SIEM REAP

We absolutely love Cambodia and can honestly say it’s one of our favorite countries. Siem Reap is a particularly special place for us—we always feel great there.

The local people are incredibly kind and welcoming, and yes, there’s plenty to see and do both in Siem Reap and the surrounding areas. Here in this report, you’ll find a very complete guide to Siem Reap, with plenty of useful tips and places to visit!

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Siem Reap is a relaxed and welcoming destination, best known as the gateway to Cambodia’s most iconic temples and for its easygoing traveler vibe. It’s also a notably gay-friendly city, with a tolerant atmosphere, a visible LGBTQ+ community, and a handful of gay bars and inclusive venues where everyone feels comfortable and at ease.

Most visitors come to explore the legendary Angkor Wat, but Siem Reap itself is much more than just a base for temple hopping. In town, you’ll find lively night markets, stylish cafés, excellent food, affordable spas, and a fun nightlife scene centered around Pub Street—perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.

Beyond the city, the Angkor temple complex offers unforgettable highlights like Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, where jungle-covered ruins feel straight out of a movie. You can also take a boat trip to the floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, cycle through beautiful rural landscapes, or visit local farms and artisan workshops.

Friendly, culturally rich, and refreshingly inclusive, Siem Reap blends epic history with a chilled, open-minded atmosphere that truly makes travelers feel at home.

BEST AREA TO STAY

As we often say, the best area to stay in Siem Reap is in the city center, usually around the yellow zones on Google Maps. Staying in or near these areas makes it easy to walk around the center and have everything within reach: restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, the night market, Pub Street, and more.

We always enjoy staying in this area, and we personally prefer to stay south of the river, rather than near the old market and Pub Street. We’re not sure why, but it has a different charm, and we really like it.

We’ve been to Siem Reap three times and stayed in different places, but the one we loved most and can recommend is Golden Temple Retreat. It’s high-quality and really enjoyable. Of course, the best choice always depends on your budget, tastes, and needs.

WHAT TO SEE IN SIEM REAP

Siem Reap has plenty to do and see, depending on your interests. Here are some suggestions for key places in the city, which you can explore on foot or join a guided tour.

Wat Preah Prom Rath

A peaceful temple in the city center, with colorful murals, tranquil gardens, and a large reclining Buddha. Free to visit, it’s a great spot to experience local Buddhist life without leaving town.

Wat Damnak

Near the central market, Wat Damnak is a large Buddhist temple that once served as a royal palace.

Other Temples

If you want to see more temples in the city, there’s Wat Bo, one of the oldest temples in Siem Reap, and Wat Kesararam, located near the Royal Residence.

Royal Residence

The Royal Residence is the King’s villa when visiting Siem Reap (not open to the public). Surrounding it, the Royal Gardens offer a peaceful riverside walk. Nearby is the Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, a small Buddhist temple where locals pray and make offerings.

Angkor National Museum

A must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the history behind the temples. The museum showcases the Khmer Empire, Angkorian art, religion, and royal history through well-curated artifacts, multimedia displays, and striking exhibits like the Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas. Visiting here before or after exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples makes the experience much richer. The museum is air-conditioned, easy to navigate, and tickets are around $12 USD, with optional audio guides available.

Old Market (Psar Chaa)

A traditional market in the city center, great for browsing local products, spices, fruits, clothes, and souvenirs. Honestly, we don’t enjoy this market very much because the vendors can be very insistent, making it hard to look around freely. We don’t mind bargaining—it’s normal here—but the pressure can get annoying. Still, it’s not a big deal and definitely worth a visit!

Night Market

The Night Market is perfect for an evening stroll, street food, and browsing souvenirs. Unlike the Old Market across the river, which is open during the day and more local-focused, this one is geared toward tourists, offering handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry.

Made in Cambodia Market

This vibrant market highlights handmade goods by local Cambodian artisans, including women, underprivileged youth, and people with disabilities. You’ll find textiles, jewelry, bags, ceramics, spices, and more—all authentic and fairly priced. It’s also a cultural experience, with craft demonstrations, street food, and a lively atmosphere, making it a great place to shop while supporting the local community.

