Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Prepare your taste buds as here are some of the most appetizing food options that introduce to you in this Siem Reap Food Guide. Let’s check out where and what to eat in Siem Reap!

Home to one of the world’s most famous ancient ruins Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is the most visited city in Cambodia. Because Cambodia shares borders with other countries, it is not surprising that Khmer food is often stereotyped to be similar to Thai, Philippines, and Vietnamese cuisines. You will find the food in Siem Reap shares much in common in the cuisine and taste compared to the neighbor countries. The confluence of culinary influences is part of what makes Khmer food so appealing.

The food in Siem Reap is full of variety and finding what to eat in the city is never an issue. You can eat like a local along the street or in classy restaurants. Being the travel hub in the country, you’ll also find a large variety of foreign food in the city. Indian, European, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Chinese, Japanese, and more when you are strolling along the city.

During our trip to Siem Reap, we sampled a lot of mouthwatering Khmer food. We truly enjoy our food hunting and fall in love with the food scene in the city. There is a huge variety of food items that you can sample and are worth trying when you are in the ancient city.

Plenty of food to explore in Siem Reap, ranging from local Khmer cuisine, to street food, and drink. The Khmer food in Siem Reap is an integral parting of the Cambodia experience and should be missed by travelers when visiting the city. Let’s check out where and what to eat in this Siem Reap food guide!

Siem Reap Food Guide

For your convenience, refer to this list of food that should add to your Siem Reap food guide list.

• Traditional Khmer Cuisine: Amok, Nhoam Svay Kchai, Samlor korko
• Khmer Curry
• Khmer Noodle (Nom Banh Chok)
• Cambodian BBQ (Phnom Pleung)
• Siem Reap Street Food
• Cambodian Baguette (Num Pang)
• Khmer Bamboo Sticky rice (Kralan)
• Balut (Pong Tia Koon)
• Blue Pumpin Ice Cream
• Angkor Beer and Cocktail

Siem Reap Food Tour and Cooking Class

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and want to really learn about Khmer food, then you may be interested in joining a food tour or taking a cooking class. Here is our recommendation:

• Siem Reap Street Food Evening Tour
• Khmer Cooking Class at a Local’s Home in Krong Siem Reap
• Cambodian Village Cooking Class

Traditional Khmer Cuisine

When you are being in Siem Reap, why not sample some of the local Khmer cuisine as well? Khmer cuisine is one of the world’s oldest living cuisines. Prahok (fermented fish paste) and kroeung (curry paste) are local favourite seasoning and widely used in Cambodian cuisine. 

There is plenty of classic Khmer cuisine that is worth recommending to try during your trip to Siem Reap. The food is healthier than many other regional cuisines as it commonly contains various fresh vegetables and herbs. Most importantly, the food in Siem Reap is inexpensive and easy to find everywhere in the quaint town.

Here we recommended some of the must-try Traditional Khmer food that you should not miss when dining in the Siem Reap restaurant.

• Khmer Stream Fish Curry (Amok)
• Green mango salad (Nhoam Svay Kchai)
• Cambodian Fish Soup (Samlor korko)

We have the Khmer Food Platter with a a great selection of Khmer food. Banana leaves are used as a bowl to served some of the must-try Khmer food that should be on Siem Reap food guide list. The food served is a nice combination flavorful for your Khmer food experience.

Khmer Stream Fish Curry (Amok)

Among all the Khmer food, Amok is an extremely popular national dish and might be the one most familiar to tourists. The fish is marinated in a curry paste and steamed in a banana leaf which resulting a soft and creamy texture. It carries an indelible sweetness followed by robust herbs. Amok is typically served in a coconut or wrapped in a banana leaf which gives it a visually appealing appearance. Every visitor should try this dish at least once when in the city. Almost all Siem Reap restaurants served this traditional Khmer food and it is also easy to pick up from street food vendors.

Green mango salad (Nhoam Svay Kchai)

Green mango salad (Nhoam Svay Kchai) is one of the best salad dishes you can eat in the country. It is a classic dish that is commonly found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This Cambodian salad is often made with shredded unripe fruit and usually contains a mix of other ingredients chili pepper, fish sauce, smoked fish, and small dried shrimp. All the ingredients form a beautifully harmonious taste for this salad dish.

Cambodian Fish Soup (Samlor korko)

Samlor means soup and korko means to mix or stir in Khmer. Once a royal dish fit for the king, the samlor korko is a traditional Cambodian national dish that is widely popular by the local population. It’s basically a spicy fish-based soup with various vegetables. Local used the kroeung (curry paste) and prahok (fermented fish), along with fish or meat and vegetables such as green papaya, green papaya, long bean, eggplant, and bitter gourd leaves.

Khmer Curry

Khmer curry is another dish we enjoyed on our trip to Siem Reap. The Cambodian version of red curry is made from Cambodian spices kroeung instead of chili. So it is less spicy and mild than the Thailand and Indian version but remains flavorful. The delicious dish usually offers a few choices between vegetable or meat options that contain pork, chicken, or fish. The curry will be cooked with your choices of meat, topped with vegetables, fresh coconut milk, and of course kroeung.

We enjoyed the Khmer curry as the food is packed with all sorts of vegetables, including potatoes, white radish, long beans, carrots, and eggplants. It tastes extremely wonderful when you mix those ingredients in your bowl of rice and add a generous amount of curry into it. Simply fantastic!

