Sangam Resort & Casino Guide and Review

Located in O Smach, Oddar Meanchey province, right at the Cambodian-Thai border (Choam-Sisaket), Sangam Resort & Casino presents itself as a significant hospitality and gaming destination in this remote region. While it boasts a grand entrance and offers a range of facilities, visitor experiences highlight both its strengths and notable peculiarities.

Overall Impressions ⭐⭐⭐

Sangam Resort & Casino generally receives a rating of 3-4 stars from visitors. It's often described as the "Best Hotel and Casino" in the immediate border area, suggesting it stands out amongst its local competitors. The overall aesthetic leans towards heavy wooden furniture and extensive wood paneling, giving it a somewhat traditional yet imposing feel.

Accommodation: Rooms & Comfort 🛏️

The hotel rooms at Sangam are a strong point for many guests:

• Luxury and Space: Rooms are described as luxurious, often containing two large beds and a sofa.
• Cleanliness: Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms and the spacious bathrooms.
• Furnishings: Expect wood paneling and heavy wooden furniture throughout the rooms, contributing to a specific decor style.
• Pricing: A rack rate for a room was noted around 60 USD.

However, a significant drawback universally mentioned is the lack of reliable Wi-Fi in the rooms, or even its complete absence according to some reviews, which can be a major inconvenience for travelers.

Casino & Gaming Experience 🎲

As its primary type, the casino is situated on the ground floor and is a central feature of the resort:

• Accessibility: The casino is conveniently located for guests.
• Clientele: Observations suggest a mix of local and regional gamblers, predominantly older Thai individuals. There were also noted instances of Japanese and Chinese visitors, which surprised some reviewers given the casino's remote location.
• Atmosphere: While offering "fun," the general atmosphere can feel somewhat subdued, with some patrons noted wearing masks (during past travel conditions), contrasting with unmasked staff.

Dining Options & Service 🍽️

The resort offers a couple of dining options, though experiences have been mixed:

Thai Buffet Restaurant

• Quality & Price: Described as a "low quality buffet" priced at 200 Baht.
• Popularity: Tended to attract more customers, primarily Thai gamblers.

Chinese Restaurant

• Food Quality: Food was considered "OK" but not exceptional.
• Service Speed: Service could be slow, even when the restaurant was nearly empty.
• Menu & Language: Menus had pictures, which was helpful as everything was in Chinese, posing a language barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
• Ambiance: One reviewer noted it felt "more like a canteen" rather than a formal restaurant.

Facilities & Amenities 🏊

Beyond the casino and dining, Sangam Resort & Casino offers other amenities:

• Swimming Pool: A "lovely swimming pool" is available, adding to the leisure options.
• Lobby: The entrance and lobby are described as "grand."
• Cocktail Bar: An independent cocktail bar across the car park is highlighted for having "far and away the best Margaritas outside of Siem Reap."
• Wi-Fi: As mentioned, Wi-Fi is either non-existent or very poor, which is a critical point of concern.

Currency & Payment Policy 💰⚠️

A significant and often problematic aspect highlighted by visitors is the resort's strict currency policy:

• No Cambodian Riel: Despite being on Cambodian soil, Cambodian Riel is generally not accepted or exchanged.
• Preferred Currencies: Guests are reportedly forced to use Thai Baht (BAT) or US Dollars.
• USD Condition: A strict rule applies to US Dollar notes: they must be new and unblemished. Broken or old-looking notes will not be accepted.
• Implication: Travelers planning to visit should be fully aware of and prepared for this currency restriction.

Location & Border Dynamics 🗺️

The resort's unique location at the Thai-Cambodian border strongly influences its operations and clientele:

• Border Crossing: It serves as a convenient stop for those traveling between Siem Reap and Thailand.
• "New View": The area around the border is described as having a "new view" and is considered a nice place overall.
• Thai Influence: Due to its proximity to Thailand, there's a strong Thai influence, particularly visible in the preferred currency and client base.

Final Thoughts ✅❌

Sangam Resort & Casino offers a relatively luxurious stay and a gaming experience in a unique border setting. Its strong points include well-appointed rooms and a pleasant swimming pool. However, critical downsides such as the inconsistent or absent Wi-Fi, mixed dining experiences, and especially the restrictive and unusual currency policy, can significantly impact a visitor's stay. Travelers should come prepared with suitable currency and manage expectations regarding connectivity.