Where to Stay in Siem Reap: A Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Siem Reap can transform your trip from good to unforgettable. Each area has its own personality, price range, and set of advantages. Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic escape, or a family with young kids, there is a perfect base waiting for you.

This guide walks you through Siem Reap's key neighborhoods so you can book with confidence.

Neighborhood Overview

1. Old Market area — restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops

Best for: First-time visitors, easy access to top sights

This is the most popular area for tourists, and for good reason. You are walking distance from Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple), with plenty of restaurants, shops, and transport links nearby.

• Vibe: Bustling, convenient, tourist-friendly
• Budget: $16–$60 per night
• Drawback: Can feel crowded during December to January peak tourist season

2. Wat Bo — quieter residential area with boutique guesthouses

Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, budget travelers

A more authentic feel with local eateries serving dishes like Amok — coconut curry steamed in banana leaf with fish at genuinely local prices. This area rewards wandering — every side street holds a surprise.

• Vibe: Authentic, walkable, slightly gritty in the best way
• Budget: $5–$16 per night
• Drawback: Fewer high-end accommodation options

3. Kandal Village — emerging arts and cafe district

Best for: Couples, nightlife seekers, luxury travelers

The upscale side of Siem Reap. Expect sleek hotels, rooftop bars, and proximity to Pub Street — $0.50 draft beers and lively bars. If you want Private sunrise picnic at a quiet Angkor temple within walking distance, this is your spot.

• Vibe: Modern, polished, lively after dark
• Budget: $18–$75 per night
• Drawback: Higher prices across the board

4. Charles de Gaulle Boulevard — upscale hotels and spas

Best for: Families, long-stay travelers, peace and quiet

Spacious accommodation, parks, and a slower pace of life. Angkor National Museum interactive exhibits before visiting temples are easily accessible, and you will find vacation rentals with kitchens — a game-changer for families.

• Vibe: Residential, relaxed, spacious
• Budget: $5–$14 per night
• Drawback: Requires transport to reach the center

5. Pub Street — lively nightlife strip with cheap drinks

Best for: Repeat visitors, off-the-beaten-path seekers

A neighborhood most tourists never discover. Staying here puts you closer to Bayon Temple and gives you bragging rights among well-traveled friends.

• Vibe: Local, undiscovered, rewarding
• Budget: $5–$14 per night
• Drawback: Limited English signage and fewer tourist amenities

Best Area by Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Recommended Area	Why
Solo traveler	Wat Bo — quieter residential area with boutique guesthouses	Social hostels, walkable, affordable eats
Couple	Kandal Village — emerging arts and cafe district	Candlelit dinner in a restored colonial-era villa, great dining
Family	Charles de Gaulle Boulevard — upscale hotels and spas	Artisans Angkor workshop — watch silk weaving and stone carving
Budget	Wat Bo — quieter residential area with boutique guesthouses	Lowest accommodation prices, local food deals
Luxury	Kandal Village — emerging arts and cafe district	Premium hotels, fine dining, nightlife

Accommodation Tips

1. Book early for peak season (December to January peak tourist season) — the best places fill up 2–3 months ahead.
2. Read recent reviews — a hotel from 2023 might be under new management now.
3. Check the walk score — staying near a transit stop saves you taxi money every day.
4. Consider vacation rentals for stays of 4+ nights, especially for families or groups.

Pro Tips

• Currency: The local currency is Cambodian Riel and US Dollar (both widely accepted). Many places accept cards, but carry some cash for small purchases.
• Safety: Watch for bag-snatching from passing motorbikes in town
• Transport: Tuk-tuks are the main transport — negotiate day rates for temple circuits

Our Recommendation

For most first-time visitors, Old Market area — restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops offers the best balance of convenience, value, and atmosphere. If you are on a tight budget, look at Wat Bo — quieter residential area with boutique guesthouses instead — you will save on accommodation without sacrificing the experience.

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