Khmer Noodle (Nom Banh Chok)

Noodles dish is a typical local favorite breakfast dish in Southeast Asia. The Nom Banh Chok is a beloved Cambodian breakfast dish that consists of fresh rice noodles, topped with meat of your choice, vegetables, herbs, and coconut-based fish curry gravy.

This quick and inexpensive noodles dish can be found around the market in downtown Siem Reap. For an authentic expensive, look for local women carrying handwoven baskets with a pole balanced on their shoulders. A bowl of Khmer noodles costs between US$0.50 and US$1. Alternatively, Nom Banh Chok is also served in the restaurant.

Cambodian BBQ (Phnom Pleung)

Phnom Pleung or Cambodian bbq is a barbeque-style meal that features a variety of meats cooked on a volcano-shaped grill on the tabletop. The cooking style is similar to Thailand bbq and a lot of restaurants in and around Pub Street in Siem Reap offer this unique dish.

There are choices of meat to cook at your table from the basic to the exotic such as pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, crocodile, and frog. Grilled the meat and enjoyed it while it was hot, dipped the noodles and vegetables into the broth around the grilled set, and cooked it. Absolutely delicious!

A fun way to enjoy Siem Reap food.

Street Food in Siem Reap

Whenever visiting a new city or new country, we love exploring street food and try to experience as much of the local street food as we can. Being the most popular street in Siem Reap, Pub Street is the best place to sample some of the local street food. Although it is a bit commercial, if you wander around, you’ll find stuff that’s good.

At night, there are even many mobile and street vendors selling street food along the pub street. You can choose to have a street meal at a cheaper price by getting a table along the street. Stir-fried noodles, noodles soup, and traditional Khmer dishes can be found here. There are also many street vendors selling fruits, snacks, and desserts such as fruit smoothies, rice cake, and fried/rolled ice cream that you can snack on as you walk the length of this road.

For an exotic food experience, you can also the crickets, scorpions, grasshoppers, ants, and little snakes on a skewer!

Cambodian Baguette (Num Pang)

The Cambodian version of baguette or Num Bang is a sandwich or technically a French baguette packed with pork, ham, and beef, along with salad such as onion, tomato, and fresh herbs. It is similar to Vietnamese banh mi and both are also inspired by the French baguette that was introduced to the South Asian countries during the Indochina colonization.

Num Bang is one of the popular Siem Reap street food. Many mobile sellers load their version of num bangs such as fermented fish cakes, meatballs, and meat. Whatever it was, it was extremely tasty. The bread was light and crispy on the outside without being overwhelming with a soft, chewy interior. Perfect for less than USD$1 snack.

Khmer Bamboo Sticky rice (Kralan)

Bamboo sticky rice is also known as Kralan in Siem Reap. It is a traditional Cambodian rice dish, where rice and other ingredients such as coconut water, black peas, or beans are stuffed inside a bamboo stick. The rice is placed directly on burning coals for about an hour until it’s ready.

Kralan is a typically Cambodian savory snack and you can easily find this along the street in Siem Reap.

Balut (Pong Tia Koon)

If you are someone who loves to explore exotic cuisines, you should definitely try Balut in Siem Reap!

Balut is a dish made of a duck’s fertilized embryo. It is normally boiled and eaten whole from the shell when the bones of the embryo are still soft. Balut is widely popular in the Philippines but it is also one of the national dishes in Cambodia. You can easily find the street vendor selling this Cambodian version of balut, Pong tia Koon in Siem Reap.

The way to eat Pong Tia Koon is also different compared to the Philippines. In Cambodia, a wide variety of condiments are added to the fertilized duck embryo before it’s ready to eat. You can top with some flavors such as salt, pepper, and lime juice which adds tanginess to the fetal egg. Try this unexpectedly extraordinary street food in Siem Reap if you are an adventurous eater!

Blue Pumpkin Ice Cream

If you still have room for the dessert, don’t resistant to try the ice cream from Blue Pumpkin. The local favorite Blue Pumpkin has been in town since 2000, and you would probably see the Blue Pumpkin everywhere in Siem Reap including the International Airport.

This famous bakery offers exceptional freshly baked pastries as well as homemade Ice Cream and sorbets. There are some funny flavors for the adventurous and we like their signatures- Cinnamon and Vanilla Brownie. On a sultry hot afternoon, a serving of ice cream sure helps and is great for unwinding after exploring Siem Reap. The shop also offers simple Western and local dishes if you want to get introduced to Khmer cuisine.

Angkor Beer and Cocktail

After the long walks visiting the temple ruins, it is perfect to unwind with a few chilled beers or a cocktail in Siem Reap. Cheap drinks and beer specials are $0.50 for a local draft and cocktails average around $2-$3 in most shops along Pub Street. It can be slightly expensive in bars and clubs.

Just grab a drink, it back, and people watching.

Where To Eat in Siem Reap

There are many local restaurants in Siem Reap that serve delicious food at really affordable prices. You opt for finer dining at a classy restaurant with good service or enjoyed the street food from the mobile or street vendor. No matter what you choose, I’m sure that is something that suits your liking. We enjoyed and really liked how good the food tasted, and how reasonable the prices were for such delicious meals.

If you are looking for where to eat in Siem Reap, here is our recommendation:

Khmer Kitchen Restaurant is a family-run eatery that serves an extensive menu of Cambodian cuisine at affordable prices. Generally, a proper main meal is around USD$3-4. The restaurant has several branches within Siem Reap, though the most frequented one is located at the corner of Street 11. All get busy during the high season and are particularly popular with visitors.

