While it is Angkor Wat that attracts most visitors to Siem Reap, the city itself is a vibrant hub of culture, nightlife and history, making it a worthy destination in its own right.
Exploring the Gateway to Angkor begins with finding the perfect digs and if you’re looking for where to stay in Siem Reap, this guide has got you covered. Navigating the city can feel like a maze but fear not, you’re backpacking big sister is here to help!
We’ve rounded up the best neighbourhoods in Siem Reap for all kinds of visitors, complete with handpicked accommodation recommendations to suit all budgets and travel styles. No matter whether you’re craving the madness of Pub Street or are looking for a rather more sophisticated stay along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, you’ll find somewhere to lay your head with this Siem Reap accommodation guide.
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Where to Stay in Siem Reap – Guide for Travellers
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Best Places to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia – Quick Answers!
- Best Area in Siem Reap for First-Timers – Old French Quarter
- Best Area in Siem Reap for Couples – Wat Damnak
- Best Area in Siem Reap for Backpackers – Wat Bo Road
- Best Area in Siem Reap for Luxury – Charles de Gaulle Boulevard
- Best Area in Siem Reap for Families – Taphul Village
- Best Area in Siem Reap for Nightlife – Old Market
6 Top Areas to Stay in Siem Reap
1. Old French Quarter
The Old French Quarter of Siem Reap is located to the west of the river that runs through the city. It is a popular area for first-time visitors to Siem Reap who enjoy staying here due to its proximity to attractions, including the Royal Residence and the shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chom.
The area is famous for its colonial architecture and there are a range of eateries (both local and western options) as well as bars. It is easy to organise a visit to Angkor Wat archaeological site from here. Markets, including the Full Moon Night Market, are within easy walking distance.
Owing to its popularity with those visiting the city for the first time, there are a range of accommodation options on offer, from hostels to luxury hotels.
If you’re a backpacker looking for budget digs in the heart of the action, look no further than The Twizt. Offering a range of dorms, including female-only options, plus private rooms, this cheap and cheerful hostel is a great base in Siem Reap. The highlight of any stay is undoubtedly the rooftop pool, where they host live music every evening.
If you’re on a budget but fancy a little more of a premium experience, Somadevi Angkor is a great choice. This beautiful hotel offers everything you need to have a comfortable stay in Siem Reap, with a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and on-site spa. The plush deluxe rooms offer balcony views and premium toiletries, plus a desk to clock up those virtual hours.
If you are on a no-expenses-spared trip, you can experience celebrity luxury for comparatively low prices in Cambodia. Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas boast spacious rooms with views over tropical gardens. If you’re celebrating your honeymoon or another special occasion, there are also plush villas with private pools available.
2. Wat Bo Road
Wat Bo is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you are on a budget. It is the hostel hub of the city and there are loads of great backpacker hangouts in this area. This isn’t to say that premium travellers seeking privacy will struggle to find somewhere though – those of you who like the sociability of a hostel will find plenty of offerings with chic private rooms. The best of both worlds!
Located to the east of the river, Wat Bo is close to all the city’s main attractions. If you like your nightlife (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?!), you’ll be pleased to know that Pub Street is around a 15-minute walk away – you can enjoy the revelry without it impacting your sleep!
Named after the Wat Bo Temple, this is a must-visit attraction for those in the area. This part of the city is also known for its green spaces, which offer a break from the hustle of the streets. Rent a bike and follow the river to enjoy a slower pace of city life!
For those travelling on a shoestring, The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker is ideal. The cheapest accommodation on offer is the shared dorms and each bed comes with its own privacy curtain and charging point. There are also private rooms available. Known for its warm Khmer hospitality, the staff can help you arrange onward travel and book tours.
If you’re looking for spacious accommodation in the centre of Siem Reap, this hotel is a great choice. An oasis of calm in the middle of the city, the best part of Bunwin Siem Reap is its outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by tropical trees. Offering a range of private rooms and suites, it is a great base for couples and families alike.
The aesthetically delightful Treeline Urban Resort promises a stay you won’t forget in a hurry. Crisp white linen gives this accommodation a luxurious feel while the mod cons such as BOSE speakers make it feel like home. The open courtyard has been meticulously designed, with sculptures, hanging vines and sun-shading trees. The rooftop bar and swimming pool make this a great place to escape the heat with a cocktail in hand.
3. Taphul Village
West of the Old French Quarter lies Taphul Village. Despite being very centrally located, it feels like a more authentic part of the city and has a reputation for being very safe. Taphul Village is a great choice for those travelling with little ones in tow.
Although it sits on the periphery of the action, all the city’s main attractions and nightlife are within walking distance or if you want to escape the heat of the day, you can easily grab a tuk tuk. Nearby you will find plenty of restaurants and a range of shopping malls so you can stock up on gifts for those back home!
This budget-friendly offering is a great base in the Taphul Village area. As it’s located in one of the more quiet parts of the city, solo travellers tend to skip over it, although you are still likely to meet couples and families here. The English-speaking staff can help organise your trip and the dorms, while basic, have privacy curtains.
If you’re looking for a more premium offering, The Local Time Village is a great option. Set back from the road, it is a quiet choice with peaceful grounds you can relax in – a real oasis of calm in a buzzing city! The rooms are tastefully decorated and spacious, making them a great choice for travelling families.
If you’re looking for somewhere to lay your head with all the details taken care of, Aroma Angkor Boutique Hotel is the place for you! From the second you step off the plane, the kind and welcoming staff will sort everything for you, from Siem Reap airport pick-up to organising your excursions around the city. Tip – opt for a landmark room to access the pool straight from your patio doors.
