Khmer Spa: An Ultimate Guide to Traditional Healing at Shinta Mani Angkor
December 31, 2025
After a day exploring Shinta Mani Angkor’s towering bas-reliefs and sunrise silhouettes, many guests discover the quiet truth of Siem Reap: the Angkor Ache. Early alarms, ancient staircases, humid air, and thousands of steps leave the body humming with fatigue. Recovery, too often neglected, is the essential second half of adventure.
Step into the Khmer Tonics Spa, our sanctuary of traditional healing wisdom and a gateway to Chbab Boran, the ancient Cambodian law of healing. At Shinta Mani Hotels, you don’t simply see history. You feel it infuse your skin through time-honored rituals, indigenous botanicals, and intuitive touch.
Khmer Spa is a lineage we carry with pride. Our promise: we’ll help you wash away the temple dust, soothe the ache, and restore the spirit so tomorrow’s sunrise feels lighter, clearer, and deeply renewed.
Khmer Tonics Spa, our sanctuary of wellness and gateway to Chbab Boran
Understanding Khmer Spa: The Ancient Cambodian Art of Healing
A Khmer Spa is the living continuation of traditional Cambodian healing, rooted in community wisdom, seasonal herbs, and bodywork designed to rebalance, warm, and revive. At the heart of this traditional therapy is Traditional Khmer Massage, a rhythmic, grounding practice that works along the body’s energy lines and pressure points known as “Tosay.”
Unlike Western massage that focuses primarily on muscles, Traditional Khmer Massage combines targeted pressure, gentle stretching, and deep kneading to unblock energy pathways, restore balance, and coax tension out of travel-tired muscles. The approach is gentler than Thai massage, favoring a soothing rhythm that leaves the body relaxed rather than invigorated.
The soul of this wellness treatment is Kru Khmer, the indigenous herbal medicine tradition. Our formulary honors “Yellow Gold,” a revered pairing of turmeric and plai chosen for their anti-inflammatory potency and soothing warmth. We combine this with ginger to stimulate circulation and lemongrass to clarify and brighten the senses.
Together, these botanicals become fragrant steam, sunlit oils, skin-softening scrubs, and warm compresses that melt into deeper relaxation.
Our formulary honors “Yellow Gold,” a revered pairing of turmeric and plai chosen for their anti-inflammatory potency and soothing warmth
In authentic Cambodian wellness experiences, healing is tactile and aromatic. It is the quiet work of local plants and practiced hands, offering balance after the exhilaration of the temples. We believe Khmer Spa is both education and embrace: a way to understand Cambodia through its touch, its earth, and its timeless care.
Inside the Khmer Tonics Spa: Bill Bensley Design Meets Shinta Mani Angkor Wellness
Welcome to Khmer Tonics, our Cambodian healing sanctuary shaped by the vision of Bill Bensley Design within the grounds of Shinta Mani Angkor. Step inside and feel the temperature shift: recessed doorways invite cooling shade, the courtyard hushes the city’s hum, and surfaces whisper intentional calm.
The design story is minimalist yet soulful. Monochromatic black-and-white tiles underfoot create quiet order, while striking saffron accents nod to monks’ robes, anchoring the space in spiritual heritage. As you move through the spa, sound softens: footsteps become gentler, voices turn to murmurs, and the body instinctively exhales.
Black-and-white tiles and saffron accents define the tranquil interiors of Khmer Tonics Spa, designed by Bill Bensley
The space feels like a temple for the body, an intimate counterpart to the grandeur of Angkor. Outside, the French Quarter buzzes with tuk-tuks and market chatter; inside Khmer Tonics, the world narrows to cool tile, soft light, and the scent of lemongrass. Whether you’re arriving dusty from Bayon or glowing after Ta Prohm, your healing time here becomes a personal interlude between history and evening. Learn more about our wellness offerings at Shinta Mani Angkor.
Signature Rituals at Khmer Tonics Spa
Our rituals are crafted to revive, replenish, and reconnect. Each treatment reflects the Shinta Mani Angkor Wellness philosophy: authentic ingredients, skilled hands, and deep respect for Cambodian healing traditions.