If you are looking for a stylish dining venue, head to the Malis Cambodian Restaurant. The restaurant features a sleek bar and lounge, ample private dining rooms, a garden, and a stage where Apsara dance performances regularly take place. The recommended popular authentic Khmer delicacies are fish amok, chicken or beef curry in lotus leaf, Kampot crab fried rice, and Khor pork with bamboo shoots.

Last but not least, there is also a variety of food stalls lining the corner of Pub Street and Street 11 in Siem Reap. These local vendors serve Khmer rice dishes, noodles, soups, and traditional Khmer dishes at affordable prices.

Overview: What To Eat in Siem Reap

All in all, I hope this list of Siem Reap food guide can help you find where and what to eat in Siem Reap. There’s no reason why you don’t try the Khmer food while adventuring around Siem Reap. But, no matter where and what food you try I’m pretty sure you will like it. Just make sure you have a bite while in Siem Reap!

After reading through so many amazing dishes are you getting hungry to eat all these food in Siem Reap? So, book your trip to Cambodia and satisfy your tummy! And, make sure to read my other posts about Siem Reap. Thanks for reading and enjoy your trip!

• Siem Reap Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Siem Reap: Top 5 Best Areas

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Planning your visit to Siem Reap? I’ll show you how with my Siem Reap itinerary in this detailed travel guide blog! Take the extra time to fully appreciate the incredible UNESCO world World Heritage Site, local Khmer food, and smiling locals!

A visit to Siem Reap is a must-in-a-lifetime experience for those traveling in Southeast Asia. Located in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the gateway to one of the greatest wonders of the world, Angkor Wat. This wonderful city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

The stunning Angkor Wat is the largest and best-preserved temple within the complex of the “Angkor Archaeological Park”, a UNESCO appointment since 1992. As the best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.

Siem Reap has so many historical and cultural perspectives that it deserves a few days of visit. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Siem Reap twice and it is still amazing to see the beauty of this place. Compared to reading this in a book for watching it online, walking along in the well-preserved temple made me cry. It’s one of those places that you need to go and experience for yourself to know how amazing the whole thing is, especially if you’re into temples, culture, and traditions.

In this Siem Reap travel guide blog, we will share the best things to do, food to eat, and some useful travel tips and information to help planning on Siem Reap itinerary. Read on to learn more about the beauty of Siem Reap!

Best Time To Visit Siem Reap

The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to early February. These are the best time to go to Siem Reap as the weather is more pleasant. But this is also very busy and crowded during this peak tourist season.

It is followed by the hottest season in Siem Reap from May to mid of June. The temperature can be reaching up to 38°C at noon. While June to November is the rainy season in Siem Reap. It is cooler but does expect rainfall, especially in late afternoon.

I’ve been to Siem Reap twice – the first time at end of November and more recently in mid of May. November is a great time to visit as the weather is more pleasant but we did experience late afternoon rain during our trip. While my second trip during May was extremely hot and humid. We toured around Angkor Wat in the morning and choose to rest at the hotel in the late afternoon due to can’t withstand the heat.

Where To Stay

Depending on what you want to do in Siem Reap this will largely determine where to stay in Siem Reap. Generally, as long as you stay within walking distance of Pub Street, then you shouldn’t have any problems getting around. Most importantly, the accommodation price is very reasonable. Here you can enjoy a luxurious stay at a cheaper price in Siem Reap.

We recommended staying in Old French Quarter, Old Market, Wat Bo, and Taphul Village if you’re getting Siem Reap for visit. Here are the popular pick for staying in Siem Reap:

Luxury: Golden Temple Residence offers elegant accommodation in the heart of Siem Reap, within walking distance from the lively Pub Street. Alternatively, Royal Crown Hotel & Spa offer spacious and clean room for your stay in Siem Reap. The location is perfect, at the very center of Wat Bo.

High-Range: Chateau d’Angkor La Residence is one of the popular accommodations that is centrally located in the Old French Quarter. It is within walking distance to the famous Old Market (Phsar Chas), as well as the lively Pub Street.

Budget hostel: Onederz Siem Reap and Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap is popular hostels among budget travelers to Siem Reap. Both hostels are located in Wat Bo and within walking distance of the lively Pub Street which is great for street food and nightlife.

For a full list of hotels and hostels, check out my detailed Siem Reap accommodation guide: Where To Stay in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Travel Guide

To get the most from your visit, you must plan the Siem Reap itinerary. The famous ruins are located less than six kilometers from the city. But Angkor Wat itself is huge and the number of temples in the wider area is staggering. This is best to plan before your trip especially if you want to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Several set ‘loop’ itineraries practicing by the locals based on the distance of each attraction. You can customize your route or choose from it. But no matter what you plan, you have to decide and arrange the transportation on how to visit Angkor Wat.

Most people will join the guided tour, hire a tuk-tuk or driver to take them for a temple visit. I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of guided tours as I prefer with the flexibility to take as much time as I need in each place. However, Siem Reap is the place I recommended to sign up for a guided tour. We strongly suggest you take the English-speaking guide if you want to know more about the history of Angkor Wat.

The reason is simple! Having access to a tour guide’s local knowledge is invaluable in a place like Siem Reap, where the history runs deep and the culture is complex. Here is a few popular tours that we recommend when visiting Siem Reap. Free feel to take a look.

