Where to Stay in Siem Reap – 5 Best Areas & Hotels in 2024

Hey there traveler, welcome to my ultimate guide on where to stay in Siem Reap! Whether you’re headed to the iconic Angkor Wat temple (and many other ancient temples) or want to explore an authentic Cambodian town, Siem Reap is the perfect stop!

I compared all the areas in the city, checked all the hotels, and included only the top-rated options in this guide! My goal was to make your search for the perfect place to stay in Siem Reap as easy as pie, and I think you’ll love what I have prepared for you!

Old French Quarter is the best place to stay as the heart of the city, but I also included 4 more areas for different travel interests!

Remember to book that stay in advance in Siem Reap, especially if visiting during the high season in December or January!

NOTE: The Siem Reap International Airport has been replaced by the new and bigger Siem Reap Angkor International Airport as of October 2023. 

If you are in a hurry

Book the best hotels in Siem Reap’s Old French Quarter today:

I’ve also prepared this map to help you visualize the best areas to stay in Siem Reap:

1. Old French Quarter – where to stay in Siem Reap for the first time

If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, then you can’t pick a better area to stay in Siem Reap than the Old French Quarter!

Centrally located, this neighborhood offers the perfect mix of unique temples to visit during the day and fun nightclubs to party at night! 

As you know, Siem Reap is the gateway town to the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat in the Angkor Archaeological Park, but there’s more to the city than just that! And there’s no better place than the Old French Quarter to start your Cambodian adventures!

Most visitors come to the area to see Angkor Wat, the majestic temple dating from the times of the Khmer Empire that ruled Southeast Asia from the 9th until the 15th century! Its capital was in Angkor, too! 

There are still many colonial buildings and architecture, especially in this area, which, combined with the traditional temples and classic Chinese shophouses, give the city a super multicultural vibe.

Of course, the Old French Quarter is also absolutely filled with restaurants where you can indulge in international cuisine and fun bars. So, once you’re fully rested, head out to explore this vibrant neighborhood!

Since the Old French Quarter is just a stone’s throw away from most attractions like the Royal Residence (map) and the iconic Angkor, many tourists book their hotels here. I recommend making your reservations super early because this place is packed with visitors!

Other accommodation options in Old French Quarter

As you’ve probably noticed, the Old French Quarter is pretty popular! Since it’s set right in the center of Siem Reap, everyone wants to stay here, which means that the hotels will sell out super fast. That’s why I decided to offer 3 more options in case the ones above are already sold out. All hotels are luxury with prices from US$100 and up.

• Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley – Bright rooms with big windows and lovely decor! This boutique hotel has everything you’ll need for your stay in Siem Reap, including a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa! Of course, you’ll have access to room service and free parking as well! One of the best boutique hotels for couples, if you ask me!
• Koulen Hotel – Enjoy delicious traditional food at this amazing hotel which has a pool and a garden area with sun loungers where you can relax. The accommodation offers modern rooms with a balcony, and a seating area, plus some spa services and fun activities like cooking classes and bike tours. 
• Memoire d’ Angkor – Start your holiday in Siem Reap with a nice massage at the spa center of this hotel that has a restaurant and a bar! Guests will have access to a free airport shuttle bus, yoga classes, plus some fun things to do like themed dinner nights and tours. 

Things to do in Old French Quarter

2. Old Market – where to stay in Siem Reap for foodies + nightlife

This is the ultimate place for anyone who wants to experience as many Siem Reap markets at night as possible!

The Old Market lies on the banks of Siem Reap River, just next to the Kandal Village, another lively area famous for its night markets and clubs! Yep, this is where everyone comes to shop, eat and drink!

This is a super lively neighborhood, and although during the day you can roam around the streets, the best way to enjoy its magic is after the sun is setting between the countless temple columns.

Pub Street (the hotspot for bars and nightlife in the area) is the ideal place to try sraa tram, the traditional whiskey-like drink they make in Cambodia!

Named after the actual Old Market, which is the place to go if you want to buy clothes, souvenirs, and food (basically anything and everything), the area is also home to a beautiful Buddhist temple and lush gardens.

Sharing the same busy atmosphere as most of the places in Siem Reap, the Old Market sits just a 15-minute drive away from the famous Angkor Temple. The best way to get there is by joining a tour, and, luckily, there are many that take you from Siem Reap to the temple. 

