Where to Stay in Siem Reap (Best Places)

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FIRST TIME IN SIEM REAP

FIRST TIME IN SIEM REAP

Old French Quarter

Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Wat Bo Road

Wat Bo Road is also where travellers will find a good mix of accommodation options and styles. From budget hostels to mid-range boutiques, this is the place to stay if you’re looking for high-quality without a high price tag.

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NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Old Market

Old Market neighbourhood is located at the centre of Siem Reap. Old Market is Siem Reap’s liveliest and most vibrant neighbourhood; also conveniently located as you are well connected to Angkor Wat and other parts of the city.

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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Wat Damnak

Wat Damnak is a small neighbourhood located south of the Wat Bo Road area, on the east side of the river. A calm and relaxing neighbourhood, Wat Damnak just a stone’s throw from Angkor’s Night Market and Pub Street’s rowdiest bars.

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FOR SLOW TRAVEL

FOR SLOW TRAVEL

Taphul Village

Taphul Village is the perfect home base for a slow travel stint, offering a quiet, residential vibe that actually lets you breathe between temple runs. It’s a budget-friendly cluster of local homes and guesthouses where you can settle in, dodge the tourist crowds, and get a real feel for the city without paying premium riverfront prices.

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Siem Reap is a resort town in northern Cambodia, also famously known as the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park and the iconic Angkor Wat, which is less than six kilometers north of the city.

But there’s more to see and do in Siem Reap than just Angkor Wat – and after reading this post, you’ll agree that Siem Reap is one of the best places to stay in Cambodia. From traditional and modern cuisine to lively and trendy bars, you can happily spend a few days exploring Siem Reap and its surroundings.

Home to more than 180,000 people, Siem Reap is a compact city that is divided into several distinct neighborhoods. This guide also includes the “must-sees” broken down by interest.

Getting to the places on your Siem Reap itinerary is pretty easy: it’s a relatively small city, easily navigated on foot or by bike. There are also many motorbike and tuk-tuk drivers willing to take you from one locale to the next. No matter where you stay you’ll be able to visit the various neighbourhoods with relative ease.

1. Old French Quarter – Where to Stay in Siem Reap for the First Time

Now, if you’re wondering what area to stay in Siem Reap for your first time, I’ve got ya. Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting Cambodia for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat.

This is the neighbourhood you drift into after a few days of temples, tuk-tuks, and sensory overload. It’s walkable, quiet, and refreshingly uninterested in selling you a “crazy night out.” Instead, it delivers decent coffee and good food with French influence in the form of Khmer restaurants and very decent bakeries.

I love a walkable neighbourhood, and the Old French Quarter is no different. You can walk everywhere, sit down without being hustled, and run into the same cafés and shop owners often enough to stop feeling anonymous. Galleries, bookshops, and small businesses fill the old villas, showing how local life has adapted to its colonial past.

• Best For: Slow travel, longer stays
• The Vibe: Quiet, leafy, settled
• Proximity to Airport: 15 minutes
• Transport Level: Mostly walkable
• Budget: Mid-range
• Crowds: Light

Top Things to Do in the Old French Quarter

1. Spend a charming afternoon looking at miniature sculptures various temples that surround the city at the Miniature Replicas of Angkor’s Temples.
2. Find peace, calm, and serenity at Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chom, a small but beautiful temple in the heart of the city.
3. Take a day trip to see a floating village
4. See the home of the Cambodian royals by passing by the Royal Residence.
5. Explore the history and culture of Siem Reap at the Angkor National Museum, just over the road from the Old French Quarter.
6. Go on a guided walking tour of the city

Best Hotel: Mekong Angkor Palace Inn

Mekong Angkor Palace Inn’s location is spot on, with an easy walk to restaurants and cafés, making it simple to head out whenever you feel like eating or wandering. The staff really set the place apart though. They’re warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful, happy to organise transport, tours, or anything else you need.

When the classic Southeast Asia humidity starts creeping in, the pool is a welcome escape and perfect for cooling off straight away. You’re about a five to ten minute walk from the night market and Pub Street, close enough to dip into the action while still enjoying calmer evenings back at the hotel.

Best Hostel: Mad Monkey Siem Reap

If you’re looking for budget accommodations in the Old French Quarter look no further than Mad Monkey Hostel. They’re mainstays in both Cambodia’s epic hostelling scene as well as across Southeast Asia! Located on the western edge of the neighborhood, this hostel is within walking distance of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

Rooms are outfitted with air conditioning and each bed has its own private bag locker. It has a rooftop terrace, a sun-drenched pool, and a world-class positive atmosphere.