• Angkor Wat Admission Ticket – Must Have!
• Angkor Wat Sunrise Small-Group Tour from Siem Reap – Most Popular!
• 2-Day Angkor Wat with Sunrise Small Group Tour
• Angkor Wat Tour Small-Group from Siem Reap
• Private Angkor Wat Tour from Siem Reap

Siem Reap Travel Tips: Most Angkor tours do not include tickets to the park. So you need to buy your own ticket before joining the tour. Make sure to communicate early to avoid any unwanted confusion.

3 to 4 Days Siem Reap Itinerary

In this section of the Siem Reap travel guide blog, I’ve outlined what to do and places to go when visiting Siem Reap. This is the best itinerary after gathering useful information from my two actual visits. Hope this can inspire you when you planning on the Siem Reap itinerary.

Day 1 Siem Reap itinerary:
Arrived at Siem Reap International Airport. Checked-in hotel and get ready for the Angkor Pass to enter Angkor Wat. Alternate option with a sunset walk around Phnom Bakheng.

Day 2 Siem Reap itinerary:
Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, and continue the temple’s visit to Angkor Thom Complex. Further with Big or small circuit tour. Lastly, end your day by chilling at pub street.

Day 3 Siem Reap itinerary:
Continue with temple ruins visit at Big or Small Circuit or opted to the outlying temple such as Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea.

Day 4 Siem Reap itinerary:
Join a half-day trip to Tonle Sap Floating village. In the late afternoon, join the Cambodian Pottery Class.

Angkor Wat Admission Ticket

For those planning to visit any temples in Angkor Archaeological Park, the Angkor Wat Admission Ticket is a MUST-HAVE! The Admission Ticket, often called Angkor Pass can be purchased at the official ticket center, located 4 km away from Siem Reap town. The counter is open from 4:30 am to 17:30 every day. A visit to the Angkor temples is free for Cambodians.

Angkor Wat Admission Ticket – Must Have!

There are currently three types of standard Angkor Pass available and the prices are as below:

• 1-day pass – US$ 37 (2022: Valid for 2 days access for 2 consecutive days)
• 3-day pass – US$ 62 (2022: Valid for 5 days access within 10 days, non-consecutive days)
• 5-day pass – US$ 72 (2022: Valid for 10 days access within a month, non-consecutive days)

Siem Reap Travel Tips: The ticket is signification increased in 2017 but it is also gaining additional days for each pass type. You basically gain extra days to fully utilized on temple visits.

Every time you enter the park a hole will be punched on your ticket at the different checkpoints. If you are getting the admission ticket after 16:00, you can gaining the access to the temples. Go for a sunset walk around Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), just make sure they don’t punch your ticket.

Things To Do in Siem Reap Itinerary

Angkor Wat is the reason most people visit Siem Reap. I’ve been to Siem Reap and visited the stunning temples two times now – once on a tour, and once on a tuk-tuk. Don’t miss sunrise at Angkor Wat as this is truly magical. It’s recommended to continue touring other temples as it gets very hot in the afternoon.

Here are the things to do on your Siem Reap itinerary:

• Angkor Archaeological Park
• Watching Sunrise in Angkor Wat
• Angkor Thom (Baphuon and Bayon Temple)
• Big Circuit or Small Circuit Tour (Ta Prohm, Ta Som, and more)
• Banteay Srei
• Chill in Pub Street
• Siem Reap Night Market
• Try the Khmer Cuisine
• Foot Massage
• Tonle Sap Floating Village
• Cambodian Pottery Class

Angkor Archaeological Park

Stretching over some 400 square kilometers, the Angkor Archaeological Park is one of a series of gems strung through the forests north of Siem Reap. The massive temple complex offers a deep insight into the history of the amazing and thriving culture. In 1992, Angkor Archaeological Park has declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Below is the highlighted temples that should not be a miss on your Siem Reap itinerary:

Generally, the temple ruins can broadly be categorized into few groups:

• Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom – Bayon and Baphuon temples, The Elephant Terrace, The Terrace of the Leper King, Five entrance gates, Phnom Bakheng.
• Small Circuit (Le Petit Circuit) for major sites to the east of Angkor Thom – Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Sras Srang, Prasat Kravan.
• Big Circuit (Le Grand Circuit) for major sites north and further out east – Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup.
• Roluos Temples which located 15km east from Siem Reap along National Highway 6 – Bakong, Lolei, Preah Ko.
• Outlying temples which located over 20km from Angkor Wat – Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Beng Mealea, Phnom Krom.

Among all the temples, Angkor Wat is the most popular and most visited by travelers. Beyond that, there are also many smaller, less popular temples worth a visit. Don’t miss the Angkor Thom with the amazing Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan are must-sees! Spend your day visiting those fabulous temples and take ample time looking at the carving and understanding the historical details of the temples.

Take note that distances between the temples can be fairly away. Of course, you can mix and match freely. But those tuk-tuks and guides can share their expertise on how to visit the temples effectively with their best Siem Reap itinerary in hand.

Sunrise in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Temple is a recognized architectural masterpiece and one of the finest monuments in the World. Being the largest religion in the world in South East Asia, the stunning Angkor Wat is famous for its magnificent bas-reliefs sculpting and the mightiness of its five towers.

Catching a sunrise photo in front of the reflecting pool of Angkor Wat is practically a rite of passage for any visitor to Siem Reap.

