SIEM REAP TOWN
Siem Reap is the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the spiritual heart of Cambodia. It is a vibrant hub that balances ancient wonder with a lively modern town.
This town is where history breathes through stone temples and tropical forests. It offers visitors a deep dive into the Khmer Empire’s glorious past, followed by bustling markets and welcoming hospitality.
Most Popular Attractions
Angkor Temple Complex & Core Sites:
Angkor Wat: The most iconic temple, famous for its breathtaking bas-reliefs and perfect symmetry, especially at sunrise.
Angkor Thom: The last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire, enclosed by an impressive wall and moat.
Bayon Temple: Famous for its massive, serene stone faces carved into its towers.
Ta Prohm: Known as the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple, left largely unrestored and interwoven with giant tree roots.
Preah Khan: A large, complex monastic temple dedicated to King Jayavarman VII’s father, known for its mix of structures and halls.
Banteay Srei: A tiny, intricate temple famed for its pink sandstone and incredibly detailed carvings.
Ta Keo: An imposing mountain-temple, notable for being unfinished, allowing a view into the construction methods of the era.
Pre Rup: A pyramid-shaped temple famous for offering stunning sunset views over the surrounding rice fields.
Phnom Bakheng: A temple-mountain located on a hill, historically popular for watching the sunset over Angkor Wat.
East Mebon: A 10th-century temple originally set on an artificial island in the now-dry East Baray reservoir.
Neak Pean: A unique small temple on a circular island, originally designed as a healing site or a mythical lake.
Siem Reap Town Core & Cultural Sites:
Pub Street: The town’s vibrant nightlife center, lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
Old Market (Phsar Chas): A traditional market offering everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing and souvenirs.
Artisans Angkor: A social business providing vocational training to young Cambodians, famous for its silk, stone, and wood carvings.
Landmine Museum: A sobering, educational museum dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of landmines and supporting victims.
War Museum Cambodia: A museum displaying a collection of war machinery, weapons, and artifacts from the country’s civil war.
Wat Preah Prom Rath: A beautiful, active pagoda in the town center featuring modern and traditional architecture.
Kulen Mountain (Phnom Kulen): A sacred mountain and national park with a large reclining Buddha and waterfall for swimming.
Apsara Dance Show: A traditional Khmer performance of classical ballet, recounting ancient myths and historical stories.
Cambodian Cultural Village: A theme park showcasing miniature versions of important historical structures and traditional village life.
Tonle Sap Lake – Floating Village (Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas): The largest lake in Southeast Asia, where communities live in stilted or floating houses.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A modern, non-animal circus blending theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics to tell Cambodian stories.
Psar Leu: A large local market mostly catering to residents, offering a genuine glimpse into daily Cambodian life.
Activities & Experiences
Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Experience the iconic and spiritual sunrise view over the main temple of Angkor Wat, a truly essential experience in Siem Reap.
Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park: Spend multiple days touring the vast complex, ensuring you visit major temples like Bayon (with its massive stone faces) and Ta Prohm (integrated with tree roots).
Walk Pub Street: Experience the town’s vibrant nightlife, famous for its restaurants, bars, and lively atmosphere after a long day of temple exploration.
Visit the Landmine Museum: Learn about Cambodia’s tragic history, the long-term impact of conflict, and the ongoing demining efforts, providing a sobering and educational experience.
Attend the Phare Circus: See a contemporary, non-animal Cambodian circus show that combines theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics, providing an important social mission for local artists.
Take a Khmer Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Cambodian dishes such as Amok (fish curry) and Khmer Red Curry using traditional ingredients.
Wander the Old Market (Psar Chas): Shop for souvenirs, spices, silks, and local produce, and grab a cheap, delicious street food meal.
Cycle Through the Rice Paddies: Rent a bicycle to explore the peaceful countryside, riding through rice fields and visiting rural villages outside the main town area.
Visit the Floating Village on Tonlé Sap Lake: Take a boat trip to one of the floating communities, like Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas, to see life on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Explore Banteay Srei: Drive out to this exquisite 10th-century temple known for its incredibly well-preserved, detailed, and intricate pink sandstone carvings.