Signature Treatment 1: The Khmer Tonics Signature Body Polish
Duration: 60 minutes
A sensory revival for skin and spirit: we blend kaffir lime (to fortify immunity), natural sea salt (to buff away temple dust), and coconut milk (to rehydrate parched skin). The result is clarity and glow. Your body polished, your senses awakened, your evening re-energized.
A sensory revival for skin and spirit, with the blend of kaffir lime, natural sea salt and coconut milk
Signature Treatment 2: The Heat Revival
Duration: 90 minutes
Using a steamed muslin compress packed with turmeric, plai, ginger, and lemongrass, we press warmth into the back and shoulders. The heat diffuses through tense muscles, easing the Angkor Ache with the gentle insistence of tradition. This treatment pairs beautifully with a Traditional Khmer Massage for complete restoration.
A warm herbal compress infused with traditional Cambodian botanicals, ready for The Heat Revival treatment
All tonics, oils, and scrubs are 100% natural and chemical-free, sourced from the Cambodian earth. We honor authentic principles: recipes are simple, ingredients are pure, and outcomes are tangible. More ease in the body, more quiet in the mind, more presence in the moment. Browse our complete Khmer Tonics Spa menu to discover the full range of treatments.
The Intuitive Art of Blind Therapists at Our Khmer Spa
Our sessions are guided by therapists whose craft is both skill and kindness, especially our Blind Massage Therapists team. In Cambodia, each Blind Massage Therapist is renowned for heightened sensitivity and refined intuition. Their hands find the tension knots others miss; their pacing invites deeper trust; their presence is quietly transformative.
Choosing the Cambodian healing treatments with our massage therapists goes beyond self-care. It is an ethical action in motion. Each booking supports sustainable employment and dignity, directly aligned with the mission of the Shinta Mani Foundation.
Our skilled Blind Massage Therapists bring heightened intuition and refined touch to every session
Here, healing is relational: you, the therapist, and the wisdom of traditional Khmer healing meet in a space designed to listen. We believe the best wellness is felt in small moments, when someone anticipates your exhale, softens pressure at the perfect second, or rests a warm compress where words aren’t needed. That is the art of our healing rituals: hands that see, herbs that soothe, design that restores.
What to Expect at Our Khmer Spa
Our wellness center offers local lineage, refined with intention.
Authenticity: We honor recipes that trace back to the Angkorian empire. No generic concepts here, only indigenous wisdom, beautifully delivered through Traditional Khmer Massage and herbal therapies.
The Golden Hour: Book between temple mornings and dinner, the perfect bridge where the body resets and the spirit settles. This 4:00 PM time slot has become beloved by guests seeking restoration.
Ethical Luxury: World-class healing treatments with impact. Your care directly supports our skilled blind therapists and community initiatives.
Location: Float from the treatment room to your Bensley Collection Pool Villa or guest room. This holistic center is only steps away, effortlessly woven into your day. This is Shinta Mani Angkor Wellness at its most accessible.
At Khmer Tonics Spa, we honor recipes that trace back to the Angkorian empire
Your Khmer Spa Moment Awaits
Pro Tip: Book your Cambodian healing treatment for 4:00 PM, the perfect time to wash away temple dust and welcome the evening renewed. Visit the Khmer Tonics reception or reserve your stay to secure your preferred time; late afternoon slots fill quickly.
Your body carried you through history today. Let us return the favor with the restorative embrace of Khmer Spa.
Late afternoon at Khmer Tonics Spa: the golden hour for restoration after a day exploring Angkor’s temples
Preparing for Your Khmer Spa Ritual: Questions Guests Commonly Ask
Q1: What is a “Khmer Spa” and how is it different from other spas? A Khmer Spa centers on Cambodian healing traditions: Traditional Khmer Massage, Kru Khmer botanicals (turmeric, plai, ginger, lemongrass), and warm compress therapies. It’s sensory, restorative, and rooted in local culture rather than generic spa concepts.