During our trip to Siem Reap, we settled on the first day at the Siem Reap hotel stayed. We started the next day with the sunrise at Angkor Wat. In the early morning, we left our hotel before sunrise and entered Angor Wat followed the advice of the tour guide.

When we walked to the main entrance, we could hear the monks beating drums. The closer we walked there, the more crowded it became. There are thousands of people who are also waiting for the sunrise just like us. We were lucky and able to see the sunrise over the temple. Truly magical!

Pro Tips: Depending on the time of year, typically the sun rises in Siem Reap between 5:30 and 6:30 morning. The ticket office normally only opens at 5:00 morning. So If you planning to watch the sunrise in Angkor Wat, you should get ready for your Angkor Pass earlier.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is the last Capital City of the Khmer kingdom and translates literally as ‘great city’.

Founded in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom is the largest complex of Khmer ruins with up to a 12-kilometer geographic site. It is a square city, surrounded by stone walls and accessed through five city gates and central by the Bayon temple.

The ancient city of Angkor Thom holds a number of other sites of interest to explore. Don’t miss the South Gate Angkor Thom with the 54 statues on each side that crosses over the river heading to Bayon Temple. Two rows of figures each carrying the body of a seven-headed naga. This gate is now by far the most visited and is the main entrance for tourists.

The Royal Palace, Prasat Chung and Mangalartha, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Terrance of the Elephants, Terrance of the Leeper King, and much more are also worth the visit. Truly impressive with its towering ruins and intricate building towers.

Bayon Temple

The stunning Angkor Thom Complex contains the iconic Bayon Temple which is famous for its countless sculptural decorations. It is situated in the center of the Angkor Thom complex, north of Angkor Wat.

As a Buddhist temple, “Bayon” got its name after the innumerable sacred “Banyan” trees that surround its structures. It is one of the most widely recognized temples in Siem Reap and is truly eye-catching and interesting. No word to describe the feeling when you standing in front of this temple with spectacular architecture.

The Bayon Temple ruins are highly decorated with impressive bas-reliefs, Apsara figures, and most famously, the numerous smiling stone faces. There are a total of 216 faces serenely smiling faces that were originally carved on the 54 stone towers. The 54 towers are representing the original 54 states of Cambodia throughout the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. All the towers are very well preserved, with a very interesting history behind them.

Ta Prohm

Located around 1 km from Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is an incredible temple nestled among rainforests built by the Khmer King, Jayarvaman. It is one of the famous attractions to visit in Siem Reap and gaining popularity as this is where the setting for Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider movie was released in 2001.

Ta Prahm makes for very interesting photo opportunities. The temple has been overgrown with trees where the tree roots appear to be dripping down the ruins. It is so incredible to see powerful forces of nature (roots of trees) have overtaken the sandstone and lava rock temples in real life. No words can explain how amazing this place is.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is a beautifully preserved temple dating to around 967AD. It was originally built as a temple for the Hindu God of Destruction, Shiva, and was rediscovered in 1914 by the French. What makes the temple special are the highly decorative and elaborate carvings, walls, and pediments you will see in the Banteay Srei.

The well-preserved Banteay Srei is also known as the Lady Temple or ‘City of Women’. The ruins are older than the other temples and have the best preserved and detailed carvings of them all. The spectacular pink sandstone and detailed intricate carvings will take your breath away.

This little gem hidden in the jungle is about 20 miles from Angkor Wat. So be prepared for about 45 minutes of traveling to get to the Banteay Srei. The temple ruins are slightly isolated from the main complex but still worth the visit if you have more days in your Siem Reap itinerary.

Note: Banteay Srei can be visited by utilizing an Angkor Wat pass.

Chill at Pub Street

As the name suggests, Pub Street is the center of Siem Reap and is extremely well known for its thriving nightlife and immensely diverse crowds. It is the party hub and the street is filled with a good selection of neon-lit pubs, restaurants, massage and entertainment establishments.

Pub Street comes alive during night time! The happening street is very busy and loud at night. Tourists around the world love to chill in the street after a long day’s tour in the temples.

Red Piano is the most popular bar on Pub Street as this place is the favorite frequented place by Angelina Jolie when filming the Hollywood blockbuster “Tomb Raider” in Cambodia. Angelina’s favorite concoction (Cointreau, tonic, and lime) has also made it into the menu, now known as the Tomb Raider. You will get the free drink if you’re lucky to be the tenth buyer of the drink!

We visited Pub Street a couple times during our visit to Siem Reap. We enjoyed touring the various shops and restaurants to see what was on offer. There are also plenty of eating places, from western restaurants to traditional street food. It is also the perfect place to unwind with chilled beers and a cocktail.

We also enjoyed our local food hunting at Pub Street and it was perfect. We randomly choose one street food vendor which looks comfortable and clean. The menu comes with pictures and the price tag is ready which is helpful when ordering the food. The food tastes delicious and the price is reasonable. Good atmosphere and never felt uneasy at all.

Note: Sadly pandemic has affected Cambodia and Pub Street may not be very happening at this moment. It wasn’t too busy compared to previous years ago as some bars are shut and closed down. But it is still fun to look around at clubs and restaurants for food and entertainment on Pub Street.

Siem Reap Night Market

Not too far from Pub Street is the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market. The market is one of the tourist spots with a wide range of goods such as souvenirs, watches, replica bags, and clothes. Ask for a discount when buying anything from the night market. Besides, you can also try exotic food like snakes and cricket at the street stall here. A nice walk-through to enjoy the local vibe.

