Rokkhak River Resort: If you’re in need of a tranquil retreat to relax after a day of exploration, Siem Reap is the perfect escape.
With a vast array of hotels and resorts to choose from in the city that thrives around Angkor Wat, I typically stay within the city limits. However, during my third visit to Siem Reap this summer, I decided to try a different experience.
Rokkhak River Resort, formerly known as Natura Resort, is located on a lush estate midway between central Siem Reap and the entrance to Angkor Archaeological Park. This experience was a game changer for me, and I doubt I’ll stay in the city again!
My stay was hosted by Rokkhak River Resort, but all opinions expressed are my own.
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A pool surrounded by greenery with a dark wooden deck.
About Rokkhak River Resort
Rokkhak River Resort is one of the few establishments situated along the tranquil River Road in Siem Reap. Previously Natura Resort, it has recently been rebranded and is now under new management. While some changes are being made, the core philosophy remains the same: to provide a serene, nature-rich environment for guests and to lead in social and environmental responsibility.
The name “Rokkhak” means ‘tree’ in Khmer, and the resort is often referred to as ‘the retreat enveloped by dense forest’. The ‘river’ in its name highlights the Siem Reap River, a shallow, slow-moving watercourse that runs alongside the resort. This river historically played a vital role in transporting the stones used for the Angkor temples. This connection to the local heritage adds to the experience.
What I appreciate most about Rokkhak is its peaceful atmosphere, which provides a perfect retreat from the bustling city while keeping you connected to Cambodia. It’s easy to feel detached when staying in the city.
The management is mindful of this and strives to enhance the Khmer character of the resort. The gardens are adorned with native trees, the resort is locally owned—important in Siem Reap—and the rooms feature subtle nods to Khmer culture and nearby temples. I’ll explore these details further.
The Grounds
To describe Rokkhak River Resort, I’d choose ‘reflective’ and ‘tranquil’. The ambiance is so serene that the only sound you hear is the occasional chanting from a nearby pagoda. The fresh air and the thoughtfully managed overgrowth contribute to an environment of exceptional care.
Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by a contemporary, open-air reception area surrounded by shallow ponds and lotus-filled bowls.
A standout feature is the large openings in the roof, designed to accommodate the mature trees on the property. This design allows the trees to flourish while adding to the resort’s charm.
A Review of Rokkhak River Resort
A review of Rokkhak River Resort (formerly Natura Resort), a serene, locally owned hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Behind the reception, stone paths connect a restaurant and bar with clusters of rooms. At the back of the property, a spacious saltwater pool is surrounded by a charcoal-colored deck. Both the restaurant and breakfast area are open-air, keeping you immersed in the lush surroundings. Despite the greenery, I didn’t encounter any mosquitoes during my stay.
The garden is designed to resemble a jungle, preserving many original trees and introducing indigenous plants from Cambodia’s mountainous regions. Delightful touches like wooden Buddhist statues nestled in tree trunks add charm.
Given its dedication to maintaining a clean environment, it’s no surprise that Rokkhak prioritizes environmental responsibility. The resort is plastic-free (evidenced by the grass straws with your welcome drink), uses ceramic jars for bathroom products, serves water in glass bottles, and avoids bin liners.
The staff are actively involved in local clean-up efforts to keep the nearby waterway and surroundings free from pollution. While Siem Reap still has progress to make, it’s inspiring to see a local hotel taking the lead.
The Rooms
Rokkhak River Resort offers 23 rooms, including doubles, garden suites, and family suites. Each room features a balcony overlooking the verdant grounds.
My double room was compact yet cozy, with a lounging area, desk, and coffee and tea facilities. I particularly liked the wrap-around mosquito nets that drape over the bed rather than traditional overhead nets.
The matte concrete floors extending from the sleeping area to the en-suite bathroom were a favorite feature. They have a unique finish, and I noticed paw prints left by a playful pet in the concrete, adding a personal touch that made me smile.
A Review of Rokkhak River Resort
A review of Rokkhak River Resort (formerly Natura Resort), a serene, locally owned hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The room decor is minimalist, with all-white walls, ample windows for natural light, and two beautiful iron bells for decoration. The staff are working with local artists to add more artwork to the rooms, which should enhance the ambiance further.
The en-suite bathroom had charming design elements, including a shower drain styled to resemble a lotus pod.
Dining
Breakfast is included with your stay and is served à la carte by the pool. You can choose from French, Western, Asian, or Healthy options. I sampled three of the four menus and found them to be above average for Cambodian hotel breakfasts, with a notable espresso!
The kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients, and there are plans to grow herbs on the restaurant roof and offer Khmer cooking classes during the high season. Some of the food prepared in these classes is donated to monks or distributed within the local community.
Social Responsibility
In Cambodia, initiatives that might be taken for granted elsewhere are still relatively rare. During my stay, I was impressed by the resort’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Firstly, Rokkhak is Khmer-owned and managed, which is significant in Siem Reap, where many businesses are foreign-owned, leading to most tourism revenue leaving the area. This contributes to Siem Reap Province being one of the poorest despite its popularity.
Several staff members have been with the resort for years, which is unusual in a town with high staff turnover. The owners must be doing something right.
The General Manager shared his commitment to mentoring young people and recent graduates, helping them improve their English and build careers in hospitality. He received similar opportunities when he started and is eager to pass this on.
His dedication extends to fostering positive thinking and team building, including community clean-up projects. He aims to distribute tourism revenue to benefit the local community and encourages guests to support local businesses and explore lesser-known attractions. Rokkhak’s involvement in grassroots tourism organizations and focus on community improvement reflects a commitment to enhancing the city’s tourism landscape.
The Details
Rokkhak River Resort is located on River Road, approximately 3 km or a 10-minute ($1-$2) tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market. The entrance to Angkor is about a 13-minute drive north. The resort offers pick-up services from the bus station or airport and can arrange a tuk-tuk driver for temple visits or other local excursions at a flat rate.
