For your next trip to cambodia, you wonder where to stay in Siem Reap, which neighborhoods to avoid, where are the best areas for tourists?
It is true that Siem Reap is an essential tourist destination because it is the access point to the famous temples of Angkor. And as the city attracts more than 3 million visitors every year, its accommodation offer is therefore very wide and scattered throughout the city and its surroundings.
However, it is essential to choose the right neighborhood so that your stay is even more pleasant. This is why I present below the neighborhoods to avoid in Siem Reap and the best neighborhoods to stay for tourists. From bustling Old Town to peaceful Riverside, find out where to stay to make the most of your trip.
This guide to the neighborhoods of Siem Reap was written by summarizing web data published in j2024 (rankings, statistics, local press articles, traveler forums). With my advice and the map of Siem Reap neighborhoods, you will be able to identify the neighborhoods to avoid and the best neighborhoods to stay.
Is Siem Reap dangerous?
No, Siem Reap, like the majority of cities in South East Asia, is not a dangerous city.
This is confirmed in particular by the Numbeo world ranking. Indeed, Siem Reap has a crime index of 34.40 which is quite low. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Siem Reap is less dangerous than Bangkok, Phuket , that some areas of the Philippines or even that Jakarta en Indonesia.
And at world level, with its low crime index, in 2024 Siem Reap is among the safest cities in the world. According to this classification, Siem Reap is less criminal than Toronto, Calgary ou Stockholm but still remains more criminal than Vienna, Valencia ou Warsaw.
Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?
Yes, Siem Reap is not considered a dangerous city for tourists. You should know that Siem Reap was ranked 2 years ago as the 15th best tourist city in the world in the ranking of travelandleisure.com.
However, as with all tourist towns, visitors should exercise caution in Siem Reap.
I recommend that you read the recommendations:
- From the French Government on France Diplomacy : “It is recommended in Phnom Penh, as in the main urban centers in particular in Siem Reap, to exercise caution when traveling at night, particularly on foot, by rickshaw, tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi. »
- Du official website of the Canadian Government “Street crimes against foreigners including pick-pocketing are common in urban areas, particularly in Siem Reap. »
- Du UK official website : “In recent years, there were incidents of female travellers, including British nationals, being sexually assaulted in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. »
Regarding my personal experience, I can say that during my Laos-Cambodia circuit in October 2019, I felt no insecurity in Siem Reap.
But, in terms of security, Siem Reap presents a great geographical disparity. This is why it is essential to know what and where are the neighborhoods to avoid in Siem Reap in 2024 (see below).
Neighborhoods of Siem Reap
Siem Reap is made up of eleven districts also called communes: Sla Kram – Kouk Chak – Sala Kamreuk – Svay Dangkum – Nokor Thum – Chreav – Chong Knies – Sambour – Siem Reab – Srangees – Ampil – Krabei Riel – Tuek Vil.
Here is the map where you can locate the neighborhoods to avoid and the best places to stay in Siem Reap (listed below): https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCUCQEABJsJZBYZW6
Are there dangerous neighborhoods in Siem Reap?
No, there are no dangerous neighborhoods in Siem Reap where tourists would be in danger. Indeed, apart from the risk of theft or scams, there is no security problem and therefore no dangerous neighborhood in Siem Reap.
What are the neighborhoods to avoid in Siem Reap?
As we have just indicated above, there is no real dangerous district for tourists in Siem Reap. However, for a successful stay, tourists should avoid neighborhoods that are too far from tourist attractions, too noisy, too crowded or have a bad reputation.
Taphul Road et Sok San Road are the two main neighborhoods to avoid in Siem Reap. These areas are very noisy, crowded and lack the charming atmosphere found in other areas of Siem Reap. Additionally, these neighborhoods are often associated with questionable activities and may not offer the safety or comfort that tourists are looking for. In addition, there have been reports of scams in this area, including overcharging for services or selling counterfeit products.
La have a drink on Pub Street is also an area to avoid if you want to stay quiet. Indeed, this street is very lively and without problems during the day. But it is famous for its lively nightlife. Indeed, as soon as night falls, Pub Street attracts a crowd that comes to eat, drink and party, especially during the high tourist season. It is the only street in the old market district that you should avoid when choosing your hotel because it is too noisy. The rest of the neighborhood is, on the contrary, a good option for choosing accommodation.
Best places to stay in Siem Reap
The best place to stay in Siem Reap depends on your personal preferences and travel priorities:
- One of the best places to stay in Siem Reap is downtown, which is close to the popular Pub Street and bustling night market. Staying in the city center makes it easy to explore local attractions, sample delicious Cambodian cuisine and enjoy Siem Reap's vibrant nightlife.
- Another accommodation option in Siem Reap is to stay near the Angkor Wat temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the main reasons tourists visit Siem Reap. However, a stay nearby will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient temples and the amazing architecture. Many hotels and resorts offer stunning views of the temples and allow you to explore the complex at your own pace. Waking up to the sight of Angkor Wat and being able to explore it before the crowds arrive can be a truly unforgettable experience.
- For those looking for a quieter and more peaceful stay, there are also some cool spots on the outskirts of Siem Reap. There are hotel complexes offering a serene environment surrounded by lush vegetation. By staying at these resorts, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a secluded paradise. Some of these establishments also offer free shuttle services to the city center, making it easy for you to explore Siem Reap's attractions while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Siem Reap
The best areas to stay in Siem Reap are those that offer easy access to major tourist attractions, restaurants, and markets. Among these districts, here are the most popular, those preferred by tourists:
Old French Quarter (Sivatha Road) to visit the city
The Old French Quarter is an area of downtown Siem Reap that stretches around Boulevard Sivatha. This avenue is actually the main street of Siem Reap, the busiest with high-end hotels and restaurants and beautiful fashion boutiques.
This district is ideal for visiting all the tourist sites of Siem Reap on foot (except the Angkor temples of course). In addition, it is very close to the lively old market district and Pub Street which is only 1 km away (10 minutes on foot). See location of this neighborhood
Where to stay in this area of central Siem Reap?
It was in this Old French Quarter that I had chosen my budget hotel during my trip in 2019. It was the Mekong Angkor Palace Inn which was in a great position to enjoy restaurants, shopping, the market and the famous pub street. 400 meters from the Royal Residence, this hotel had a perfect location. In addition, it has a beautiful swimming pool and excellent value for money!
Old market district (Psah Chas) for its entertainment
The Old Market area is one of the liveliest areas in Siem Reap. It is located near the central market and offers a multitude of restaurants, shops and bars. As you stroll through the bustling streets of the old market, you will find local products, souvenirs and clothing at affordable prices. Additionally, the Old Market area is close to Pub Street, where you can enjoy Siem Reap's vibrant nightlife. See location of this neighborhood
Where to stay in the old market district?
Here is a very nice hotel with a perfect location in the heart of the old market district: Steung Siem Reap Hotel
The Wat Bo district for its atmosphere
Located on the east bank of the Siem Reap River, Wat Bo has become a fashionable district where luxury establishments (hotels and restaurants) have settled in recent years. The main attraction in this charming and tranquil neighborhood is Wat Bo, one of the oldest temples in the province.
The site Time Out Index ranked the Wat Bo district as the 2022rd coolest neighborhood in the world in 3! See location of this neighborhood
Where to stay in the Wat Bo district?
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels in this chic and quiet district of Wat Bo: Viroth's Hotel