Try the Khmer Cuisine

Pub Street is full of eating places, ranging from street food booths to classy restaurants. You’ll find Khmer, Indian, European, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Chinese, Japanese, and more with a wide range of restaurants and bars along the street.

While you are there we would suggest you try the Khmer cuisine. Don’t miss Cambodia’s national dishes, Khmer steamed fish curry (amok) with a mousse-like consistency. Besides, we all fall in love with the Phnom Pleung, or Cambodian bbq which features a variety of meats that you cook yourself on small tabletop grills.

You can opted for a local food tour where you can truly enjoy the local Khmer cuisine. If you prefer to be a spectator, this alternative tour allows you to watch an Apsara performance while enjoying a Khmer dinner (tuk tuk transfer also included).

Besides, you’ll find a couple of cooking school opportunities here as well. There are Khmer Cooking classes to introduce you with an introduction to local ingredients and cooking methods. Take a look if you are interested – Khmer Cooking Class at a Local’s Home in Krong Siem Reap

Foot Massage

After the tiring temple tour, it is best to rest and got a relaxing foot massage in the evening. There are plenty of massage parlors promoting along Pub Street. We enjoyed our foot massage in the indoor air-cond room and came back every day for a massage. The price is extremely cheap but remember to haggle the price.

There is also the fish massage where you sit at the edge of the fish tank and immerse your feet so the tiny fish can eat the dead skin off your feet and provide a gentle massage. I did not try as worry about the hygiene issue. Alternatively, enjoy a luxurious detox package in Siem Reap’s well-loved establishment, Spa Khmer.

Check for more detail: Spa Khmer Luxury Experience.

Tonle Sap Floating Village

If you want a break from them and see something different from Cambodian temple ruins, Tonle Sap Floating Village is a really nice option. Tonle Sap Lake is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia.

The local village on the Tonle Sap such as Kompong Phluk Floating Village and Chong Kneas Floating Village is a fantastic place to see rural Cambodian life. It is wonderful to take a boat ride to see all the houses on stilts and the local community that live and work on the Tonle Sap Great Lake!

One of the interesting about Tonle Sap is the lake changes dramatically during the different seasons. Depending on the time of year, the floating village is either in or on the lake as there is a huge difference in seasonal water levels. The high stilt houseswill show you how much the water level changes from season to season.

Siem Reap Travel Tips: Beware of scams when visiting the Tonle Sap Floating Village. A mere US$20 would get you a boat for roughly an hour. We recommended you join the reputation tour where you may charge a higher rate on a boat tour.

Recommended Tour: Tonle Sap Lake & Kampong Phluk Half-Day Tours from Siem Reap

Cambodian Pottery Class

The Cambodia Pottery Class is a fun class where you can experience making Cambodian ceramics in the traditional way during a pottery workshop in Siem Reap. The class is supported by young Cambodians with hearing impediments, so it is a good approach by providing them with training and employment in the ceramics industry.

We joined the Cambodian Pottery Class and have a lot of fun. We learn about making and decorating the Khmer Ceramic for this almost 2 hours pottery workshop. The masterpieces are fired overnight and sent to my hotel the next morning. It is one of the memorable souvenirs that bring back the home country from the Siem Reap trip.

Read For More Detail: Cambodian Pottery Class in Siem Reap

Final Tips on Siem Reap Itinerary

There is always useful if you know more with some handy travel tips before traveling to Siem Reap. The Angkor temple ruin is truly an amazing place full of history and stories behind. Make sure you spend the money to get a private guide if you can. An English-speaking guide is a must if you want to know more about the history of Angkor Wat.

Do wear comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella is a must-have here. For the elderly, it can be tiring as they need to climb many steps, as well as the flooring, has many ups and downs. Mind your heads and your steps as the floor is very uneven and stones stick out and can trip you if you are not careful.

The weather in Siem Reap is hot and humid. Always keep yourself hydrated and take water with you. There are lunch places and shops all around Angkor Wat if you need some rest. The price is slightly expensive but still reasonable. Ask the Tuk-tuk or driver to stop if you are taking a private tour.

Always be careful of your belonging, especially when strolling on Pub Street. We almost lost our bag when we are chilling at a bar. So please be mindful with your stuff.

How many days for a visit to Siem Reap?
At least 3 days! 3 days is enough to see the major sites of Siem Reap. But if you want to explore more hidden temple ruins, it is best to spend at least 5 to 7 days for discovery.

Is Siem Reap worth the visit?
Definitely Yes. The temples of Angkor are stunning and worth traveling to Siem Reap to check out. We highly recommended visiting Siem Reap at least once in a lifetime.

What is the difference between a group tour and a private tour?
Private Tour gives you the freedom to decide which temples you want to visit and decide how long you want to stay. You are also freely custom your temple visit with the advice from the experience tour based on your interest.

Overview: A Trip to Siem Reap

All in all, Siem Reap is truly an amazing place to soak in the magnificence of the famous UNESCO world heritage site – Temples of Angkor Wat. It is truly an incredible, awe-inspiring, and mind-enhancing site. Most of the temples are anywhere from 900 to 1100 years old. One of the most amazing ancient sites I have ever been to.

We had an excellent time exploring the temple ruins and listening to the stories behind the carvings. It is so wonderful to admire up close how they ever created these works of art. Highly recommend a trip to Siem Reap and a must-visit once in a lifetime!

