Siem Reap is often described as “the town next to Angkor Wat,” but that does it a serious injustice. Yes, it’s the main gateway to the temples — but Siem Reap has grown into a destination in its own right. It’s warm, walkable, creative, and deeply welcoming. After long days exploring ancient ruins, Siem Reap is where you slow down, eat well, reflect, and connect.
There’s an ease to life here. The city feels built around travelers, yet it hasn’t lost its Cambodian soul. Monks pass smoothie cafés, night markets hum beside quiet rivers, and luxury hotels exist just steps away from simple local eateries.
A Short History of Siem Reap
For centuries, Siem Reap was a quiet rural town near the ruins of Angkor. When the temples were rediscovered and later protected, Siem Reap slowly began to grow. Tourism truly took off in the late 20th century, transforming the town into Cambodia’s most visited destination.
Unlike Phnom Penh, Siem Reap was spared much of the large-scale urban chaos. Development here feels more controlled, more human. Today, Siem Reap balances tourism with tradition — serving millions of visitors while still feeling approachable and calm.
Angkor Wat & the Angkor Complex: The Reason Most People Come
Just outside the city lies the legendary Angkor Wat, along with the vast Angkor temple complex. Exploring these temples is an experience that defines a trip to Cambodia.
From the grandeur of Angkor Wat itself to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the stone faces of Bayon, and the jungle-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm — the scale and emotion of Angkor is overwhelming in the best possible way. Siem Reap makes this experience accessible, comfortable, and easy to organize.
Siem Reap River & Riverside Walks
Running quietly through the city, the Siem Reap River offers a peaceful contrast to the busy streets. Early in the morning, locals exercise along the riverbanks. In the evening, cafés light candles and reflections shimmer on the water.
It’s a lovely place for a slow walk, especially after sunset, when the air cools and the city softens.
Old Market & Night Markets: Local Life Meets Travel Energy
The Old Market Siem Reap area is one of the liveliest parts of town. During the day, it’s a working local market. In the evening, the surrounding streets fill with night markets selling handicrafts, art, clothing, and street food.
This area perfectly captures Siem Reap’s character: chaotic but friendly, touristy yet authentic.
Pub Street: Love It or Hate It — It’s an Experience
Pub Street Siem Reap is loud, colorful, and impossible to ignore. Bars blast music, neon signs glow, and travelers from all over the world gather here every night.
You don’t have to love it — but it’s worth seeing at least once. And just a street or two away, you’ll find quieter bars and restaurants if you prefer a calmer evening.
Cultural Experiences Beyond the Temples
Siem Reap also offers meaningful cultural experiences. Traditional dance shows, cooking classes, and art galleries give insight into Cambodian culture beyond Angkor. Visiting a floating village on Tonlé Sap Lake provides a glimpse into a completely different way of life, shaped by water and seasons.
These experiences add depth to your stay and balance the grandeur of the temples.
A Perfect Place for a Massage (Especially After Long Travel)
After days (or weeks) of traveling, early mornings, temple walks, and bumpy roads, Siem Reap feels like a reward. The city is full of massage places — from simple street-level spas to more refined wellness centers — and the quality is surprisingly good.
A foot massage in Siem Reap is almost a ritual. You sit back, shoes off, and let tired legs recover while the city hums quietly outside. Prices are affordable, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s one of the easiest ways to give your body a break without turning it into a luxury splurge.
Whether you choose a full body massage or just focus on feet and legs, Siem Reap is one of the best places in Cambodia to do it. After long travel days or intense Angkor exploring, it honestly feels essential rather than optional.
One thing that really defines Siem Reap after dark is the night market scene. This isn’t just a place to buy souvenirs — it’s a full sensory experience. As soon as the sun sets, the streets fill with lights, music, food smells, and an endless mix of stalls selling almost anything you can imagine.
You’ll find clothing, handmade crafts, paintings, jewelry, souvenirs, phone accessories, snacks, smoothies, and street food from all over Cambodia. It’s chaotic in the best possible way, yet still relaxed enough to wander around without feeling overwhelmed.
And yes — if you’re feeling adventurous — you can even eat fried tarantula spiders here.
Eating Tarantulas: For the Brave (or Curious)
Among the grills and food stalls, you’ll occasionally spot trays of crispy black tarantulas. They’re a well-known Cambodian street food, usually deep-fried and seasoned with garlic and spices. Some travelers are genuinely curious, others just want the photo — and both are perfectly fine reasons.
You don’t have to try them, of course. But seeing them reminds you that this is a place where local traditions and travel curiosity meet. The night market lets you decide how far outside your comfort zone you want to step — whether that’s tasting a spider or simply watching others do it.
Renting a Car in Siem Reap: A Practical Starting Point
Siem Reap is also a very convenient place to rent a car, especially if you’re planning to travel onward through Cambodia. This is exactly what we did.
From Siem Reap, we rented a car and used it to explore at our own pace — including driving through the Angkor complex — before continuing our journey and eventually returning the car in Phnom Penh. Having your own car gives you flexibility, comfort, and control, especially if you don’t want to depend on tours or tuk-tuks all the time.
Car rental in Siem Reap is relatively straightforward, and many rental companies understand one-way routes between major cities. It’s a great option if you enjoy independent travel and want to experience Cambodia beyond the usual routes.
Favorite Cafés in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has one of the best café scenes in Cambodia.
Sister Srey Cafe – Excellent coffee, stylish interior, and strong support for women’s empowerment.
Footprint Cafe – Great breakfast spot with a social mission.
Cafe Indochine – A calm place to escape the heat and recharge.
Favorite Restaurants: From Local to Refined
Food in Siem Reap is diverse and surprisingly high-quality.
Chanrey Tree – Elegant Cambodian cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Haven – Social enterprise with excellent Western and Khmer dishes.
Cuisine Wat Damnak – Fine dining Cambodian-style, perfect for a special night.
Cafe Indochine – A calm place to escape the heat and recharge.
Favorite Hotels: For Every Travel Style
Siem Reap truly excels when it comes to accommodation.
Onederz Hostel Siem Reap – Social, modern, and perfect for budget travelers.
Golden Temple Boutique – Mid-range comfort with excellent service.
Shinta Mani Angkor – Luxury with a strong ethical focus and beautiful design.