Get a Traditional Khmer Massage: Relax and rejuvenate after days of walking with a therapeutic and affordable Khmer massage.
Take an Apsara Dance Workshop: Learn the graceful movements of Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance, an important part of Khmer culture.
Local Tips & Transport
Tuk-Tuks are King: The most common and convenient way to travel. A Tuk-Tuk is a motorbike with a covered passenger trailer. For long days of temple hopping, you can hire a driver for the entire day (negotiate the price upfront).
Remorque-Moto (Motorbike Taxi): For solo travelers or short distances, you can hop on a motorbike taxi, which is faster for weaving through traffic. Always wear a helmet.
Walking & Cycling: The main town center is easily walkable. Cycling is a wonderful and low-cost way to explore the outer temples of the Angkor complex and the nearby countryside.
Car with Driver: For long-distance trips or traveling to more remote temples, hiring a car with an English-speaking driver is a comfortable and affordable option.
From the Airport: The quickest and most reliable way to get from Siem Reap International Airport (REP) to the town center is via a pre-booked taxi or a Tuk-Tuk, which are readily available outside the terminal.
Angkor Pass: A pass is required to visit the temples. You can purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass. The ticket office is located away from the main temples, and your photo will be taken for the pass on the spot. Always carry your pass!
Dress Code for Temples: When visiting the temples, especially Angkor Wat, it is considered respectful and required to cover your shoulders and knees (for both men and women). Avoid tank tops, shorts, and skirts above the knee.
Currency & Tipping: The official local currency is the Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and preferred for most transactions (hotels, restaurants, tickets). Carry small USD bills. Tipping is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated for good service (e.g., for Tuk-Tuk drivers and restaurant staff).
Bargaining: Expect to negotiate prices at markets and when hiring Tuk-Tuks. It is a common practice, but always do so with a smile and good humor.
Pace Yourself: The temples cover a huge area. Plan for a few days to see the main attractions (The Grand Circuit and Small Circuit) and remember to stay hydrated, especially during the hot season (March to May).
Hidden Gems:
- Artisans Angkor: Visit this organization to see young Cambodians learning traditional Khmer carving, weaving, and sculpting skills. A great place to buy high-quality, ethically-made souvenirs.
- Bakong Temple (Roluos Group): Often overlooked, this temple, about 13km from Siem Reap, is an excellent example of an early temple mountain structure and is usually much quieter than the main Angkor temples.
- The Quad Biking Tour: A fantastic way to explore the muddy paths and remote villages surrounding Siem Reap in an adventurous way.
Local Interactions: The Khmer people are incredibly resilient and welcoming. A smile and simple Khmer phrases like Suosdey (Hello) and Ahnkoon (Thank you) will be very well received.
Top Restaurants
Khmer Grill [$5-$10] – A popular, no-frills local spot offering authentic and budget-friendly Khmer food, especially known for its barbecued meats and classic curries.
Golden Pumpkin Restaurant Siem Reap [$5-$15] – A favorite among locals and savvy travelers for its generous portions of well-executed Khmer dishes in a relaxed setting.
The Sugar Palm [$15-$30] – Located in the Wat Bo neighborhood, this restaurant is set in a beautiful dark-wood house and is famed for reviving old Khmer family recipes, including a standout Amok.
Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant [$8-$15] – A charming farm-to-table eatery housed in a renovated wooden building, focusing on delicious and fresh Khmer and international vegetarian dishes.
Marum Siem Reap [$15-$30] – Part of the Tree Alliance training restaurants, offering creative tapas-style Khmer and Asian fusion dishes while supporting local disadvantaged youth.
Mahob Khmer Cuisine ភោជនីយដ្ឋាន ម្ហូប [$15-$30] – Set in a converted traditional wooden Khmer home, this stylish eatery overlooks the Siem Reap River and is known for authentic dishes and a unique volcanic stone BBQ.
Sokkhak River Lounge [$25-$40] – Situated on the river, this chic spot offers authentic Khmer cuisine and a stunning ambiance with a tasteful blend of local and elegant decor.
Chanrey Tree [$20-$35] – A stylish riverside restaurant that offers refined traditional Cambodian dishes, often incorporating the owner’s family recipes.