Kandal Village

Search for Kandal Village on Google—it’s a street in the city center with alternative shops and interesting stores worth checking out.

Senteurs d'Angkor

Senteurs d'Angkor is a craft workshop just outside Siem Reap where you can see artisans making soaps, candles, cosmetics, incense, and more, join DIY workshops, stroll the gardens, and shop for authentic Cambodian souvenirs.

We did the SMOK WEAVING workshop and it was so much fun—we really enjoyed it. When you arrive, they give a tour of the space explaining everything, and then you go to the workshop. At the end, they offered us tea, and we went to the on-site shop to do some shopping. We definitely recommend visiting and trying one of the workshops.

They also have a shop right in the city center HERE.

Rent a bike

And explore the city and surroundings.

This covers the main sights in the city center. Of course, everything will depend on your personal interests and how much time you have in Siem Reap.

VISITING ANGKOR WAT

You’re in Siem Reap, so visiting Angkor Wat is a must! Angkor is the main reason many people travel to Cambodia, and for a lot of them, Siem Reap is the only stop—although there is so much more to see in Cambodia, as you can read in our other reports about this wonderful country.

But back to Angkor Wat and how to plan your visit, because there are a few different ways to do it. We’ve visited Angkor three times already.

Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most famous temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 12th century, it’s part of the Angkor temple complex, which also includes major highlights such as Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. The site showcases stunning Khmer architecture, intricate bas-reliefs, and monumental spires, offering a real glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire.

We’ve done the visit both by tuk-tuk and by van, always privately. The choice really depends on your budget and personal preferences.

You can visit the temple complex at different times of day. The most famous option is sunrise, but that means waking up very early and leaving the hotel while it’s still dark. We have to admit—we’ve never done that. We’ve always gone in the morning, leaving the hotel around 8 a.m. Waking up super early for sunrise is just not for us! ;)

You also have the option to visit for sunset. Or, like us, simply choose the time that suits you best.

To get to Angkor Wat, you’ll need transportation. It’s still quite far from the city, and the distances between temples inside the complex are long. You can arrange this through your hotel in Siem Reap or speak directly to tuk-tuk drivers on the street—there are plenty offering this service. These drivers are not guides; they simply take you from temple to temple and you explore on your own. If you want a guide, let the driver know, and once you arrive at Angkor there are guides available on site.

Another option is to book an online tour that takes you to Angkor Wat with a local guide included. You can choose between a group tour or a private one—it’s up to you. We recommend this tour from Get Your Guide:

As for entrance tickets to Angkor Wat:

There are three types of passes: 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes. The temple complex is huge, but if you only want to see the main temples like we did, the 1-day pass is enough. This pass costs USD 37 per person. You can buy it online HERE or purchase it in person at the ticket office on the way to Angkor (in that case, bring your passport).

When visiting Angkor Wat, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Depending on the time of year, it can get very hot. Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes.
For lunch, the driver usually takes you to a restaurant inside the complex. We’ve tried this and honestly didn’t like it: it was more expensive, the food wasn’t great, and the service was very slow because it was completely packed. On our later visits, we started bringing our own food to snack and have lunch whenever and wherever we wanted—much more relaxed, and with a view of the temples! ;)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Kulen Mountain

Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain) is a sacred mountain located about an hour from Siem Reap and a popular day trip from the city. It’s known for its natural scenery, waterfalls where you can swim, jungle trails, and important religious sites, including a reclining Buddha and ancient carvings in the riverbed. Kulen Mountain offers a refreshing break from temple visits and a glimpse into both Cambodia’s nature and spiritual traditions.

We recommend this tour on Get Your Guide:

Floating Village

Kampong Phluk is a traditional floating village on the edge of Tonlé Sap Lake, about 45 minutes from Siem Reap. Known for its tall stilt houses, the village offers a glimpse into local life that changes with the seasons as water levels rise and fall. A visit usually includes a boat ride through the flooded forest and canals, making it a great way to experience rural Cambodia and understand how communities live in harmony with the lake.

