the Visaya Spa invites you to an inner journey, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In an intimate and soothing setting, this wellness sanctuary offers a holistic approach inspired by local traditions, combining ancient rituals and indigenous ingredients to restore harmony between body, mind, and soul. Whether alone or as a couple, treatments are performed in private rooms, with dedicated spaces for massages, manicures, pedicures, or reflexology.

During our visit, we tried the Signature Visaya Massage, a deeply regenerating experience. This treatment combines Eastern and Western massage techniques with an exclusive oil blend, stimulating circulation while inducing intense relaxation. From the first gestures, tensions dissipate and energy flows freely again, providing a sense of grounding and lightness. Among other flagship treatments, the Bamboo Massage offers detoxifying benefits, and the Chakra Balancing Therapy uses singing bowls for a meditative and harmonizing immersion. A true moment of letting go, as beneficial for the body as for the spirit.

My Review

FCC Angkor by Avani has deeply impressed me with its ability to elegantly blend history and modernity. Nestled in a green enclave in the heart of Siem Reap, this hotel embodies the perfect balance between discreet refinement, soothing atmosphere, and cultural richness. Every detail seems designed to offer both an immersive and sophisticated experience: from the well-appointed rooms to the subtle flavors of its cuisine, through the holistic treatments of the spa and the local commitment through artisanal spirits. This place is not just a hotel, it's a destination in itself, a true haven of charm and authenticity that stands out for its soul.

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Practical Information

A big thank you to FCC Angkor by Avani for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, I remain free to express my opinions in this article!