Khmer Taste [$5-$10] – A straightforward, traditional Cambodian restaurant in the heart of the city, highly regarded by locals for its authentic flavors and simple atmosphere.
Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant [$8-$15] – Known for its mix of traditional Khmer and Thai dishes, offering a casual and satisfying dining experience with local ingredients.
Brother’s Restaurant [$5-$10] – A small, friendly, and family-run local favorite for consistently good and inexpensive Cambodian classics like Lok Lak and curries.
Vibe Cafe [$10-$20] – A plant-based cafe offering vibrant, healthy bowls, creative salads, and nutritious local-inspired dishes in a bright, modern setting.
The Source Cafe [$8-$15] – A vegan and vegetarian-friendly spot known for healthy local dishes, excellent coffee, and a cool, enclosed air-conditioned dining room.
Aum [$8-$15] – A popular spot specializing in vegetarian and vegan versions of classic Khmer and regional dishes, often featuring fresh, local produce.
Peace Cafe [$8-$15] – Known for its great vegetarian and vegan food in a comfortable, tranquil garden setting, also offering yoga and cooking classes.
Wat Bo Road Street Stalls [$2-$5] – Not a single restaurant, but a collection of evening street food vendors on Wat Bo Road frequented by locals for cheap and authentic snacks, noodles, and BBQ.
Jomno Modern Khmer Cuisine [$15-$30] – An elegant restaurant focusing on traditional recipes with a contemporary, creative presentation, known for using fresh, local ingredients.
LUM ORNG Farm to Table Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located a bit outside the city center, this romantic farm-to-fork spot is lauded for its dedication to fresh, hyper-local Cambodian cuisine.
HAVEN [$10-$25] – A wonderful social enterprise training restaurant that provides culinary and hospitality training to vulnerable young adults, serving delicious, fresh Khmer and Western food.
SPOONS Café Restaurant [$10-$25] – Another highly-regarded social enterprise in a beautiful bamboo building, offering high-quality Khmer cuisine and professional service from its trainees.
Cuisine Wat Damnak [$40-$70] – Celebrated for its innovative approach, this gem artfully blends locally sourced ingredients with contemporary French techniques in a charming wooden house.
Embassy Khmer Gastronomy [$50-$80] – An intimate, all-female-staffed restaurant offering high-quality, monthly-changing tasting menus that elevate traditional Khmer cuisine to a fine-dining experience.
Kroya by Chef Chanrith [$30-$50] – Located at Shinta Mani, this eatery offers a fresh perspective on Khmer cuisine, with a focus on creative, high-quality dishes in a sophisticated setting.
The Mansion (FCC Angkor) [$30-$50] – Offers a delightful Khmer Journey menu and international options in a colonial-era setting with generous portions and an elegant atmosphere.
Pou Kitchen and Café [$15-$30] – Set inside a beautifully restored traditional wooden Khmer house, this café offers simple yet innovative dishes that showcase high-quality, local produce.
Malis Siem Reap [$30-$50] – A sophisticated, high-end restaurant by a local celebrity chef, focused on bringing traditional Cambodian cuisine back to life with a modern touch and an elegant garden setting.
Damnak Lounge [$30-$50] – An upscale restaurant within the Lotus Blanc Resort that beautifully marries refined Cambodian and Western flavors in an elegant setting.
Ox Club Restaurant [$20-$40] – Offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on modern cuisine, providing a unique twist on popular dishes.
Georges Rhumerie and Restaurant [$10-$25] – A quirky and fun spot known for its delicious homemade rums infused with local flavors and a menu of Khmer and Creole dishes.
Olive Cuisine de Saison [$20-$40] – Housed in a renovated colonial building, this upscale restaurant offers a blend of European and modern Southeast Asian flavors with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Viroth’s Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for its lush setting, excellent service, and refined take on both traditional Khmer and contemporary international dishes.
Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar [$20-$40] – A casual fine dining spot featuring an indoor restaurant and an open rooftop bar, offering modern Asian and Western fusion.
The Christa Restaurant & Bar [$15-$30] – A laid-back and charming spot with a diverse menu that successfully combines Cambodian and Western flavors.