Best Airbnb: Second Floor Studio

Ananda’s is a Siem-Reap based co-living platform. The place is a renovated 20-year old shop in a vibrant, yet quiet area of Siem Reap’s Kandal Village. The studio is located on the second floor, accessible via stairs (no elevator). It has air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. The room opens up onto a semi-private balcony, with a magnificent view on Wat Preah Prom Rath. The rooftop is accessible until 10 pm and is a perfect location to relax after a long day of sightseeing at the temples of Angkor.

2. Wat Bo Road – Best Place to Stay in Siem Reap on a Budget

Wat Bo Road plays the role of Siem Reap’s everyday corridor. It supports longer stays, steady routines, and a calmer travel experience that makes the city easier to live in, not just pass through. If you’re looking to save your precious pennies on accommodation, this is a great neighbourhood to do so.

Running parallel to the river on the east side of town, Wat Bo Road sits just outside the Old French Quarter and close to the centre without feeling tangled up in it. Named after Wat Bo Temple, one of the city’s oldest pagodas, the road sits in a part of Siem Reap that feels residential, shaped by everyday local life rather than tourism.

This is a street built around function. Guesthouses, mid-range hotels, cafés, laundries, pharmacies, minimarts, massage places, and restaurants line the road, making life feel uncomplicated. It stays busy through the day with locals, expats, and travellers handling errands, grabbing meals, and moving between places they already know. There’s a real sense of life here beyond the tourist hotspots.

Getting around is straightforward. The Old Market, Pub Street, and riverfront are within walking distance, tuk-tuks pass constantly, and airport trips are short. Temple days start calmly and end without long travel days or logistical nightmares.

• Best For: Longer stays, practical bases, temple-focused trips
• The Vibe: Lived-in, low-key
• Proximity to Airport: Around 15 minutes
• Transport Level: Walkable with constant tuk-tuks
• Budget: Budget to mid-range
• Crowds: Moderate daytime activity, quieter evenings

Top Things to Do in Wat Bo Road

1. Visit Wat Bo Temple, one of Siem Reap’s oldest pagodas, known for its late-19th-century wall paintings and daily local activity.
2. Walk the nearby Siem Reap River, especially early morning or early evening when locals are out exercising.
3. Eat Khmer food at long-running neighbourhood restaurants that cater to residents rather than tour groups.
4. Spend time in independent cafes and bakeries scattered along Wat Bo Road and its side streets.

Best Hotel: Riversoul Boutique

Riversoul Residence is a four-star hotel located at the centre of the Wat Bo Road area. A short walk to the heart of Siem Reap, this hotel is a stone’s throw from Pub Street, the Night Market and all of the city’s trendiest nightspots.

Rooms are modern and comfortable, and each is outfitted with all the necessities for a relaxing stay in Siem Reap.

Best Hostel: Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap

Lub d is a solo traveller’s dream. With daily Angkor Wat tours and evening events like pub quizzes and bar crawls, there’s never a dull moment. If I could ignore the backpack stuffed next to my dorm bed and my less-than-pristine clothes, I could almost convince myself I was on a legit holiday.

And let me tell you, the spin-the-wheel game for new guests is a total highlight – I scored a free beer tower on my first spin. Hell. Yeah.

Best Airbnb: Marvelinn

Expecy an absolutely incredible stay at Pich’s house – his family are honestly so welcoming. From a glass of passion fruit juice on arrival, to local recommendations, you’re made to feel properly looked after. The room itself is clean, comfortable and everything you need in a base for the city.

3. Old Market – Best Area to Stay in Siem Reap For Nightlife

Old Market neighborhood is located at the centre of Siem Reap. Old Market is the liveliest and most vibrant neighborhood. It’s a conveniently located area in as you are well connected to Angkor Wat and the city’s other best places to visit.

This area has been operating for decades as a traditional market, long before Siem Reap became a global stop on the backpacker circuit. The market itself is a maze of narrow aisles packed with fresh produce, meat, fish, household goods, clothing, and religious items. Mornings are when it’s at its most active, with locals doing their shopping and vendors setting up for the day.

Around the market, the neighbourhood spills outward into a dense web of streets filled with guesthouses, budget hotels, cafés, bars, massage shops, travel agents, and convenience stores. It’s one of the most central places to stay in town, with everything reachable on foot and tuk-tuks constantly passing through.

By late afternoon and into the evening, the area shifts gears. The night market nearby opens up, foot traffic increases, and the energy ramps up as people drift between shops, restaurants, and bars. Pub Street sits just steps away, which means the noise and crowds bleed into the area after dark. This is the best neighborhood to stay in Siem Reap if you want to experience Cambodia’s legendary nightlife scene.