Other accommodation options in Old Market

Things to do in Old Market

3. Wat Bo – best place to stay in Siem Reap on a budget

Looking for a super affordable place to stay in Siem Reap? Well, this area is any budget backpacker’s dream come true.

Yep, if there’s one thing that you can find cheap in Siem Reap is hotels! However, the area that has the biggest concentration of hostels and budget places is Wat Bo.

Set right across the Siem Reap River from the Old French Quarter, Wat Bo is home to one of the oldest temples in the city (that’s how the area got its name). Plus, you’ll also find a few unique art galleries where you can see the works of local artists and even attend workshops.

Don’t forget to dress modestly and cover (for females) when visiting temples in Siem Reap and Cambodia in general!

Wat Bo also has a super convenient location within walking distance from the City Center, where you can find even more art galleries and other attractions.

However, the atmosphere in this area will definitely make you want to spend as much time as possible here! Wat Bo is full of green spaces. And if you explore around for a bit, you’ll notice tons of colorful flower decorations that make the perfect picture background (if you ask me).

But I don’t want to give you too many spoilers, so let’s find the best hostel in Wat Bo:

Other accommodation options in Wat Bo

Things to do in Wat Bo

• Visit the super-old Wat Bo temple (map)
• Catch a show at Bambu Stage Siem Reap (map)
• Get some nice accessories from Ammo Jewelry Design (map)
• Attend an Apsara Live Performance (Khmer dance)
• Grab a delicious meal at Vitking House (map)
• Admire the Wat Damnak pagoda and temple (map)

4. Taphul Village – best place to stay in Siem Reap for families

Exploring one of the most exciting cities in Cambodia with the kids? I recommend looking for hotels in an area close to central Siem Reap, but not exactly in the City Center, as it’s super busy and crazy!

I’d recommend Taphul Village, which is located West of the Old French Quarter, just far enough for you to enjoy a bit of tranquility in this busy area!

You’ll be within walking distance of shopping malls and restaurants, obviously! While the neighborhood doesn’t really offer many attractions itself, it’s super well connected to public transport that will take you to the Angkor Wat temple.

Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the other temples in the Old French Quarter and the Royal Independence Gardens (map) where you take the kids to play and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Now, let’s check out the hotels here:

Other accommodation options in Taphul Village

Things to do in Taphul Village

• Go on a guided tour to Angkor Temple
• Shop for souvenirs in all the boutique stores
• Attend the Angkor Night Market (map)
• Visit the Royal Independence Gardens in the Old French Quarter
• Enjoy a family dinner at Madam Moch Khmer Restaurant (map)

5. Charles de Gaulle Boulevard – best place to stay for luxury

As one of the most exclusive places to stay in Siem Reap, this boulevard is lined up with luxury hotels and resorts.

The boulevard is the main road to Angkor Wat but also the Bayon Temple (map) and Ta Prohm Temple (map), all of 3 being the most famous attractions in the area!

This district is perfect for those of you who left the partying days behind and are looking for an area that isn’t super busy or packed with clubs. On the contrary, on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard you’ll find a few cultural attractions like the Angkor National Museum, but also shopping malls!

As I mentioned, this area is pretty chill, and most people who come here are looking for a peaceful getaway. Plus, there are numerous gardens around Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, which are worth a visit!

Nearby, you’ll find the Cambodian Cultural Village (map), a stunning garden with exhibitions, performances, hiking trails, and beautiful miniatures of famous Cambodian buildings. 

However, you can always head to the Old French Quarter or Old Market if you’re craving some evening entertainment! You’ll be just a short tuk tuk ride away!

Now let’s see all the amazing hotels around here:

Other accommodation options in Charles de Gaulle Boulevard

Things to do on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard

• Learn new things at Angkor National Museum
• Enjoy a cup of coffee at Pople (map)
• Grab dinner at Hot Stone Restaurant (map)
• Go for a sunset walk along the Siem Reap River
• Wake up before sunrise to visit the Angkor Wat Temple complex

BONUS: Best resorts near Angkor Wat Temple

If you’re heading to Siem Reap mainly to visit the famous Angkor Wat Temple, then you’ll need a place that’s close enough so you can arrive there as quickly as possible and probably want to avoid staying right in the hustle of Siem Reap.