We recommend this tour on Get Your Guide:

If you have limited time, you can join this Get Your Guide tour, which includes a visit to Kulen Mountain as well as the Floating Village:

Phare Circus

Phare Circus is a modern Cambodian circus that blends acrobatics, theater, dance, and live music to tell powerful stories inspired by real life in Cambodia. More than just entertainment, Phare is a social project that supports disadvantaged youth through arts education. The shows are energetic, emotional, and very well produced, making it one of the most unique and meaningful evening experiences in Siem Reap.

We recommend this tour on Get Your Guide:

Apsara Dance Show

The Apsara Dance Show is a traditional Cambodian performance inspired by the celestial dancers carved into the Angkor temples. With elegant hand movements, slow gestures, and elaborate costumes, the show reflects classical Khmer culture and mythology. It’s usually performed in the evening, often paired with dinner, and is a relaxed, cultural way to experience Cambodia’s artistic heritage while in Siem Reap.

We recommend this tour on Get Your Guide:

Cooking Class

There’s nothing better than a cooking class to learn more about local flavors and take the recipes home with you. We’ve done quite a few and absolutely love them! We recommend this one:

Lotus Silk Farm

Visiting a lotus silk farm lets you see how artisans turn lotus stems into delicate silk fabrics. You can watch the process, learn about natural dyeing, and even try weaving yourself—a unique and peaceful experience. You can try this:

APOPO Visitor Center

The APOPO Visitor Center in Siem Reap showcases the incredible work of giant pouched rats trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis. At the center, you can learn about their training process, watch demonstrations, and see how these “HeroRATs” are making a real difference in communities across Cambodia.

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife in Siem Reap is lively. There are a few gay bars as well as the famous Pub Street, and from our experience, whether a place is specifically gay or not, most spots are very gay-friendly, so you’ll feel comfortable everywhere.

Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife, but it’s also great to wander around during the day. The street is packed with bars, restaurants, and a few street food stalls, where you can try everything from noodles and crepes to fresh fruit and local snacks.

At night, the area comes alive with lights, music, and crowds looking for good food and fun. It’s the perfect spot to eat, drink, and soak up the city’s lively vibe.

On Pub Street, we usually go to Temple Bar. It has three floors, each with different music, and the top floor is where you’ll find the most tourists.

Nearby, there’s also X-Bar. We went there after the other bars closed, and it has a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a mixed crowd—everyone is welcome.

As for gay bars, you can check out the following:

Barcode Bar - If you’re looking for a fun, lively spot, Barcode is the place to be. It’s a popular gay bar near Pub Street, known for drag shows, great music, and a friendly, welcoming vibe—perfect for enjoying a drink and meeting people.

Rendezvous Bar - A more laid-back and relaxed spot, great for grabbing a drink and chatting. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is easygoing, and you’ll feel right at home. Ideal if you want something quieter than the bigger clubs.

GOD - For those who love drag performances and high-energy shows, GOD is the go-to club. The performances are bold, the music is pumping, and it’s a playful, flirty place to have fun. We went there several nights and felt right at home. The staff are really friendly, and we definitely recommend a visit!

B Ball - A casual, gay bar close to Pub Street. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening with drinks, a pool table, and even some karaoke. The outdoor seating is nice for people-watching and soaking up the street vibe.