Q2: I have “temple fatigue.” Which treatment should I choose? Try The Heat Revival. The hot herbal compress eases back and shoulder tension, while the warmth helps circulation. Pair it with the Signature Body Polish to remove dust and rehydrate skin after long walks.
Q3: Are your products natural? Yes. All Khmer Tonics, oils, and scrubs at Khmer Tonics are 100% natural and chemical-free, sourced from Cambodian botanicals.
Q4: Do you offer Massage by the Blind? We do. Our blind therapists are highly respected for their intuitive touch, and booking with them supports ethical employment in alignment with the Shinta Mani Foundation.
Q5: When should I book my treatment? We recommend 4:00 PM, it’s an ideal reset between temple touring and dinner. Late afternoon times at Khmer Tonics are popular, so reserve early.
Q6: Is this ritual suitable for sensitive skin? Yes. Our formulations are gentle and natural. If you have specific sensitivities, let us know. We’ll tailor the ritual to your needs.
Q7: Can couples book a shared Khmer Spa experience? Absolutely. We offer couple-friendly suites and synchronized treatments so you can unwind together at Khmer Tonics Spa.
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additional EXPERIENCE
HELICOPTER ADVENTURE
Experience the pinnacle of adventure with a once-in-a-lifetime private helicopter flight above Mustang. From the moment of lift-off, you’ll be treated to the awe-inspiring spectacle of the mountain range unfolding before your eyes, a riveting panorama of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including the iconic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
As you venture deeper into the heart of Mustang, the landscape morphs into a mesmerizing blend of arid desert-like terrain, dramatic cliffs, and ancient rock formations — an other-worldly ambience that will transport you to a distant, untouched realm.
Note: Helicopter Adventure is provided at additional cost. Please inquire at booking.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
ARCHERY
Learn the ancient skill of archery and gain mastery over the bow and arrow. Private lessons are available at a nearby archery field from local Nepalese experts whose families have passed down the secrets of the sport through countless generations.
In this exclusive offering, you will discover not only the technical precision required in archery but also its historical significance and the spiritual aspects of the discipline.
Archery also promotes mindfulness and concentration, connecting the body and mind. Our private lessons are tailored to provide individual attention to novices and experienced archers alike.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
HORSEBACK RIDING
Ride a Mustang horse alongside a local and experience the rhythm and lifestyle of the kingdom that shares its name. These compact yet robust ponies, renowned for their strength and gentle demeanor, have been pivotal to the Himalayan way of life for centuries. Before the modern era, these noble steeds were the lifelines of the region, facilitating travel and trade across the challenging terrain.
Our horseback expeditions range from short, leisurely rides to neighboring villages — perfect for beginners — to more adventurous multi-day excursions into the rugged terrain of Upper Mustang.
Designed for experienced riders, these longer itineraries offer an unparalleled insight into the nomadic lifestyle, as old and untamed as the mountains themselves.
additional EXPERIENCE
HIKING & TREKKING
Mustang’s contrasting landscapes encompass arid deserts, snowy peaks, colorful valleys, and mountain forests. Discover them all with our guided treks, an opportunity to explore remote villages, visit Buddhist monasteries, and encounter wildlife such as blue sheep and yaks. Expect awe-inspiring views of the Kali Gandaki River, glittering glaciers, and the majestic Himalayas around every corner. We offer options to suit every adventurer, from short, daily hikes leaving from the resort to multi-day excursions leading all the way up to the Tibetan border.
Kickstart your day with one of our House Hikes, a pre-breakfast, one-hour trek behind the resort. One of these short adventures rewards you with breathtaking vistas of Nilgiri and the iconic Tukuche Peak, all set against a picturesque backdrop of desert terrain, vibrant trees, and roaring rivers.
Another highlight is a visit to nearby Syang Village, where you may find monks doing their morning chants and meditating in the village gompa. As our guest, you will always receive a warm welcome and an opportunity to experience this tranquil spiritual practice firsthand.
