The dismantlement and rebuilding of the building to its current location hasn’t been an easy task. Zannier Hotels’ team methodically numbered each single piece, to be able to rebuilt exactly as it was. The only change to the original architecture is the addition of a terrace on the south.

Built on stilts, the bar has a typical Cambodian architecture imbued with Khmer culture (it is estimated that 70% to 80% of houses are on stilt in Cambodia). These farm houses belong to an old heritage: a thousand year of habits in building lifted residences. One can always be amazed by this architecture that flourishes around the roads; behind the palm trees are hiding those stilt houses.

Traditionally, those farms on stilts can lie on pillars up to 3 meters high (one reason why cattle animals could often be seen to rest below). Wood is the main material used whether for walls, chambers, columns to wooden truss. Most roofs are of triangular shape and thatched, and showcase carved dragon or palm leaves – typical Khmer symbols. Inside the house too, carving is omnipresent, with very sophisticated carvings that reminds the culture of Angkor.

The reason why those houses became so common across Cambodia is because the country is located downstream of the Mekong River, and often knows flood peaks that can rise up to 15 m. Hence, people started to build on stilt to avoid flooding. Furthermore, this architecture protects from wild animals like poisonous snakes, crocodiles or tigers. In some regions, farmers used to raise a lot of cattle and found in this architecture a way to avoid building a barn, as they could utilize the spacious space on the ground floor to keep the cattle and benefit from the heat.

As any other Zannier Hotels property, Zannier Phum Baitang aims to offer a unique experience to travelers, while preserving the authenticity and heritage of the local culture. The Sunset Lounge perfectly embodies this goal, as not only it showcases a unique example of traditional Khmer architecture but also allows to live mesmerizing sunsets.

It is a crowded place every evening, ideal to sit under the shadow of a traditional Cambodian house, enjoy fusion drinks and observe the twilight on the sky and the sun falling down onto the paddy fields.

You want to know more, have a comment or a question. Free free to get in touch with us and contact Quentin GUIRAUD, Head of Communications: qguiraud@zannier.com / +32 (0)472 05 57 19.