USEFUL TIPS FOR SIEM REAP

Pasta La Vista – Known for its fresh pasta, wood‑fired pizzas, and Turkish-inspired dishes. We really enjoyed it, and the prices are great.
The Muffin Man – A cozy, highly-rated bakery and café in Siem Reap, known for its freshly baked muffins, cakes, sandwiches, salads, and great coffee. And the owner is really friendly!
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar – If cocktails and a chic vibe are your thing.
Elia Greek Kitchen – A fantastic Greek restaurant. The food is really good.
Search for The Town Bar on Google Maps. It’s on a street by the river with a few very cute bars, great for grabbing a drink.
The Sugar Palm – A Cambodian restaurant with a beautiful setting and a more upscale vibe. Prices aren’t expensive.
Tevy’s Place – A simple restaurant with local food and very cheap prices (the wait can sometimes be long).
Chocolate Gardens is a relaxed garden café and community space in Siem Reap, known for its green surroundings, cozy atmosphere, and good food and drinks. On weekends, it hosts a local market with handmade crafts, local products, food stalls, and a friendly community vibe—making it a popular spot to unwind and explore something local.
If you need to do laundry, there are several laundries on the street. The three times we stayed there, we always used the same one and it worked perfectly every time. It’s run by a mother and her son — they are very friendly, and the clothes always come back neatly folded and smelling great! If you’re interested, it’s Somart Laundry and it’s HERE.
As for supermarkets, we recommend Damnak Supermarket, which really has a bit of everything.
Flying Fox Bats - At sunset, large flying fox bats gather near the Royal Residence in Siem Reap, filling the sky as they fly out in search of food. It’s a unique and natural evening spectacle in the city. The approximate location is HERE.

GENERAL AND USEFUL TIPS FOR CAMBODIA

Check your passport validity and whether you need a visa for Laos.
Attention: It is mandatory to complete an Arrival Card for Cambodia. You can fill it in up to 7 days before your date of entry into the country. You can complete it online AT THIS LINK.
You’ll definitely need internet, right? We always install an eSIM on our phones and it worked really well. Just make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked for other networks.
We have partnerships with several providers that offer discounts when you purchase through our links. Check the plans, compare them, and choose the one that suits you best. Depending on whether you’re visiting just one country or multiple countries in Asia, you can choose either a local or a regional eSIM. We recommend the following:
Holafly: get 5% off through THIS LINK
Nomad: use the promo code ARTUCWFEMY to get USD 5 off
Airalo: use the promo code ARTUR7072 to get €3 off
Yes, Grindr works in Cambodia ;)
Install the GRAB App (similar to Uber) and call cars and mainly tuk-tuks using the app. You'll find out the price right away and you don't have to negotiate prices with the tuk-tuk driver. It Works very well.
- Another app (similar to Uber) is PassApp. It's an app only for Cambodia and we advise you to install it because wherever Grab doesn't exist in that city, you always have the PassApp available. We say this because it was what saved us in another city in Cambodia, in Sihanoukville it was the only app available.
In Cambodia the currencies used are the US Dollar and the Cambodian Riel. Both are accepted everywhere. But the question remains: which one should I use? At ATMs, which currency should I choose to withdraw? We leave here our opinion.
At ATMs we always make withdrawals in Reils. If you withdraw in US Dollars, the high probability is that the machine will only give you $100 bills, which can then be complicated to make payments, because there will be no change.
Once you get used to Reils, it's easy. You'll always talk about having millions, but it's a matter of habit. We also noticed that in terms of conversion, if we pay in Reils, it pays off a little more.
And even if you don't want to pay in Reils, the chance of paying with US dollars and receiving change in Reils is very high and most likely.
There is also a greater chance that counterfeit $100 bills exist.
- There are blogs on the internet indicating that in Cambodia they do not accept banknotes in poor condition, dirty or a little torn. It's not entirely true. This applies to US Dollars but not to Reils. We were in Cambodia for a month and almost always used Reils and whatever condition it was in (some banknotes in very bad condition) everyone accepted it.
Cigarettes are very cheap in Cambodia and if you buy national brands, they cost around €0.50!
Install a currency converter app. It makes life much easier.
Food - Two of Cambodia’s most famous dishes are Amok and Beef Lok Lak. Amok is a creamy, fragrant fish curry with coconut milk and local spices, usually steamed in a banana leaf — really tasty and full of flavor. Beef Lok Lak, on the other hand, is a simple stir-fry of tender beef with a tangy lime and pepper dipping sauce, served with rice and fresh veggies. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular, and honestly, this one is our favorite!
If you’re booking any tours in Laos and using GetYourGuide, please use our link below or the ones we recommend throughout the page. This helps us keep our website always up to date. Thank you!
Final tip: relax, take things slow, and enjoy Cambodia at its own pace. That’s part of the magic.