Khmer Surin Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers a relaxed atmosphere and a well-regarded menu of traditional Khmer and Thai dishes with a focus on high quality.
The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe [$5-$10] – A beloved cafe known for its excellent coffee and cozy vibe, also serving great, simple food and brunch options.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar [$10-$20] – Famous for its sultry, Shanghai-inspired lounge decor and high-quality, creative cocktails, a sophisticated spot for a pre or post-dinner drink.
Bao Kandal [$8-$15] – A popular spot specializing in delicious steamed buns (Bao) with creative fillings and other Asian-fusion street food, a great quick-bite option.
Crane [$10-$20] – An eclectic spot that’s part store, part bar, and part cafe/restaurant, offering a relaxed vibe and a varied menu that changes regularly.
The Village Bakery and Cafe [$5-$10] – Known for its fresh pretzels, bagels, and cinnamon rolls, plus good Banh Mi and coffee, a popular breakfast/snack spot.
Elia Greek Kitchen Siem Reap [$10-$25] – A surprising find in Siem Reap, offering authentic and flavorful Greek dishes like souvlaki and gyros in a vibrant setting.
Curry Walla [$5-$15] – Highly recommended for great value and really good Indian food, a popular choice for delivery and casual dining.
Paper Tiger Eatery (Le Tigre de Papier) [$8-$15] – A very popular dining spot offering a solid fusion of Khmer and Western cuisine, great for a mix of options.
Café Indochine Restaurant [$20-$35] – Housed in a traditional Khmer wooden house, this upscale restaurant offers a refined blend of French and European cuisine.
Abacus Restaurant [$30-$50] – Offers a wide selection of both Cambodian and Western dishes, set in a beautiful garden, known for its high-quality ingredients.
Il Forno [$15-$30] – A well-regarded spot for authentic Italian cuisine, especially its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta.
L’Annexe French Restaurant [$25-$45] – A classic choice for high-quality French cuisine in a cozy and elegant setting.
The Labyrinth [$40-$70] – Offers an immersive dinner and show experience inspired by ancient ruins, featuring a multi-course Western-Asian fusion menu.
Chi Restaurant & Bar at Anantara Angkor Resort [$30-$50] – Offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that blends local ingredients and international techniques in a luxury resort setting.
Lum Orng [$20-$40] – A farm-to-table restaurant focusing on creative Cambodian cuisine, set in a beautiful environment away from the main town bustle.
Sala Bai Restaurant School [$15-$25] – A vocational training restaurant that serves delicious, high-quality Khmer and international food, supporting hospitality education for local youth.
Wild – Creative Bar & Spring Rolls [$8-$15] – A unique concept bar specializing in creative, gourmet spring rolls (both fresh and fried) with a wide variety of fillings, plus excellent cocktails.
Artisans Angkor Training Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a chance to enjoy local cuisine while supporting the vocational training of young Cambodians in the arts and hospitality.
Koulen Restaurant (Apsara Dinner Show) [$15-$25] – While popular with tourists, it’s one of the best large-scale options for an extensive buffet of Khmer and international food accompanied by an authentic Apsara dance performance.
Sokkhak River Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers a tranquil setting on the riverbanks with a menu that focuses on refined Khmer dishes, great for a relaxed, pleasant meal.
The Hive [$8-$15] – A popular spot known for its fresh, creative breakfast and lunch options, including good coffee and light Asian-inspired meals.
Genevieve’s Restaurant [$15-$30] – A highly-rated, welcoming restaurant serving both Khmer and Western dishes, known for its friendly service and delicious food.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar: A stylish and intimate speakeasy nestled on Street 26 in the Wat Bo neighborhood, known for its elegant old-Shanghai-inspired décor, red lanterns, and meticulously crafted Asian-inspired cocktails.
Scribe Bar at FCC Angkor by Avani: Located within the FCC Angkor by Avani in the leafy Old French Quarter near the river, this chic venue offers a perfect outdoor space to enjoy imaginative, premium cocktails and fine wines in a colonial-era setting.
ASANA Old Wooden House Cocktail Bar: Found in an alleyway near the Old Market, this unique bar is set in the last standing antique Khmer wooden house, providing a tranquil, nostalgic ambiance and specializing in Khmer herbal cocktails.