Luckily, I’ve found a couple of incredible resorts not too far from the temple that offer incredible facilities and everything you need! And if you’re looking for the best way to visit the temple, check out this post. It has many helpful tips!

PRO TIP: Combine the trip with the visits to a group of temples, including the Bayon Temple, Prasat Preah Khan (map), and Ta Prohm Temple, all of which are in the same complex as Angkor Wat, for a fully immersive Cambodian experience!

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – Set between the tropical trees, this fantastic resort is only a 10-minute drive away from the iconic Angkor Wat Temple. What better way to enjoy your holiday than to try different spa massages, play golf, and eat yummy food! This resort offers all that and more, including some fun board games, 3 restaurants, and a fitness center.
• Jaya House River Park – Not a big fan of the city noise and want to do nothing but chill by the swimming pools during this adventurous trip to Siem Reap? Then book your room at this amazing hotel that is located 3 miles (5km) away from Angkor Wat Temple. Each room is tastefully decorated with simple elements and has a small outdoor patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Other facilities include two swimming pools, a spa center, and a bar.
• Shintana Saya Residence – Definitely the kind of place that feels like home! I like how the decor is super simple and minimalistic, focused on light color tones. This luxury resort offers spacious rooms with large windows overlooking the pool. When you’re back from visiting Angkor Wat Temple, which is only a 15-minute drive away, head to the spa or take a dip in the salt-water pool.

Mid Range (US$40 – US$80)

• Lotus Blanc Resort – Set a 20-minute drive away from Angkor Wat Temple, this accommodation offers spacious rooms that have a balcony with amazing views! Indulge in all the delicious food at the 3 restaurants on-site, and sunbather on the sun loungers by the swimming pool when you’re not in the mood to explore Siem Reap!

FAQs about hotels in Siem Reap

📅 How many days should I stay in Siem Reap?

I’d recommend spending between 3 to 4 days in Siem Reap. That will give you enough time to visit the attractions in the city and of course, visit the famous Angkor Wat temple. 

🤔 What is there to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat?

There are many other things to do in Siem Reap besides visiting the temple. There are lots of night markets, clubs, and more unique temples inside the city, which you shouldn’t miss while you’re in town!

🌃 Is it safe to walk around Siem Reap at night?

Yes, it’s safe to walk around Siem Reap at night since here a lot of things happen at night, like the markets and the club openings, but avoid remote areas where there are no people.

🤩 What is the best neighborhood in Siem Reap?

Old French Quarter is the best area to stay in Siem Reap! This central neighborhood has many restaurants and some of the top attractions in the city. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of hotels here like the amazing La Rivière d’ Angkor Resort. 

🚶‍♀️ Is Siem Reap walkable?

Absolutely! You can explore Siem Reap on foot, the walks are really enjoyable. Just be mindful of your step as the sidewalk infrastructure isn’t the best, and you’ll find plenty of cracks on the way.

🛺 How do you get around Siem Reap?

Walking and tuk-tuks (they’re called remorks in Cambodia) are the most common ways to get around in Siem Reap. Remorks can fit up to 4 people, they’re cheap, and are the most popular transportation method. You can also use bikes, motos, and taxis.

🤔 What is the best month to visit Siem Reap?

December and January! This is the peak season when the weather is most pleasant. June to October can be rainy, while April and May are the hottest months and I definitely don’t recommend visiting then.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Siem Reap

That’s it, dear reader, this was all I had in store for you when it comes to where to stay in Siem Reap! I hope you have found your dream place by now! 

There were tons of hotels to choose from, and some pretty good resorts, so in case you still don’t have a favorite, I’ll share 2 of mine:

• La Rivière d’ Angkor Resort – Set among the tropical trees, this is the best luxury hotel as it offers a spa center, a free pick-up service from the airport, and bike tours
• Chateau d’Angkor – A fabulous mid-range hotel that comes with an outdoor swimming pool, a breakfast buffet, and many activities

Siem Reap is a very touristy place because it’s super close to Angkor Wat, possibly the most important attraction in Southeast Asia. Make sure you book your hotel here in advance so you secure the best deal!

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts or experience in Siem Reap, drop me a comment below! I’ll be quick to answer!

Happy Exploring,

Victoria

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