ADDITIONAl EXPERIENCE
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mustang’s contrasting landscapes encompass arid deserts, snowy peaks, colorful valleys, and mountain forests. Discover them all with our guided treks, an opportunity to explore remote villages, visit Buddhist monasteries, and encounter wildlife such as blue sheep and yaks. Expect awe-inspiring views of the Kali Gandaki River, glittering glaciers, and the majestic Himalayas around every corner. We offer options to suit every adventurer, from short, daily hikes leaving from the resort to multi-day excursions leading all the way up to the Tibetan border.
CORE EXPERIENCE
WELLNESS THERAPIES
After experiencing the cultural and scenic adventures of Mustang, a tailor-made wellness regimen will soothe your body and relax your spirit. As part of your all-inclusive experience at Shinta Mani Mustang, you will enjoy a personalized program in our stylish spa overlooking the Nilgiri range.
The experience begins with a consultation with our local Amchi (Tibetan medicine doctor), Tsewang Gyurme Gurung, the 11th-generation recorded Amchi in his lineage of SoRig practitioners. He will review your overall wellness and prescribe specific treatments, drawing from a wealth of ancestral knowledge.
Our spa facilities offer private treatment rooms for individuals and couples, steam and sauna rooms, and massage and beauty treatments with highly-trained therapists.
An extraordinary fusion of nature, culture, and spirituality, Lubra Village is an 800-year-old settlement nestled in the heart of Mustang and one of the last remaining strongholds of the Bon Buddhist tradition, a practice that predates Buddhism. This secluded hamlet, accessible via a picturesque hike along the Panda Khola River gorge, is a testament to the resilience of long-held traditions in the face of time.
From the venerable gompa and intriguing cave monastery to the local cuisine served on the rooftop of an ancient home, Lubra offers a voyage back in time to the roots of Bon Buddhism, set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
Enjoy a day of trekking through the picturesque landscapes, sampling the unique flavors of traditional Bon cuisine, and gaining a deeper understanding of a way of life that has been virtually unchanged for 800 years.
CORE EXPERIENCE
JHARKOT, JHONG, MUKTINATH, KAGBENI
This tour blends history, culture, adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty for an immersive experience in the Nepalese countryside. Begin after breakfast with a one-hour drive to Jharkot, a tranquil Tibetan village seemingly untouched by time and famous for its historic gompa (monastery).
From Jharkot, a serene hike into the valley passes through age-old orchards to the revered pilgrimage site of Muktinath, which draws both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from around the world, particularly for the sacred 108 fountains known as Mukti Dhara. According to Hindu belief, bathing in these fountains washes away one’s sins and brings salvation (we recommend bringing your bathing suit to partake in this unique ritual).
From Muktinath you will cross suspension bridges and ascend the opposite side of the valley to ancient Jhong village. Here, you’ll visit a traditional home and enjoy a lunch prepared by the Shinta Mani culinary team at the monastery, against the breathtaking backdrop of 360-degree views of the valleys and mountains.
After the meal, choose between an exhilarating mountain biking adventure down a less-traveled trail or a comfortable jeep ride towards Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Here, you’ll visit the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, an important Buddhist site, to end this exploration of Mustang’s spiritual and adventurous highlights.
CORE EXPERIENCE
WILDERNESS TREKKING
Embark on a trek in the Jomsom Valley, traversing rugged landscapes, crossing streams, and navigating forests while marveling at the dazzling views of the snow-capped Himalaya. The route will be carefully selected based on conditions for an optimal outdoor experience.
Midway through the trek, pause for a mountaineer-inspired picnic, enjoying high-energy foods, a glass of chilled rosé, and the unique experience of dining in the wilderness. Continue your exploration post-lunch, appreciating the serenity and solitude of untouched areas. The trek concludes back at the starting point.
Flexibility is one of the key aspects of our trekking programs. We understand that every guest is unique in terms of skill, experience, and fitness level.
All our treks can be customized, adjusting the itinerary, length, and difficulty to match the capabilities and requirements of our guests. We place great emphasis on safety and enjoyment, so rest assured that your journey through Mustang will be both memorable and within your comfort zone.
CORE EXPERIENCE
MARPHA VILLAGE
Nestled at the southern edge of Mustang, Marpha Village is a hidden gem famous for its beautifully painted Buddhist monasteries, traditional stone houses, and apple orchards where you can sample the local brandy and cider.
