Raffles Cambodia Unveils Immersive History Tour and Book
Raffles Cambodia has launched the Grand Path of History tour and a companion history book, offering guests a deep dive into the golden age of travel in South-East Asia. This initiative highlights the rich heritage of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, focusing on the period from 1900 to 1940 when international travel to the region began to flourish.
Step Back in Time at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Located near the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor provides an immersive experience through its Grand Path of History tour. Available exclusively to hotel guests, the tour features rare photographs, vintage videos, architectural drawings, and other artefacts that capture the essence of early 20th-century travel. Led by a Raffles historian, it chronicles the hotel's 96-year history and its connection to pioneering explorers.
Joseph Colina, general manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, expressed pride in showcasing this seminal period. "We are delighted and honoured to present the early days of international travel when visitors first discovered Cambodia's wonders," he said. The exhibition was curated by authors Andreas and Carola Augustin, who also penned the accompanying book.
A Tale of Two Hotels: The History Book
The 160-page book, A Tale Of Two Hotels — Raffles In Cambodia, delves into Cambodia's efforts to promote its cultural heritage abroad. It includes colourful photographs documenting key moments, such as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia's debut in Paris and actor Charlie Chaplin's visits to Angkor Wat and Le Royal. Available in softback and hardback editions, the book is sold exclusively at the hotels.
The Legacy of Raffles Hotels
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal: Opened in 1929 in Phnom Penh, this hotel features 175 rooms and suites recently refurbished in a 2019 restoration. Its design blends French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco styles.
- Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: Established in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists exploring Angkor Wat, it retains its 1930s French Art Deco aesthetic with rooms, suites, and villas that mix old-world charm with Cambodian influences.
The book and tour also highlight the Sarkies brothers, Armenian pioneers who founded Raffles Hotel in Singapore in 1887, setting a standard for luxury hospitality in South-East Asia that continues today.
