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Raffles 1887

A curator’s day… with the Royal Doormen of Siem Reap

The Royal Doormen of Siem Reap are the most photographed feature of Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Mr Reaksmey, a member of the team since 2017, is known for his gracious presence; while Mr Bunthoeun is recognised for his warm personality and welcoming charm. Together, they create memorable first and last impressions, as guests step into a piece of Cambodian history. Here, they describe their typical day to RAFFLES 1887

6.00am

Our day begins before sunrise, as guests set off to discover the majestic temples of Angkor Wat. More than Royal Doormen, we often take on the role of a butler, ensuring guests are fully prepared for their journey with temple passes, umbrellas and refreshments, with every essential detail carefully arranged.

We coordinate with guides and transfers, and at times even provide a courteous wake-up call to ensure each excursion begins effortlessly. It is a role we carry out with genuine pride, for as Cambodians, there is deep joy in sharing the beauty, history and spirit of the temples our ancestors so magnificently built, and in witnessing the joy that travellers derive from visiting them.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor - Siem Reap - Cambodia

9.00am

Beyond welcoming guests, our roles draw inspiration from Cambodia’s Royal Guards. We maintain our guard posts with pride and dignity, providing a reassuring sense of security while ensuring every guest is treated with the grace, care and reverence once reserved for royalty.

Our uniforms stand as a symbol of the hotel’s long-standing connection with the Royal Family. Inspired by ceremonial attire preserved within the Royal Family’s court treasures, the uniform is a symbol of Khmer Royal tradition. Its most distinctive element, the silk pantaloons, follows the traditional ‘colour of the day’ palette, with each day of the week represented by a specific colour believed to bring harmony and good fortune. Historically, these colours allowed the King to recognise which day of the week it was, simply by observing the attire of his courtiers.

Monday – orange
Tuesday – dark purple
Wednesday – light green
Thursday – dark green
Friday – royal blue
Saturday – plum
Sunday – red

12.00 noon

For lunch and dinner service, we often explain to guests about the other traditions handed down to Grand Hotel d’Angkor from the Royal Khmer household. Following King Sihanouk’s request to bring the Grand Hotel d’Angkor to life, a royal decree was granted bestowing the hotel with the privilege of serving Royal Khmer cuisine. The treasured recipes, rooted in centuries of royal tradition and gifted to Raffles, remain an enduring symbol of the Kingdom’s rich culinary heritage.

Each dish is prepared with rare and exotic ingredients sourced locally, delicately infused with aromatic herbs and spices. These authentic Royal Khmer recipes reflect the refinement, artistry and elegance that was once reserved for the Cambodian Royal Court. To this day, they are only served at 1932 Restaurant at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor: a truly distinctive culinary journey found nowhere else in Siem Reap.

2.00pm

We are sometimes asked to assist on our hotel’s famous history tour, The Untold Stories. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is one of Cambodia’s best-known heritage hotels, deeply connected to the kingdom’s history and royal legacy. Since opening in 1932, the hotel has welcomed royalty, dignitaries, explorers and notable figures from around the world, while preserving its deep respect for Cambodian culture and traditions. We also have our Raffles brand ambassador in HRH Princess Chansita Norodom, granddaughter of HRH King Norodom Sihanouk and daughter of HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, who represents and supports the preservation of Cambodian royal heritage.

3.00pm

All of our arriving guests are welcomed with ‘Sampeah’, the traditional Khmer greeting and a symbol of respect and spiritual connection; and a Cambodian kroma (a traditional scarf), offered as a ceremonial gesture of greeting. This simple tradition reflects the essence of Khmer hospitality, connecting guests to everyday Cambodian life while embodying the warmth, respect and generosity at the heart of the Kingdom’s cultural spirit. Khmer remains our native language, though we also speak English.

We take great pride in the hotel’s original timber cage elevator, a treasured antique feature that has become one of the most beloved symbols of the hotel. Originally designed for transporting luggage, it was carefully restored in the late 1990s and continues to serve guests within the original 1932 building today. Second only to us, the Royal Doormen, it is the most photographed feature of the hotel. It stands as a charming reminder of a bygone era.

For us, every journey in the elevator carries its own meaning. Going up brings the joy of meeting new guests and exchanging stories from around the world. Coming back down to the lobby is a reminder that another memorable stay has ended, and that every farewell is simply a beautiful journey to be continued.

4.00pm

Over the years, we have had the privilege of welcoming guests from every corner of the world, many of whom return to stay with us time and again. One of the greatest joys of being a Royal Doorman is seeing familiar faces return, often bringing photographs from previous visits and sharing memories of their time with us.

Some of the most heartwarming moments come when guests show us pictures taken together years earlier. We have watched children we once welcomed as toddlers return as young adults, now standing taller than us! Whenever possible, we recreate those same photographs, and there is something truly special about seeing families laugh as they strike the exact same pose years, sometimes even decades, later.

It is these personal connections that make the role so meaningful. Moments like these remind us that, through hospitality, we can become a small part of our guests’ stories long after they have left the Kingdom of Wonder.

6.00pm

Before concluding our day, we ensure a seamless handover to our colleagues by passing on important guest preferences, arrival information and any special arrangements for the following day. We also take a final moment to inspect the entrance, ensuring everything is perfect for the next shift.

For us, every day is an opportunity to welcome guests from around the world and become part of their journey through the Temple City. As Royal Doormen, we are often the first and last impression of their stay, whether greeting arrivals with a Sampeah, sharing stories of Cambodian culture, or witnessing their excitement after a visit to Angkor Wat.

It is the small moments that matter most, a warm welcome, a thoughtful recommendation, or a simple conversation that connects guests to the heart of Cambodia. Knowing that these interactions can shape lasting memories is what makes this role so meaningful and rewarding.

Raffles Curators are to be found – in different guises – in many Raffles destinations, fostering authentic connection between guests and communities through their skills and knowledge.