Siem Reap is one of the most important tourist centers of Cambodia, thanks to its proximity to Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. Siem Reap is a lively city, full of hotels, restaurants, clubs, massage centers, markets and souvenir shops; it is therefore the perfect base to stay for visiting temples.
In this article we see which are the best areas to stay in Siem Reap.
The city is quite small and can be reached anywhere with a walk or a short tuk tuk ride. But obviously each area has its own characteristics and it is good to choose the best location to stay overnight in Siem Reap, according to your needs: you are looking for evening life, tranquility, you want to be close to the temples etc.
For this you will need to know the various areas, so as to decide which one is right for you.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Before listing in detail the main areas where to sleep in Siem Reap, let's see how to find your way around the Cambodian city.
Siem Reap Airport is located about 6 km west of the city, while the archaeological site of Angkor is 5 km north. There are no hotels inside the park. Most of the tourist services are located in the city, near the center.
The main areas to consider for a stay in Siem Reap are:
- the center, Pub Street - Night Market area;
- Sok San Road
- lâOld French Quarter;
- Taphul Road
- the Wat Bo area;
- il Charles de Gaulle Boulevard.
Let's say that by staying in the area between La National Road 6, Taphul Road, Wat Bo and the Night Market, you will be quite central and close to the famous Pub Street.
But let's see each area to better understand which one to choose.
Pub Street/Night Market
The Pub Street area is located in the center, it is the liveliest area of ââthe city where the nightlife of Siem Reap is concentrated. Pub Street is a street full of clubs and restaurants, far too chaotic; sometimes you can hardly walk for how many people there are.
The area around Pub Street and the Night Market is absolutely worth a visit, however it is a characteristic area, full of souvenir shops, massage parlors, pubs and restaurants.
The advice is to look for something around the famous boulevard, in some quieter street, so as to comfortably reach Pub Street but at the same time not be in the center of the confusion.
The Temples of Angkor are located about 20 minutes by Tuk-Tuk from the Pub Street area.
For the youngest, for those looking for the nightlife and want to stay in the center, Pub Street is a particularly recommended area. Also ideal for those who want to shop, in the evening market you can get good deals.
Less suitable for those who want to stay in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle.
Sok San Road
The area of Sok San Road it is practically adjacent to Pub Street and Market Night.
It remains a lively and fun area, but it is a quieter solution a stone's throw from the busiest street. There are facilities for every need and every budget, from boutique hotels with swimming pools to hostels for backpackers. There is also a large supermarket with better prices than Pub Street.
Wat Bo Area - Riverside
Among the best areas to stay in Siem Reap is the neighborhood of Wat Bot, which takes its name from one of the two temples of the city, precisely the What Bot.
It is located on the other side of the river, from Pub Street, but still a stone's throw from it, reachable with a short walk.
The area is very quiet with medium-high level hotels, but there is no lack of cheaper facilities such as hostels or guest houses. Also along the river there are many bars and restaurants, some with beautiful panoramic terraces.
The Wat Bo area is ideal for all travelers who want a relaxing stay but not far from the liveliest areas.
Old French Quarter â Palazzo Reale
The area known as the Old French Quarter is a great place to stay in Siem Reap.
A lively neighborhood with many shops and restaurants, but at the same time quiet and peaceful. It is within walking distance of Pub Street, which can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. The location is also great for visiting Angkor Wat.
In the area there is the Royal Palace located in front of the Royal Gardens, the only green area in the center. A few steps from the Royal Palace there is a brand new shopping center.
Taphul Village
Adjacent to the Old French Quarter is the Taphul Village area, full of restaurants and travel agencies. The area is very quiet in the evening, but still central, Pub Street and Market Night can be reached within a 10 minute walk.
A good solution for those looking for a quiet place and affordable facilities, cheaper than the nearby Old French Quarter.
Charles de Gaulle
The grand Charles de Gaulle avenue is the main road connecting the center to the ruins of Angkor Wat. Along the way there are several hotels, mostly resorts and upscale boutique hotels.
Charles de Gaulle is suitable for those interested in staying closer to the temples and want a particularly comfortable hotel to relax in at the end of a busy day touring the archaeological site.
As a location it is a bit off-center and the area doesn't offer much in the way of nightlife and restaurants; the closer the hotel is to Angkor, the further away it will be from the center. If one evening you want to reach the center and the most animated streets, you can do it with a short tuk tuk ride.
Conclusions
As we have seen, although the city is not large, there are several options where to stay. I advise you to choose according to your preferences and needs.
In addition to the potion, however, also evaluate the structure and value for money. In any case, you can move comfortably on foot or by tuk-tuk taxis. In this regard, I suggest you download the mobile app PassApp Cambodia, with which to book the tuk tuk that will be with you in a few minutes. Through the App you will know immediately how much you will spend and you will save a lot compared to the tuk tuk you find on the street. For example, a ride that usually costs $ 3 with the App won't cost you more than $ 1.
Now let's recap the various options:
Pub Street/Market Night: the hub of nightlife, the liveliest area of ââthe city;
Sok San Road: Very close to Pub Street but quieter;
Old French Quartier/Taphul: Central but quiet neighborhoods within walking distance of Pub Street
What Bone: very nice area across the river, close to Pub Street
Charles de Gaulle: on the road to Angkor, further from the center
If you need further advice, please comment on the article or write me privately.
Tips, information, itineraries and maps to plan a trip to Cambodia
Don't leave without Lonely Planet!