• Best For: Short stays, first-time visitors, social travel
• The Vibe: Busy, central, high-energy
• Proximity to Airport: Around 15 minutes
• Transport Level: Everything walkable, tuk-tuks nonstop
• Budget: Budget to mid-range
• Crowds: Heavy from late morning through night

Top Things to Do in Old Market

1. Explore Kandal Village, an up-and-coming area of Old Market that is home to quaint cafes and trendy restaurants.
2. Take a Khmer cooking class.
3. Get involved with the chaos down Pub Streer.
4. Browse the stalls of souvenirs, food, and drinks at the lively Angkor Night Market.
5. Unwind after a day of sightseeing at the relaxed and laid-back Laundry Bar.
6. Go on an iconic street food tour.

Best Hotel: Neta Socheata

Just a stone’s throw from the river, this hotel is a quiet oasis away from the chaos of Siem Reap, while still just a short walk from Pub Street and Old Market’s best bars and restaurants.

This hotel offers guests comfortable and spacious rooms, each featuring air conditioning and other amenities required for a great stay in the city.

Best Hostel: Onederz Siem Reap

Onederz Siem Reap is by far one of (if not THE) coolest hostels in the city! With not just one but TWO iconic pools, the hostel has top ratings from backpackers and I’m sure you’ll quickly see why. It’s within walking distance of the infamous Pub Street. Choose between twin or double private rooms or the much more budget-friendly dorms. The staff are friendly and helpful and made sure to make my stay awesome – sure there may be more famous hostels in the city, but Onederz is truly the best!

Best Airbnb: Minimalist 3 Bedroom Home

This contemporary-style home is the best Airbnb you’ll find in Siem Reap’s Old Market district. 30 seconds to pub street, it gives you the feeling of being tucked away somewhere super peaceful and quiet, which I absolutely loved. The home can fit up to 7 guests, and even allows furry friends to come with. Once you split it between the gang you’ll find it’s just as cheap as a dorm room but with oodles of space to yourself.

4. Wat Damnak – Coolest Place to Stay in Siem Reap

Wat Damnak is one of Siem Reap’s more balanced neighbourhoods, sitting just south of the river and slightly removed from the town’s busiest circuits. It’s within easy walking distance of the Old Market and Pub Street, but the atmosphere changes noticeably once you cross into the area. Streets are quieter, traffic thins out, and the pace slows.

The area takes its name from Wat Damnak Pagoda, an important cultural and educational site that includes a library and community spaces. That influence carries through the neighbourhood, which feels orderly and residential while still being firmly connected to the centre of town.

This neighbourhood works as a middle ground. It offers access, comfort, and a calmer daily experience, making it a reliable base for travellers who want to stay connected to Siem Reap without living inside its busiest zones.

• Best For: Longer stays, food-focused travel, couples
• The Vibe: Calm, residential, quietly polished
• Proximity to Airport: Around 15 minutes
• Transport Level: Walkable to centre, easy tuk-tuks
• Budget: Mid-range to upper mid-range
• Crowds: Light, steady foot traffic

Top Things to Do in Wat Damnak

1. Dine on Khmer food at Cuisine Wat Damnak, one of the city’s most famous and renowned restaurants.
2. Visit the Centre for Khmer Studies library. It’s a surprisingly good stop for history, archaeology and culture books with a quiet garden to chill in if you’re over temples.
3. Browse the stalls at the Siem Reap Art Centre Market where you can find everything from inexpensive pedicures to exotic foods like scorpions, snakes and more.
4. Explore Wat Damnak Pagoda, Siem Reap’s largest pagoda with traditional Khmer architecture, shaded gardens, ponds and a calm atmosphere for wandering or reflection.
5. Sample Sombai, a sweet Cambodian liqueur and an authentic taste of Siem Reap.
6. Marvel at the stunning architecture and beautiful décor of the Wat Damnak Buddhist Temple.

Best Hotel: Bophus Residence

Bohpa Residence is a stunning four-star hotel in Wat Damnak. It features 20 spacious and modern rooms; all guests have access to a relaxing outdoor pool and seating area.

Located at the heart of the neighborhood, this hotel is surrounded by restaurants and bars and is a short walk to the city’s top attractions.

Best Hostel: Noni Tree Hostel

Noni Tree Hostel is a family-run place that understands what travellers actually want after a long day out in the heat. The staff are genuinely attentive and consistent, the kind who remember faces and make sure things run smoothly.