This authentic encounter with Nepalese rural life begins with a refreshing, two-hour morning trek from Shinta Mani Wild to Dumba Lake and the iconic Khutsab Terenga Monastery. This route offers transfixing views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest valley in the world. At the monastery, you’ll be treated to an elegant breakfast picnic under the shade of an old apricot tree.
Post-breakfast, you have the option to either drive, trek, or mountain bike to Marpha. Spend your day strolling down the narrow flagstone streets, shopping for local handicrafts, and absorbing the sights and sounds of this picturesque village.
Lunch is hosted by Mrs. Kamala, a renowned Thakali chef and civic leader who will prepare a traditional meal for you at her kitchen table, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine.
After lunch, delve deeper into the fascinating history and traditions of Marpha Village, from the orchards to the monasteries.
ANGKOR & BEYOND
Phnom Kulen & Banteay Srei
Considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen mountain is ensconced in beautiful jungle scenery. The itinerary includes a hike to the Kulen waterfall; good walking shoes and a swimsuit are advisable. The tour also includes a visit to the majestic Banteay Srei temple, known for its exquisitely carved red sandstone.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 7 hrs.
Price: From US $198*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
Travel along a peaceful waterway while you soak in the history, nature, and culture of the Angkor site. The longboat-style gondola will take you past the great wall of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the Royals’ Secret Path, and the City Guardpost as you enjoy drinks and canapés. Note: Temple pass required.
Private vehicle
Kong Kear boat
Canapés and drinks
Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: From US $180*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
This is a fantastic and peaceful way to watch the sunset over Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world. Tonle Sap has been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve due to its high degree of biodiversity. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you float past its natural wonders.
Private vehicle
Boat
Entrance fees
Food and drinks
Duration: 5 hrs.
Price: From US $1,394*
Minimum of 8 people.
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
This cluster of remote temples includes Bakong, Lolei, Preah Ko, and Prei Monti, some of which date from the 9th century — among the earliest permanent structures built by the Khmer. It’s a perfect excursion for 7-Day pass holders or repeat visitors to Siem Reap.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 3.5 hrs.
Price: From US $94*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
This tour takes you to a remote part of Siem Reap Province where not many tourists visit. It includes some hiking and visits the 10th-century Banteay Srei (Ladies Temple), known for its intricate red sandstone carvings, and the spectacularly carved riverbed Kbal Spean.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 6.5 hrs.
Price: From US $176*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
A fascinating exploration of communities living directly on the water, this tour includes a boat trip on the Tonle Sap lake, passing by stilt houses and a floating school.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 4 hrs.
Price: From US $118*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include boat ride or meals.
This full-day tour takes in two remote and often unvisited temples that are very much worth the long drive: jungle-covered Beng Mealea and pyramid-like Koh Ker, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour is highly recommended for those who have previously visited Siem Reap’s temples.
Please note that Koh Ker and Beng Mealea require separate Temple Passes.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 8 hrs.
Price: From US $280*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
This tour visits the lesser-known temples outside the central cluster — a deeper exploration of the history of the site and the perfect follow-up to the Small Circuit tour.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 5 hrs.
Price: From US $127*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
This tour is perfect for one-day Angkor Pass holders as it covers the must-see temples of Angkor. It’s also a starting point for multi-day Angkor Pass holders who can, on a later day, continue with the Grand Circuit or remote temples.
English-speaking guide
Private vehicle
Duration: 5 hrs.
Price: From US $94*
*Prices quoted are net and do not include temple passes or meals.
Siem Reap has become a haven for creative locals and expats inspired by Khmer heritage to fashion a new Cambodian aesthetic. Recommended stops include the studio of Christian Develter, a Belgian artist making boldly colorful portraits; the atelier of Eric Raisina, a Madagascar-born, Paris-trained couturier; and One Eleven Gallery, showing a variety of contemporary artists. We can also arrange a private art tour of the city’s best galleries and studios.
