When you wander through to corridors and rooms of the hotel you may spot a bright yellow elephant or a colourful fish, working together in perfect harmony of the interior. Almost invisible to the eye as these sculptures blend in and fit harmoniously within its surroundings as if it was meant to be.

Thoughtfully designed, these unique sculptures don’t just give presents to contemporary art, but play homage to a very famous artist, painter and sculptor here in Siem Reap. Lim Muy Theam, born in Takeo Province, him and his family fled the Khmer Rouge and were among the refugees who arrived in France in 1980.

Once he graduated high school, his passion and calling for art lead him to enrolled in Ecole Boulle to study Interior design. Theam was later admitted into the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris to expand his education in art.

When Lim Muy Theam returned to Cambodia 12 years later in 1994, he began working in art and spent more than 12 years as Artistic Director of Artisans d’Angkor. In 2011 Theam launched a new project that includes training an apprenticeship for a team of protege artisans while embarking on a new creative journey of his own paintings. Theam’s work reflects a new aesthetic, drawing and paintings on both Khmer tradition and contemporary international designs.

The Cambodian designer opens his house to visitors who are looking for fine arts and crafts, sculptures, fabrics, home decor and souvenirs. Located just 10 minutes from the entrance of Angkor Wat, his gallery is surrounded by a picturesque tropical garden, ideal for a relaxing afternoon away in inspiring surroundings of traditional Khmer arts and crafts. Theam’s House is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is free of charge. Address: 50m to the right of Cosmos high school, Road 30, Phum Veal district.