Last but not least, we hope you enjoy reading our Siem Reap Travel Guide blog. We are not able to write very detail about everything in this article. Free feel to contact me if you need any help in planning your Siem Reap itinerary.

Here are some resources and useful Siem Reap travel blogs to help you plan your trip there. Enjoy your trip to Siem Reap!

• Siem Reap Food Guide: Where and What to Eat
• Where To Stay in Siem Reap: Top 5 Best Areas

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Need help finding your best accommodation in Siem Reap? Check out our editor’s pick on top areas and best hotels in the city if you are looking for where to stay in Siem Reap.

Planning your first trip to Siem Reap? The main attraction for visitors flocking into Siem Reap may be to visit Angkor Wat, one of the greatest wonders of the world. But there are so many things to do and attractions to explore to keep you busy. The city is so charming and the people here are extremely welcoming and warm. It is best to visit for a couple of days during your trip to this amazing city.

When visiting Siem Reap, it is extremely important to know the areas that are best suited for you for a fabulous, hassle-free holiday in the city. Several areas are best to stay for visitors, offering different experiences and accommodation options. From elegant luxury resorts, and high-mid range hotels to budget hostels, for sure there is something that suits your travel types of budget and interest.

To help decide where to stay in Siem Reap, we have written the below comprehensive guide on the city’s most popular area to stay for travelers when visiting the city. We will cover the best areas and hotels to stay for first-time visitors, where to stay in Siem Reap on a budget, or the best luxurious hotels for your gateway to the city.

Let’s check out more options for all budgets in my comprehensive accommodation guide.

Quick Guide: Where To Stay in Siem Reap

Where to stay in Siem Reap? The best places to stay in Siem Reap are Old French Quarter, Old Market, Wat Bo, Taphul Village, and National Road 6.

We listed down below quick tips to help you understand the best area to stay in the city:

• Old French Quarter – Where to stay in Siem Reap for first-time visitor.
• Old Market – Where to stay in Siem Reap for Nightlife
• Wat Bo – Where to stay in Siem Reap on a budget
• Taphul Village – Where to stay in Siem Reap for families with kids
• National Road 6 – Where to stay in Siem Reap that close to the airport

Pro Tips: The downtown area isn’t that big so you can easily get around on foot. As long as you stay within walking distance of Pub Street, then you shouldn’t have any problems getting around. Here is where you find some of the useful information when finding your best stay.

What is the best places to stay in Siem Reap?
The Old French Quarter, Old Market, and Wat Bo are the best areas to stay in Siem Reap for travelers. These neighbourhoods are located at the heart of the city and easy for the action in the city.

How much for staying one night in Siem Reap?
The accommodation price is varies depending on your selection. Thankfully, the accommodation is very cheap and you can enjoy the best stay with cheaper price. A big hotel rooms in the downtown is around USD$15 for one night. Expect to pay as little as USD$5 if you’re staying in a budget hostel.

Is it safe staying in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is a resort town in northern Cambodia and thankfully, it’s a very safe to stay for visitors!

Old French Quarter

If you are looking for where to stay in Siam Reap for first-time visitors, there’s no better place to stay than the Old French Quarter. Set at the center of the city, the Old French Quarter is situated in the lovely areas downtown and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat. The heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife, pub Street which consists of a cluster of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars is within walking distance.

For the first-timer to Siem Reap, Old French Quarter is one of the best places to stay! There are many accommodation options especially many of the old mansions in this area have been converted into luxurious restaurants and boutique-style hotels. You can check out some of the unique stay in the city by staying in below accommodation.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap – Old French Quarter:

• Editor Pick: Chateau d’Angkor La Residence, Somadevi Residence, Koulen Hotel

Best Hotels to stay in Old French Quarter

Chateau d’Angkor La Residence is one of the popular accommodations that is centrally located in the Old French Quarter. It is within walking distance to the famous Old Market (Phsar Chas), as well as the lively Pub Street. The rooms were spacious, clean, and uncluttered. While the staff is very courteous, friendly and helpful. Wonderful stay in the city and would highly recommend it.

Somadevi Residence is a nicely designed boutique hotel located in Old French Quarter by offers a luxurious and top-quality stay at an affordable price. This hotel is compact but with 5-star complete facilities. Excellent pool, sauna, and steam room a nice addition. This location is perfect with so many options of amenities and restaurants around, all within walking distance. The vibrant Pub Street and Old Market are only 600 meters away.

Koulen Hotel is a lovely property located in the heart of the downtown city, not far from Pub Street and King’s Road Angkor. It is away from the main traffic and yet pretty central to the heart of the downtown. The staff is delightful and super friendly and helpful. Modern, eco-friendly, and excellent value for money, it’s one of my top choice of accommodation in the city.

Old Market

Old Market is a neighborhood located in the South of the Old French Quarter. This is where you can find happening Pub Street packed with buzzing clubs, bistros, pubs, and restaurants that serve delicious local dishes as well as cuisine from around the world.

In short, Old Market is the lively and most happening area in the city. This is also the best place for travelers who want to stay close to the nightlife in Siem Reap. Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap – Old Market:

• Luxury: Golden Temple Residence
• High-Range: Blanc Smith Residence, Steung Siemreap Hotel

Golden Temple Residence offers elegant accommodation in the heart of Siem Reap, within walking distance from the lively Pub Street. This hotel provides spacious elegantly furnished rooms with comfortable beds and fitted with a private balcony. The staff is super friendly and the whole establishment very clean. 