CULTURAL DISCOVERIES
Pub Street
Think of Pub Street as Southeast Asia’s version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans: several lively blocks lined with bars and clubs that entertain revelers all night long. Officially called Street 8 and just a short walk from the hotel, it’s a spirited destination for having a few drinks, sampling authentic Khmer street food, and watching performances by local musicians and dancers.
Pro tip: Start with dinner at Elia, a Greek restaurant in an old colonial house (try the watermelon feta salad and the Rhodes sausage), before your bar-hopping adventure.
CULTURAL DISCOVERIES
Siem Reap’s Coffee Culture
Coffee is a way of life in Cambodia, and hip young locals have opened a number of charming cafés across Siem Reap, many of them making drinks made with locally grown and roasted beans. A few of our favorites: The Little Red Fox, in Kandal Village, whose beans are all sourced from Southeast Asia; Kambu, in Wat Bo, an adorable Japanese kissaten-style café; and the Muffin Man, on Sumbai Road, where you can pair your espresso with Dieng Dorm’s scrumptious muffins and cakes.
CULTURAL DISCOVERIES
Phare Cambodian Circus
Uniquely Cambodian and daringly modern, Phare offers Siem Reap’s most authentic and energetic evening entertainment. More than just a circus, Phare performers tell Cambodian stories — historical, folk, and modern — with a fusion of theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts. The talented artists are all graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Battambang-based performing arts school that offers free vocational training to underprivileged children.
Siem Reap’s rising art and culture precinct is nestled in the leafy central neighborhood, just a short walk from Shinta Mani. Concentrated on a block of Hap Guan Street is a vibrant mix of cafés, galleries, spas, and boutiques selling beautiful, made-in-Cambodia housewares and clothing.
This is the place to find unique gifts, superb coffee and specialty juices, strikingly designed lacquer and ceramic curios, eco-friendly delights for home and body, art by both locals and expats, street fashion, jewelry, furniture, and more.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
COOKING CLASSES
Our jungle cooking class begins with a zipline over the river into the forest. There, you’ll forage for ingredients as you make your way to our organic farm and its rustic, open-air cooking sala, which replicates a typical Cambodian village kitchen. After refreshments, you’ll prepare three dishes from the seasonal menu, learn time-honored local techniques — and then feast on the results.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
MIXOLOGY LESSONS
Whether you want to learn about local spirits and juices or just perfect your Negroni-making skills, our bartender can show you the difference between cocktail shakers, the importance of ice cube size and shape, and the secrets of a perfect drink.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
BIRDWATCHING
Hundreds of species of birds live in and around Shinta Mani Wild, and many, many more pass through the preserve during the migratory seasons. Guests can spot six species of kingfishers, 10 different types of drongos, eagles, hornbills, and more.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
BUTTERFLY ENCOUNTERS
Wild is home to over 140 species of butterflies, a kaleidoscope of hundreds of painted Jezebels, magpie crows, and sapphire-colored blue-banded king crows. Head Bensley Butler and lepidopterist Bong Mac will guide you on a hike and share his passion for butterflies with you.
At our new butterfly hatchery, developed in partnership with Conservation International, we breed indigenous species for reintroduction into their natural habitat.
Immerse yourself in the serene, meditative ambiance while learning about the butterfly's fascinating life cycle — then carry a specially curated box of butterflies to an isolated location within the preserve and set them free into the wild!
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Our fleet of yellow mountain bikes awaits riders of all skill levels. A virgin run on forested single-track? A gentle ride through a Khmer village? A challenging uphill to the Kirirom Reservoir, followed by an exhilarating downhill sprint? Our Butlers love getting on two wheels with guests. The best way to rinse off the dirt? Combine a bike ride with your estuary boat expedition.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
HIKING
Wild’s 350-hectare (865-acre) property brings endless opportunities to explore the forest. Deep in the forest, where the birdsong falls away and sunlight barely pierces the canopy, you might spot a rare orchid, a spider's web, a tarantula hole — teeming life where humanity has not trespassed.
