Indochina's Enchanting Pools: Heritage Havens and Hidden Oases

In Cambodia, where history whispers through the palm trees, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal pool in Phnom Penh reigns supreme. Crowned the country's best pool at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, it sits enthroned in a courtyard lined with lush tropical gardens and the elegant facade of this 90-year-old heritage hotel.

Dive into its crystal-clear waters for a timeless journey! Its twin at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap stretches 35 meters long—one of Cambodia's longest—inspired by Angkor's royal baths.

Imagine swimming amid Khmer ruins, under the benevolent gaze of carved apsaras. Cambodia excels in these pools that blend heritage and wellness, an irresistible call for any traveler in love with authentic Indochina.

The Templation Pool: An Oasis of Serenity

In Siem Reap, Templation Angkor has reinvented the art of swimming by creating a water feature as spectacular as it is soothing. Nestled in the heart of a vast, lush tropical garden, its main pool is far more than a simple basin: it's a true artificial lagoon inviting escape.

As soon as you cross the hotel's threshold, your gaze is irresistibly drawn to this expanse of water that lazily winds between impeccable lawns and centuries-old trees. Far from traditional rectangular pools, the Templation pool adopts a slightly sinuous, natural shape, as if it has always been part of the landscape. The meticulously maintained vegetation creates a cool enclave, while daylight filters softly through the foliage to dance on the water's surface.

The result is striking: an atmosphere of absolute tranquility where time seems suspended. The bold choice of bluish slate for the basin lining gives the water a deep, shifting hue, enhancing the sensation of bathing in a natural spring.

Around this lagoon, comfortable loungers adorned with plush towels await swimmers. The space is designed for relaxation, with generous shaded corners perfect for reading or letting your thoughts wander. For the playful or Instagram enthusiasts, a floating bed allows memorable selfies in this postcard-perfect setting.

But the most prized experience for visitors is undoubtedly the floating breakfast. Imagine: a colorful tray laden with fresh pastries, juicy tropical fruits, and Khmer specialties, gently placed on the water's surface. A unique and romantic way to start the day, lulled by the morning coolness and birdsong.

A Haven of Peace Amid the Crowds

What impresses most is the calm that reigns around the pool. Even when the hotel is fully booked, the pool preserves its intimate atmosphere. Other guests remain discreet: some lounge by the water's edge, others sip fresh fruit cocktails in the shade, while most have retreated to their private villas... some of which have their own pools.

Impeccable cleanliness, perfect harmony between modern architecture and surrounding nature, rejuvenating sense of isolation: the Templation Angkor pool embodies the philosophy of this exceptional property. An enchanted interlude where you understand why travelers, once settled on a lounger, struggle to head back to the temples...

Pattaya's New Star

Flanked by seven private cabanas with gossamer curtains, candy-blue striped loungers, and cascading greenery, the outdoor pool at Meliá Pattaya Hotel is a masterpiece. Its dreamlike cyan and aqua tiling evokes Pattaya Beach waves on Thailand's eastern Gulf.

Intimate lighting, an adjacent lawn, and the semi-open Lula Pool Bar complete the vibe, serving imaginative snacks and cocktails to swimmers. Opened on February 14, 2025, on Pattaya Sai Song, this gem is near countless attractions.

Indochinese Plunge at The Anam

Inspired by the Indochine era, The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne in Vietnam boast infinity pools merging with the ocean.

Cam Ranh's— one of the resort's three—shimmers vivid blue thanks to northern Vietnamese gray slate, reflecting sea and sky. At Mui Ne, the 266 m² saltwater pool overlooks the East Sea, next to Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar.

Water's Edge Martinis in Hanoi

In the crown-jewel garden of the century-old icon Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the pool exudes timeless elegance with plush loungers and chic umbrellas.

The Bamboo Bar, with its thatched roof and wooden floor, adds tropical flair. Savor the signature Graham Greene Martini perched poolside.

Saigon Rooftop Oasis

On the sixth floor of Fusion Original Saigon Centre in Ho Chi Minh City's cultural heart, the pool overlooks the shifting horizon and bustling streets.

A peaceful haven in the vibrant metropolis, it beckons for sunbathing or a refreshing swim.

Da Nang Infinite Blue

At TIA Wellness Resort, every villa has its private pool, but the main infinity steals the show, stretching toward the ocean in sync with the waves. Arrive early for smooth waters and a magical sunrise.

Tokyo from the Depths

Few pools offer views of Asia's largest metropolis and its imperial gardens. The Palace Hotel Tokyo's 20-meter indoor pool on the 5th floor frames dense Tokyo and the Imperial Palace gardens through floor-to-wall windows—ideal for contemplative laps.

Aquatic Serenity on Koh Samui

At Kamalaya wellness sanctuary on Koh Samui, the leisure pool winds among lotus ponds where koi carp and turtles glide near marble stairs etched with Buddhist motifs and playful elephants.

Shaded loungers and water's murmur invite pause. For laps, a 25-meter pool near Shakti Fitness Centre offers island views, with fresh fruit, steam, and cold plunge nearby.

Award-Winning View in South Vietnam

The picturesque beachfront pool at Azerai Ke Ga Bay earned Adrian Zecha's resort second place in Luxury Travel Advisor's "World's Most Instagrammable Hotel" contest

Iconic image: a sunken lounge at multicolored dusk, facing white-sand beach. Among three pools (one in tropical gardens, two in a mirror courtyard), its sister Azerai La Residence Hue magically overlooks the Perfume River.

Sources ; Balcony Media & Cambodge Mag