Siem Reap, Cambodia: A Short Travel Guide

Updated: Nov 19

Located in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is a bustling city known for its remarkable temples and rich cultural heritage. Visitors come here primarily to see Angkor Wat, the nation's main tourist draw. However, thanks to the town's increasing popularity among travelers, many other activities and attractions have emerged, offering other things besides just temple-hopping. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Siem Reap as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

ta som siem reap cambodia — Ta Som Temple

Check out our video about Siem Reap to see the best things to do through our camera!

Best Things To Do In Siem Reap

Discover Pub Street
Stroll Around Angkor Botanical Garden
Visit One Of The Floating Villages (Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk)
Eat The Famous Palm Cakes (Preah Dak village)
Shop At One Of The Markets (Old Market, Angkor Night Market, the Art Centre Night Market, and Made In Cambodia Market)
Watch An Apsara Dance Show
Learn About HeroRATs At APOPO
Day Trip To The Kulen Mountains (book the tour we joined!)
Explore Angkor Archeological Park (Small Circuit & Big Circuit)
Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

angkor wat siem reap cambodia — Angkor Wat at sunrise

Places To Stay In Siem Reap

Onederz ($): Simple dorms & private rooms in a sociable hostel offering a rooftop pool, a cafe/bar & a terrace.
The Twizt - Lifestyle Hostel (where we stayed - $$): mid-range hostel with private and dorm rooms. Fantastic rooftop pool, live music, and restaurant/bar
Two Seasons Siem Reap Hotel ($$$): Elegant rooms & suites in an upmarket hotel offering a rooftop bar, infinity pool & sauna

pub street siem reap cambodia — Pub Street

Places To Eat And Drink In Siem Reap

Amun bar & restaurant: good ambiance but bit more pricier, variety of local and Western food options
CROQ’me: delicious sandwiches, paninis and burgers
Lotus dosa corner: authentic South Indian cuisine with delicious dosas, curries, and naans
Mesa restaurant: best restaurant in Pub Street with authentic Khmer cuisine (as well as international dishes) but a bit more pricey. Try one of the menu's as you get to try a selection of local dishes!
Palm cake shop (road 810 in Preah Dak village): any of the shops along the road will sell the palm cakes, but this one specifically is very popular
Peace cafe vegetarian restaurant: peaceful location and lots of great vegan dishes, including Khmer cuisine
Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant: popular restaurant because of its high-quality but affordable Thai and Khmer cuisine, including vegan options.
Sister Srey Café: great breakfast restaurant with lots of Western food options
The chef 1950 n steakhouse: amazing drink specials and affordable local food options
The sugar palm: come here for the ambiance and the delicious Khmer-inspired cuisine
Thy Phalla restaurant: very local restaurant with affordable Khmer dishes
Tonlé Sap Restaurant: enjoy a buffet dinner with local and international dishes while watching an Apsara dance performance
Wat else café: nice coffee place with a lot of delicious breakfast options, like smoothie bowls and Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich).

palm cakes siem reap cambodia — the famous palm cakes

Map Siem Reap

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Siem Reap on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:

Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Siem Reap will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places