There’s a nice chill vibe here, it isn’t a party hostel but you can still easily meet people. You can choose your setting depending on the day, whether that’s time by the pool, hanging out in the café and dining area, or escaping to the upstairs open space when you want breathing room.

Best Airbnb: Cozy Villa Room

This French Colonial–style villa sits in leafy gardens and keeps things comfortable and unfussy. Rooms feel private and self-contained, while the shared seating areas make it easy to slow down with a book, a drink, or absolutely nothing on the agenda. It’s close to the city centre and Pub Street, with breakfast included and turndown service waiting at the end of the day.

5. Taphul Village – Best Neighbourhood in Siem Reap for Slow Travel

Taphul Village sits slightly west of Siem Reap’s main tourist spine and forms part of the Svay Dangkum area, placing it within easy reach of the Old Market, Pub Street, and the river without being directly on top of them. It’s an area that developed as a mixed residential and accommodation zone, and that balance still defines how it works today.

The neighbourhood is characterised by narrow streets, local homes, small shops, and a dense cluster of guesthouses, hostels, and affordable hotels. It attracts travellers who want access to the centre while staying somewhere that runs at a steadier pace. Foot traffic is lighter than around the Old Market, and evenings stay comparatively calm, especially once you move a street or two away from Taphul Road itself.

Accommodation is one of the area’s strongest draws. Taphul Village offers a wide range of budget and mid-range places to stay, from backpacker hostels to small hotels with pools and gardens. Prices tend to sit lower than riverfront or boutique-heavy neighbourhoods, which makes the area popular with longer-stay travellers and people looking for value without pushing too far out of town.

• Best For: Budget travellers, longer stays, digital nomads
• The Vibe: Residential, practical, low-key
• Proximity to Airport: Around 15 minutes
• Transport Level: Short tuk-tuk rides, some walkability
• Budget: Budget to lower mid-range
• Crowds: Light to moderate, mostly daytime activity

Top Things to Do in Taphul Village

1. Stroll Taphul Road and side streets to soak up local life, markets, cafés and shops – you’ll find neighbourhood eateries and Cambodian coffee spots.
2. Escape the heat and browse the Lucky Mall shops, where you’ll find everything from toy stores to supermarkets.
3. Wake up bright and early, and head north of the city to watch the sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat.
4. Rent bikes and spend a day exploring the towns, villages, and fields that surround Siem Reap.
5. Go on a whirlwind tour of Cambodian culture and heritage at the Cambodian Cultural Village.
6. Explore the morning market vibe where locals sell fresh fruit, produce and handmade goods, giving a glimpse into daily routines.
7. Eat authentic Khmer food at local restaurants and affordable cafés dotted throughout the neighbourhood.

Best Hotel: Reservoir, Yoga & Wellness Retreat

For travellers after something a little different in Siem Reap, this wellness retreat leans into space, calm, and routine. There’s a sun terrace, a garden, and a year-round outdoor pool. The yoga classes are a treat – well run, welcoming, and anchored by a genuine sense of community. It suits people who want their stay to include a reset, not just a place to sleep between plans.

Best Hostel: The Funky Village

Funky Village hostel is located to the south of Taphul Village. Boasting nearly 200 beds, this hostel offers guests shared and private accommodations, including rooms that are perfect for small families.

A short walk to the centre of the city, this hostel is well situated for exploring Siem Reap and its surroundings. Enjoy comfortable beds and an outdoor swimming pool at this fun and vibrant hostel.

Best Airbnb: Carolina Angkor Villa

This is a real gem in Siem Reap! It’s family-run, with the warmth and care you’d expect from a homestay, paired with the comfort and facilities of a villa. The hosts are consistently kind, helpful, and friendly, and it shows in how well the place is looked after. Rooms and shared areas are kept impressively clean, inside and out, with real pride taken in the details. Onsite laundry makes longer stays easier, and the Wi-Fi holds up well enough for everyday use.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Siem Reap

You don’t want to visit Cambodia without grabbing some solid travel insurance!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Siem Reap and where to stay.

It’s time to actually book a bed and stop scrolling.

If it’s your first time in Siem Reap, French Old Market is a great shout. You’ll be surrounded by the tree-lined streets and colonial buildings that make this city so unique. It’s charming and grandeur, all whilst being accessible to other parts of the city when you want to dip your toe in.

If you’re a creature of habit who likes to be in the middle of the storm, Old Market is your home base. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and you’re never more than a five-minute stumble from a $0.50 beer on Pub Street. The ultimate backpacker hub, you’ll be sure to go on a few strange side quests down here at 2am.

Choose your poison. Either way, you’re just a short tuk-tuk ride from Angkor Wat and a long way from the real world.