4. Old Market
You’ll get no prizes for guessing what the Old Market area of Siem Reap is famous for. A hub of all things shopping, you’ll be able to buy everything from street food to elephant pants and souvenirs here. For the best cheap eats, check out Psar Chaa which offers a range of filling street food.
Old Market is also home to the famous Pub Street, a legendary strip on the Southeast Asia party circuit. Jam-packed full of bars and clubs, beer starts at $0.75 and happy hour goes on till late. No matter whether you’re looking to enjoy a couple of beers before bed or you’ve committed to a full-on bar crawl with buckets galore, you’ll be able to do it on Pub Street.
Arguably the most lively area in Siem Reap, this area will appeal to travellers who want to be in the thick of the action and don’t like to sit still. It is a great place for those looking to socialise – with this much booze flowing, you’re bound to make friends!
“Trust me when I say Pub Street is mental! While it is great to be in the thick of the action, especially if you are a solo traveller, having a quiet room to retreat to is a must!”
For a classic backpacker offering just five minutes on foot to Pub Street, there is Onederz. With not one but three swimming pools (including one on the rooftop) plus a bar, this hostel knows exactly what backpackers want! Rooms are soundproofed so you can get a good night’s sleep and the hostel can provide a tasty ‘sunrise breakfast’ if you’re heading to Angkor Wat to see the sun come up!
For a personalised stay, you won’t forget, head to Boutique Indochine d’Angkor. Located in the happening Old Market district of Siem Reap, there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. This premium accommodation offers great value for money, bright and spacious rooms, plus an excellent on-site swimming pool.
You don’t even need to enter HARI Residence & Spa to know that this is a place they pull out all the stops. Adorned with verdant plants and elegant lighting, this plush hotel has all the details taken care of. The rooftop pool is the perfect spot for sunset and the sauna will help you sweat out those toxins after a long day of temple hopping. The suites are the perfect retreat after a busy day spent exploring the city.
5. Charles de Gaulle Boulevard
It feels inevitable that somewhere with boulevard in its name will be a bit posh. That is exactly the case with Charles de Gaulle Boulevard in Siem Reap. The main road leading to Angkor Wat, this is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if your main priority is to temple hop at the world’s largest religious site. Before you visit, don’t miss the Angkor National Museum which will provide much-needed context for a trip here. It is located along the same road.
Charles de Gaulle Boulevard is littered with luxury businesses, including five-star hotels and upmarket restaurants. While we doubt you’ll want to venture too far into the city when swanky swimming pools and delectable eateries are right on your doorstep, Pub Street is just a 5-minute tuk tuk away if you feel the urge.
As Charles de Gaulle Boulevard is an expensive area, it is worth taking this ‘budget’ accommodation with a pinch of salt. It is more expensive than the other shoestring accommodations in this guide but one of the cheapest options for the area. Known for its traditional Khmer decor and hospitality, this place prides itself on sourcing local produce and supporting the community. It’s clean, comfortable and you can sleep easy knowing you are contributing to the local economy with a stay here.
If you’re looking for a villa that feels like your own slice of paradise in Siem Reap, don’t miss De Sarann. Sleeping up to four, this is a great place to bring the family. The minibar is restocked daily and free transfers to the city centre are included in the price. The villa boasts a living room, fully-equipped kitchen and private swimming pool. If you need anything, help is just a WhatsApp away.
Feeling bougie? Raffles is here! Another offering from the notable luxury hotel chain that brought us the Singapore Sling, elegance is the name of the game here. A range of rooms and suites are available, with excellent facilities, round-the-clock concierge services and a welcome drink for each guest. Expect royal service without pretentiousness.
6. Wat Damnak
Wat Damnak is an up-and-coming area of Siem Reap, located to the east of the river. Named after the Buddhist pagoda in the same area, this neighbourhood is just south of the popular Wat Bo Road.
Owing to its central yet quiet location, it is a good base for couples and those who want to sink a few beers on Pub Street but still get a good night’s sleep. Wat Damnak is famous for its abundance of BBQ restaurants serving the best meaty meals that you can imagine. To choose between them, look for those well-frequented by the locals.
Offering wallet-friendly dorm rooms plus private digs for couples, Noni Tree Hostel is one of the best budget places to stay in Siem Reap. Their fabulously friendly English-speaking staff can help with anything in the area, from onward travel to booking tours and trips. There is also a coffee shop and restaurant downstairs – don’t miss the caramel frappe!
“The staff at Noni Tree Hostel were some of most helpful I have ever experienced travelling. They offered to help with our lost luggage by ringing the airport and made sure our bags got to us safely after they were delivered. We’ll be back for sure!”
The boutique hotel is a clean and cosy hideaway in the Wat Damnak area of Siem Reap. A warm welcome awaits you at Peak Elite and it doesn’t take long to feel like you’re at home! You can expect large, comfortable rooms and a peaceful night’s sleep here – just what the doctor ordered. Pub Street is a short walk away and the hotel is close to a range of bars and restaurants.
No matter whether you are looking for a room, suite or penthouse apartment, you’ll find it at Rambutan Resort. The hotel pool is surrounded by greenery and there is a great bar beside it – don’t miss the cocktails! Nothing is too much trouble here, whether you need extra pillows, a packable breakfast for an early morning tour or room service. Some options come with a bathtub on the balcony – swish!
Siem Reap is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in Cambodia. While most visit to access the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, there is also plenty to do within the city centre itself, from cooking classes to temples and a world-class circus.
Choosing the right place to stay in Siem Reap will give you easy access to all of the city’s best attractions and help you find your home away from home. With buzzing districts close to boozy bars and hidden gems in local areas, there is somewhere in Siem Reap for all kinds of traveller.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
