A fun and bustling city, Siem Reap is where most travelers to Cambodia will stop off in order to see the stunning temple complex of Angkor Wat. Built by the Khmer Empire and dating back to the 12th century, the temples of Angkor attract thousands of tourists annually from all over the world who are drawn there to admire the awe-inspiring Khmer architecture that was hidden for almost a thousand years by the depths of the Cambodian jungle.
The temple complex remains a sacred Buddhist site and to this day is the largest religious monument in the world. Siem Reap is located just a short taxi or tuk tuk ride away from the historic temples of the Khmer Empire at Angkor.
A huge tourist boom has led to a large range of accommodation springing up across the city. From luxurious spa resorts to backpacker hostels, and everything in between, there really is something to suit every budget when it comes to finding somewhere to stay close to Angkor.
Map of Neighborhoods in Siem Reap
Siem Reap still continues to be a Cambodian city, but with the rise of global tourists to the country the city is now packed full of bars, restaurants, massage parlours, coffee shops and markets meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy after busy days exploring the temples.
Old French Quarter & Pub Street Area
If you’re looking for where to stay in Siem Reap that has a little charm and history, then you should look no further than the picturesque area of the French Quarter.
Dating back to when Cambodia was a French Protectorate, there are many heritage buildings in this area comprising a mix of French colonial style and classic Chinese shophouses. Here you’ll find narrow streets with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, making for a relaxing pace of life during your time away from the ancient temples.
The area is laid out on a grid system meaning it simple to find your way around the streets and discover the many gems hidden around the Old Quarter. In the evening, as night falls, the streets light up with the glow of lanterns and people stroll around to find dinner at one of the many restaurants serving international cuisine.
The King of Cambodia himself actually stays in the French Quarter when he is in town, at the grand Royal Residence. Though not ‘officially’ used as a residence anymore, and not open to tourists, the architecture remains impressive.
With the only green space in the city, the Royal Gardens right opposite the residence this area is an ideal spot to take a breath of fresh air in the busy city center. The hotels around the district are small and family-run with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere; rooms are very reasonably priced and often clean but basic.
South of the French Quarter and within easy walking distance is the lively Pub Street, a great area to party into the small hours, as well as meet up with other travelers from around the world. The Old Market or Psah Chas is located between Pub Street and the Siem Reap River, and offers a mixture of souvenirs and a variety of food stalls selling rices, dried fish, vegetables and fruits.
Where to Stay in Old French Quarter
- Prince d’Angkor Hotel – True to its name, there is a spa at this 5-star hotel, complete with relaxing baths and a fitness center. There are two restaurants onsite – one that serves up local Khmer dishes and another featuring an International buffet.
- The Amazing Residence – The streets surrounding this 4-star hotel are packed with eateries. The interiors here are serene and stylish and it’s all been built around a long outdoor swimming pool.
- Chhay Long Angkor Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel features bright and sophisticated interiors that combine touches of traditional Khmer design with modern comforts.
Wat Bo Area
This area of Siem Reap is named after one of the oldest temples in the city, Wat Bo, which houses a variety of 19th century wall paintings and is an interesting place to visit and spend time understanding more about modern day Khmer culture.
Located on the opposite bank of the river to the old French Quarter, the hotels here come cheaper than those on the other side. You’ll be spoiled for choice as to which hotel to choose.
There are even some more luxurious options here for those with a bit more money to spend, often overlooking the river and facing the center of town, meaning you can stay in peaceful luxury and spend time unwinding after an exhausting day’s temple-hopping. Though further from the center than other districts, Wat Bo is still only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the center of town.
The area boasts a number of international restaurants which serve up a selection of delicious dishes that cater to hungry foreign tourists that are staying in the district, from vegetarian food to Italian, and even Westerner-friendly takes on local dishes.
If you find yourself needing a break from all of the temples Wat Bo also has a few art galleries which display work by local artists alongside workshops, local handicrafts and some small shops selling locally made souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Wat Bo Area
- Lynnaya Urban River Resort – A veritable oasis of calm away from the raucous nightlife of Pub Street, this luxurious hotel is set in sprawling grounds dotted with palm trees and romantic seating areas.