Picasso Bar Siem Reap: A popular, compact spot in the alleyways just off Pub Street, designed with a U-shaped bar that encourages conversation among the diverse mix of expats and travelers.
Long’s Bar: Hidden away on Duong Hem Street, this simple and quiet spot is a welcome retreat that offers Cambodian-inspired cocktails, including a fresh Ginger and Lemongrass Mojito, and is known for its friendly, local charm.
The Red Piano: An iconic and long-established bar and restaurant right on the corner of Pub Street, famous for its association with the Tomb Raider film and its signature “Tomb Raider” cocktail.
Elephant Bar (Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor): Arguably one of Siem Reap’s most iconic and luxurious bars, featuring 1930s colonial architecture in the grand hotel near the Royal Garden, offering classic cocktails in an elegant, historic setting.
Bar 43: A stylish mixology cocktail bar situated on Palm Street, renowned for its artistic drink presentations, enchanting atmosphere, and occasional live music to enhance the evening.
Beatnik Speakeasy: A vintage-inspired establishment located a short distance from the main Pub Street noise, offering a cozy ambiance with dark wood and dim lighting, perfect for enjoying carefully crafted classic and creative cocktails.
SO 26: Located on Street 26 in the upmarket Wat Bo area, this venue features a cafe, gallery, and tapas bar with a small, lush garden for enjoying a relaxed evening cocktail.
Harry’s Lounge: Situated in Old Market Lane, this spot offers expertly crafted cocktails and a lively, central nightlife experience with friendly service.
WILD – Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant: A unique spot known for its inventive cocktails paired with creative, non-traditional spring rolls, offering a vibrant flavor experience.
Creative Cocktails: A dedicated mixology bar in the heart of Siem Reap focused on crafting unique drinks where “every drink tells a story.”
Couchin’ Lounge Bar: A comfortable and relaxed lounge atmosphere with an extensive drink menu, often frequented for its laid-back vibe away from the main Pub Street frenzy.
The Funky Courtyard: A vibrant spot, popular as a sports bar and known for its lively nightlife and great atmosphere for catching a game or just having drinks with friends.
Temple Club: One of the biggest and most famous nightclubs, centrally located on Pub Street, spread over multiple floors with a massive main dance floor, and a popular rooftop area that plays Western and international music until the early morning.
The Angkor What? Bar: Known as the first-ever bar on Pub Street, this famous late-night institution is a backpacker favorite known for its loud music, chaotic revelry, graffiti-covered walls, and cheap bucket cocktails.
X-Bar: One of the hippest and most unique clubs, located on a rooftop above a 7-Eleven at the end of Pub Street, featuring live bands, a popular half-pipe skate ramp, and great views down the street. It shifts from a chill spot to a rowdy nightclub as the night progresses.
Laundry Bar: A popular, laid-back venue near the Old Market that often transforms into a lively club with local and traveling DJs, specializing in quality music, chic vibes, and a decent dance floor.
Barcode Bar Siem Reap: Located near Pub Street, this venue attracts a mixed, friendly crowd of locals and tourists, featuring expertly crafted cocktails and a dance floor that hosts occasional dazzling drag shows.
Soul Train Reggae Bar: Situated on New Street A off Pub Street, this club offers a unique, chilled-out Caribbean and reggae vibe, with a lively party atmosphere and happy hours.
Mezze Lounge & Nightclub: Located near the river, this spot offers a blend of Lebanese cuisine, a shisha lounge, and a lively nightclub, complete with complimentary basic dance classes.
Up2me Pub: Found on Little Pub St, this relaxed and laid-back pub is known for its affordable drinks and welcoming atmosphere, making it a good spot for a casual late-night drink.
Charms Cambodia: A lively bar and disco club situated in the heart of Siem Reap, offering a classic nightclub experience with plenty of space for dancing and socializing.
JD’s Siem Reap: A bustling late-night bar known for its great drinks, friendly service, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the party going well past midnight.
Mikey’s Night Bar: One of the busiest and most popular late-night bars, especially for those looking to stay out until 5 am, located on Sivatha Blvd and known for its bar snacks and wide range of drinks.