where to stay in siem reap ( best area & hotels )

Where is the best place to stay in Siem Reap?

By Chanelle Boudreau. December 15, 2023

Nestled along the Siem Reap River, this ancient town of the same name is must-see for all travellers to Cambodia. It is the second largest city and the perfect base for a visit to the Angkor Archeological Park. This delightful city was also named the 2021-2022 ASEAN City of Culture. Siem Reap has also graced the Top 10 lists from various reputable travel magazines, such as Trip Advisor, Wanderlust Magazine, and Travel + Leisure. In addition to the many temples surrounding the town, visitors can also learn about the harrowing history of the area at its many museums.

The best place to stay is the Old French Quarter. Located between an hour and 90 minutes from the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and about 10 minutes from the bus terminal, The Old French Quarter is the heart of the city. Even if you are staying outside of this neighbourhood, it is still worth a visit. Between the eclectic mix of vendors at the night market, the never-ending array of restaurants and hotels, and the pitter-patter of daily life, the Old French Quarter is the place to be in Siem Reap.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Siem Reap, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Siem Reap, you may also be interested in where to stay in Phnom Penh, where to stay in Ho Chi Minh and where to stay in Yangon.

Old French Quarter, the best area to stay in Siem Reap

First Time / Tourist / Busy

This neighbourhood is conveniently located in the city centre and is always abuzz with tourists and locals alike. Bordered by the Siem Reap River on one side and Sivutha Boulevard on the other, the Old French Quarter is easy to navigate and offers many options for accommodation and dining at all price points.

There is a beautiful balance of traditional colonial, Chinese, and modern architecture. For those looking for a great night out, Pub Street (Street 8) is an essential stop during your stay in Siem Reap. Options for shopping also abound in the Old French Quarter.

The streets are packed tightly with shops of all types and the Old Market (Psar Chaa) is the perfect place to bargain. After a long day of haggling, a good Khmer massage is cheap and easy to find here.

Hotels in Old French Quarter

Other areas to stay in Siem Reap

National Road 6

Luxury Hotels / History / Sightseeing

For those looking to experience luxury, or for a base outside the heart of the city, National Road 6 is where to look. Only 5 minutes from downtown Siem Reap, many high-end resorts dot this area and it’s much quieter than the Old French Quarter. To experience Siem Reap like a local, visit the Cambodian Cultural Village - a collection of exhibits showcasing Cambodia’s diversity, landmarks, and culture. Next to the village is the Angkor Eye - an 85-meter Ferris wheel - which opened in 2020 and is one of Siem Reap’s most popular attractions.

History buffs will also appreciate War Museum Cambodia, located only a few minutes from the cultural village. The museum is mostly outdoors and showcases a collection of weapons and other relics from the country’s brutal civil war. Staying near National Road 6 provides endless views of nature and a peaceful tranquility for visitors craving a slower, quieter pace.

Hotels in National Road 6

Charles de Gaulle Street

History / Culture / Temples

Charles de Gaulle Street stretches all the way from the Royal Gardens to Angkor Wat’s front gate. Staying in close proximity to this road is essential for lovers of art and culture with a bit of money to spend. Most of the accommodation options along Charles de Gaulle are mid-range to high-end and they are worth the higher price tag. The area hosts the Angkor National Museum and a genocide museum.

For traditional Cambodian theatre and dance, there is the Angkor Dynasty show at the Angkor Grand Theatre. Most of the restaurants in the area focus on traditional Khmer cuisine, but international fare is also widely available. On Charles de Gaulle Street, you are always a stone’s throw from an ancient temple. This area is a great option for people who want to be closer to the temples, but not far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hotels in Charles de Gaulle

Wat Bo

Budget / Trendy / Fun

Wat Bo is a budget traveller’s paradise. The area is right across the river from the Old French Quarter and gets its name from Wat Bo Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Siem Reap. The temple is free and is a nice, shady place to relax. Timeout Magazine named Wat Bo the third coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2022. There are many chic cafés and small restaurants packed into the busy streets of Wat Bo as well as an array of street food and food trucks.

Wat Bo is a laid-back place where visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the river and shop for treasures in the many small boutiques that call this area home. Tourists can experience dining in traditional Cambodian wooden buildings and explore the area’s many art galleries. Wat Bo is a haven for visitors looking for charm at a reasonable price.

Hotels in Wat Bo

Taphul Village Area

Convenient / Boutique Hotels / Spas

Taphul Village Area is for travellers who want convenience and many options to choose from. The heart of Taphul is the intersection of National Road 6 and Sivutha Boulevard making its location very convenient. The Royal Gardens are only a 5-minute walk away. There are accommodations for every budget and taste - from trendy boutique hotels to cozy hostels to sprawling resorts. Every nationality is represented in the dining options in Taphul. Cambodian, Korean, Indian, and American food can all be found on the same block.

As for relaxation, Taphul has what you want - whatever you want. Many of the high-end resorts have their own spas and there are many mid-range and budget friendly options in this neighbourhood. As for shopping, visitors can choose from small supermarkets, outlet stores, and the Heritage Walk Shopping Mall. In Taphul, tourists are spoiled for choice.

Hotels in Taphul Village

Sok San

Food / Vegetarian / Muslim

Sok San is a paradise for foodies and incredibly diverse. The area is slightly outside the city centre - about a 10-minute walk to the Royal Gardens. There is An-Neakmah Mosque and many restaurants serve a halal menu. There are also many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the area. Sok San runs parallel to the Angkor Night Market, where a wide array of cheap food options can be found.

There are many stylish bars and cafés with outdoor patios that offer great food and drinks at great prices. It is always recommended to wash down a meal with a tall glass of Cambodian beer. Visitors to Sok San should also check out Wat Chocolate - a local chocolate producer. Factory tours are available and the gift boxes make great souvenirs. Once you’ve eaten all you can, it’s very easy to rent a bike in Sok San and explore the rest of Siem Reap.

Hotels in Sok San