- Home Indochine D’angkor Hotel – This small hotel is situated along a quiet side street just across the river from the Old Town. There’s a chic outdoor pool with all the sunshades and loungers you could need.
- eOcambo Village – This hotel offers a selection of different rooms on offer at this hotel to suit different budgets. There’s a relaxing outdoor pool, plus a rustic style restaurant offering a menu of local dishes.
Charles de Gaulle Boulevard
If you are in Cambodia to see Angkor Wat, which of course most people are, then you will more than likely travel along the Charles de Gaulle Boulevard. Running from the center of Siem Reap, it is the main road to the great Angkor Wat itself, meaning everyone who is traveling to see Angkor will pass along the boulevard at some point.
The best time to see Angkor Wat is at sunrise when the temples are illuminated by the golden sun and the hordes of visitors are at their lowest – so to be in with a chance of beating the crowds, staying close by at a hotel on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard is a great idea.
The location of a hotel on the boulevard that is so close to the temples comes at a price: most of the hotels along the road are large 5-star complexes which offer international guests who have come to see the great temples of Angkor in style and luxury.
Not a place that you are going to find the backpacker crowd of Pub Street, the hotels often have their own restaurants and amenities to keep guests entertained during their stay, as well as transport to the site of Angkor itself.
Where to Stay along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard
- Victoria Angkor Resort – This is a French-style boutique hotel that boasts luxurious colonial elegance. Spread over two floors, the hotel boasts three different restaurants. There are spa and fitness facilities, a children’s playground, and two outdoor pools.
- Silk D’angkor Boutique Hotel – There’s a large outdoor pool for guests to enjoy surrounded by trees, plus massage facilities for that extra bit of relaxation.
National Road 6
A main highway that connects the northern section of the city and cutting across the local Phsar Leu market, National Highway 6 is a great choice of area to base yourself in Siem Reap if you are arriving in the city by plane.
With the airport a quick and easy taxi ride away, the highway runs past in front of the Royal Residence before intersecting with Charles De Gaulle Boulevard which is the main road into Angkor, and then continuing on to cross the Siem Reap River.
The hotels on National Road 6 offer a slice of luxury in an up-and-coming area, which offers accommodation for people who want to relax in spa hotels and enjoy dining in hotel restaurants during their time in the city.
The highway also has a good selection of accommodation from guesthouses to bed-and-breakfasts. With amenities like coffee shops and malls just a short walk away, the local area around National Road 6 also has some delicious restaurants and local eateries for you to try out in the evenings for dinner.
Where to Stay along National Road 6
- La Residence Blanc D’Angkor – Featuring a sizeable outdoor pool fringed by tropical greenery, the rooms in this large hotel combine contemporary design with touches of traditional Khmer aesthetics.
Sok San Road
The area of Sok San Road is where you will find the lively backpacker area in Siem Reap: this is the place to go if you want to be close to the very lively Pub Street and the many massage parlours and jewelry sellers.
There area is buzzing and fun and makes up the central tourist area of the city. As such, tuk tuks and taxis are always readily available and a whole range of eateries serve up a good standard of food to visitors from Asia and the rest of the world. This is a place where people come to meet and mingle over a glass of beer after a busy day’s sightseeing.
Because of the influx of backpackers to the area the accommodation is often to the lower end of the scale and dorm beds can be offered very cheaply, as well as clean and modernized family-run hotels. Some mid-range options with the luxury of a swimming pool are also located in the district, and are often extremely affordable.
Even though a lot of the bars close by pump out loud music until late at night, there are quieter streets just behind, such as Steung Thmei Road, which offer a quiet night’s sleep in the city.
Where to Stay along Sok San Road
- Visoth Boutique – A small, charming place to stay, it boasts a compact pool for a refreshing dip, as well as colorful bedrooms with wooden floors.
- La Da Kiri Boutique Hotel – Some rooms have balconies and seating areas. Guests can dine at the in-house restaurant and have a drink in the bar. A small pool is available to cool off in, as well.
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