Your Bensley Butler will happily guide you on an adventure of your choosing, from an easy walk on a riverside trail to full-day, hardcore slogs into the Cardamom interior.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
FORAGING
The Cardamom Rainforest is a natural larder, and our wild foragers — most of them reformed poachers and loggers who know how to live off the rainforest — will guide you through the bounty of the jungle.
You may dig up wild potatoes, pick exotic fruits off trees, discover edible mushrooms, and taste some unexpected flavors (including, yes, live red ants). All of it goes in the basket to bring back to our chefs.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
CAMERA TRAPPING
As part of our conservation agenda, Shinta Mani Wild maintains a network of camera traps that capture footage of our resident species and help scientists keep tabs on the area’s biodiversity. Join our resident naturalist on a nature walk to check the camera traps and gibbon stations.
In the past, we’ve found endangered species such as the pileated gibbon, dhole (a type of wild dog), pangolins, and even new species of orchids, macaques, and leopard cats.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
ZIPLINING
Climb Eastern Tower’s 102 steps, strap on a harness, and clip into a double cable for extra safety before flying at upwards of 50 kmph for 400 meters (31mph for 1,300 feet) over the jungle canopy and the river.
Catch your breath at the West Tower before one last zip over the face of Raging Big Sister Falls, arriving at the Landing Zone Bar — where your favorite cocktail awaits.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES / seasonal
KAYAKING
The Southern Cardamom rainforest has some of the highest annual rainfall in Southeast Asia — and all that water drains to the Gulf of Thailand through a massive system of rivers and estuaries that are perfect for flatwater kayaking.
The gentle current will guide you downstream, palm fronds dangling overhead, breeze and birdsong the only sounds. Indeed, this is one of the best ways to birdwatch here, with bee-eaters, black-crested bulbuls, and six different kingfishers all native to the area.
NOTE: This experience is dependent upon the water level; during monsoon rains, the river becomes too high to navigate safely.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
TAILGATE SUNDOWNERS
Could this be the world’s most decadent pop-up cocktail bar? Golden hour drinks on a big flat stone in the middle of the river — its divots acting as nature’s own little ice buckets — with the campfire going is an unforgettable experience. Even better? The tiny toothless fish nibbling at your toes dangling in the water.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
SWIMMING AT THE CISTERN
Unwind with a G&T in hand in our own little swimming hole, a 33-meter (108-foot) black steel pool inspired by the cisterns once used to store groundwater. Here, the water is gin-clear, the forest provides ample shade, and the views of the canopy and the waterfall below are smashing.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
PICNICS
Don’t let the restaurant confine you! All of Wild is yours for an alfresco meal. Our team of Bensley Butlers are ready to whip up a picnic feast perched above a waterfall, ensconced in the forest, or in one of many other dramatic spots.
core experiences
NATURAL WELLNESS
For us, total immersion in nature is the key to well-being. So whether it’s a facial in your tent, a stone foot massage by the river, a yoga session in the forest, or a full-body scrub in the spa itself, our wellness experiences are an essential part of your stay.
The Cardamom Rainforest is one of Asia's most biodiverse places, with populations of rare and endangered wildlife — including Malayan sun bears, pangolins, clouded leopards, and pileated gibbons. But their existence is threatened by poaching, logging, and other illegal activities.
That is why we help fund Wildlife Alliance, a Cambodian NGO whose armed rangers patrol the area, seizing snares, running loggers out of their camps, and confiscating guns and chainsaws.
Here at Shinta Mani Wild, you are on the front lines of conservation, and your presence alone is helping us fight this fight.
Our guests can have the eye-opening experience of joining the rangers on motorbikes for 2-6 hours (depending on your stamina) as they survey and protect the resort’s 350 hectares (865 acres) to ensure the sanctity of this precious habitat. You might help them dismantle a homemade trap — or even rescue and release an animal caught in a snare.
Explore the secret backwaters, scenic rice fields, and golden sand beaches of the upper Srey Ambel Estuary on our custom-designed expedition pontoon, equipped with a full bar, daybeds, toilet, and a top deck with sun loungers. Your Bensley Butler will point out the vivid birdlife, and knows which mangrove-lined channels are best for exploring by kayak, and where to set up a picnic in the wilderness.