Blanc Smith Residence is one of our favorite hotels near Old Market because of its large rooms and good-sized beds. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Besides, this hotel is ideally located nearby Pub Street and is within walking distance of restaurants, pubs, and shops. Good value for money.

Steung Siemreap Hotel is located in the center of Siem Reap, just situated right next to the lively Pub Street. Rooms are spacious, and private bathrooms come with a bathtub. A great swimming pool and massage service are available in your room at a very reasonable cost.

Wat Bo

Wat Bo wins our vote for where to stay in Siem Reap if you’re on a budget. Name after one of the city’s oldest temples, Wat Bo is located on the east of the Old French Quarter. This area is much quieter but still can easily access the bustling Pub Street with a 10-minutes walk.

Plus, Wat Bo is the place in Siem Reap where travelers can find a good mix of accommodation options and styles. This neighborhood is also where you’ll find the best budget accommodation in Siem Reap. Here is our best pick of accommodations in Wat Bo.

Where to Stay in Wat Bo:

• High-Range: Royal Crown Hotel & Spa
• Budget: Onederz Siem Reap, Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap

Best Hotels to stay in Wat Bo

Royal Crown Hotel & Spa offer spacious and clean room for your stay. The location is perfect, at the very center of Wat Bo. You can find plenty of restaurants nearby and easy walking distance to Pub Street. The property also offered free pick up and early check in. Excellent stay and value for money.

Onederz Siem Reap is one of the popular hostel in the city when looking for where to stay in Siem Reap on a budget. The hostel is clean, with a big common area, great wifi, and a nice pool! Room had a nice space, comfy bed and spotless. Bathrooms and showers in all floors, clean and good. Breakfast is great and for a good price.

Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap is another best hostel in Siem Reap. The property is, located at the south end of the Wat Bo Road area, with a short walk to the river as well as the city’s liveliest bars and trendiest restaurants. This chic property offers private and dorm-style accommodations. The atmosphere is lively and good vibe. Staff is helpful and available. Best value for money for a budget stay in Siem Reap!

Taphul Village

Located to the west of the Old French Quarter, Taphul Village is the best neighborhood to stay in Siem Reap for families with kids. This area is a charming neighborhood for travelers to enjoy a quieter pace and immerse themselves in the Cambodian way of life. It is safe and peaceful, while still having all the conveniences of the city with just a stone’s throw from the center of the action.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap – Taphul Village:

• High-Range: Lavender Angkor Boutique, Aroma Angkor Boutique Hotel, 
• Mid-Range: Hima Boutique

Lavender Angkor Boutique is a modern boutique hotel in the Taphul Village. It offers a convenient base for exploring the city and is close to shopping, dining, and sightseeing options. The location is excellent with less than 1 km from Pub Street and a 7-minute walk from the Old Market. The property provides air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities and free internet access. Large comfortable room with bath amenities and minibar.

Aroma Angkor Boutique Hotel is an elegant four-star hotel located at the heart of the city. It is close to a well-known pub street and is within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, and shops. This hotel is featuring family rooms and is best for travelers with kids. Spacious room and comfy bed which was great for travelers after a day exploring the city.

Hima Boutique is another boutique hotel located in a quiet location in the city, about 700 meter from the pub street. The property is away from the touristy area, but close enough to the attractions for the action. It is a clean hotel with lovely pool area, offering beautiful spacious room for guests. All rooms are allergy-free and they come with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi access on common area. Great value for money overall, very good price.

National Road 6

For travelers who looking for where to stay in Siem Reap near with airport, National Road 6 is the answer. In fact, National Road 6 is the main highway between the airport and downtown. So it is best to stay for those people who have a short layover or stay closer to the airport. Plus, this area is dominated by large hotels and you can find the best-in-class hotel at a lower price. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area.

Where To Stay in Siem Reap – National Road 6:

• Luxury: Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa, Angkor Elysium Suite

Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa is a beautiful and tranquil hotel if you are looking for where to stay in Siem Reap luxury. This beautiful oasis is the best place with nice lush green surroundings to escape from the city noise and dust. You can still visit the bustling downtown with a small fee of Tuk-tuk. Spacious, clean, comfortable room with nice decorations. All staff is very attentive, friendly, and welcoming.

Angkor Elysium Suite offering accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown city. It is designed by an internationally-renowned local architect and featuring contemporary-styled rooms furnished with Khmer and Western decor. The hotel is a bit out of town but transport can be arranged free of charge with their city shuttle or with a small fee by Tuk-tuk. A great place to relax and unwind after exploring Angkor Wat.

Overview: Where To Stay in Siem Reap

All in all, we have covered most of the best areas to stay for travelers through the top 5 best neighborhoods in this accommodation guide. This city is one of my favorite places to visit in South East Asia. We hope you can find your best stay and enjoy the city to the fullness.

Our Top Pick: Personally, I think the Wat Bo area is the best place to stay. We recommend staying in Royal Crown Hotel & Spa if you are still not sure where to stay in Siem Reap. We LOVE this hotel as the location is excellent. The staff who are polite and proper only add to the elegance of the hotel. Prices are very affordable with the professional service offered and you will not be disappointed.

Budget Option: We recommended staying in Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap to save you some money. This is the best hostel if you are looking for budget accommodation in Siem Reap.

Looking for inspiration for traveling to Siem Reap? Feel free to real through our travel posts and recommendation:

• Siem Reap Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Siem Reap Food Guide: Where and What to Eat