Accommodations in Siem Reap
What You Need To Know Before You BookFabulous and Affordable Accommodations in Siem Reap
Since the 1990’s Siem Reap has slowly turned into one of the most popular places in Cambodia. Not only is Siem Reap visited by over 3 million tourists every year, Cambodians from all over the country visit Siem Reap to enjoy the country side, night life and the special vibes in this (once) very small country village. With all these different kinds of visitors, it’s no surprise you will be able to find hostels, hotels, guesthouses, homestays, luxurious resorts and other kind of accommodations in all prices ranges.
What’s your budget?
If you’re visiting Siem Reap on a small budget, you’re a lucky person! There probably isn’t a place in the world where you can find cheaper accommodation than in Siem Reap.
A bed in a dorm will cost you no more than $2 – $4 per night and for $5 – $8 you can find a clean room with a large bed. If budget is not an issue, you’ll have a difficult time choosing one of the more than 100 luxurious hotels en resorts. If luxury is not your thing, you will experience that even the more affordable hotels in Siem Reap will offer you some of the highest quality services.
When to book?
It doesn’t really matter when you book your accommodation. No matter what your budget is, there’s always a room waiting for you to be booked, but with one exception: the holidays!
Many hostels, guesthouses and hotels are fully booked during Khmer New Year, Chinese New Year, the days around Christmas and the Gregorian New Year. These are also the days many locals from all over Cambodia visit Siem Reap. If you’re planning your visit during one of the holidays, it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
Are you a party animal?
If you’re planning to combine your visit to Angkor Wat with a visit to some of the many bars, restaurants, cafe’s or clubs in Siem Reap, we advise you not to book your hotel or hostel too far from the Pub Street area.
Almost all popular party places are located within the Pub Street area.
Booking an accommodation nearby Pub Street will save you the hassle of negotiating with tuktuk drivers and, of course, save you some money.
Looking for ‘peace and quiet’?
If you’re visiting Siem Reap for work or just want to have a good night sleep, keep in mind that loud music is played throughout the night in the Pub Street area and not all accommodations have sufficient isolation to keep the noise out.
If you want peace and quiet, choose an accommodation that is located outside the Pub Street area. If you’re not interested in partying at all, we advise you to book your accommodation near the Royal Gardens or Road 30 that gives you easy access to the main roads to the center of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Dangerous areas where you shouldn’t book your accommodation
One of the wonderful things of Siem Reap is that there are no areas that should be avoided for safety reasons or known to be very dangerous. For a town visited by more than 3 million tourists a year, it’s an extremely safe place to be…even during the night and yes, even when you’re a lady. However, just like in any other part of the world, people under the influence of alcohol are like a magnet to people with criminal genes. Stay (kinda) sober and you’ll be safe!
When we say ‘Pub Street Area’…
We mean all streets connected to Pub Street and some even further down Pub Street.
Pub Street is the actual name of a small street and it’s located in the center of Siem Reap. On a good night it’s busy, loud and filled will all kinds of colorful people from all over the world.
Keep in mind that this is Siem Reap’s tourist hot spot, which means: restaurants, shops, souvenirs and supermarkets are more expensive than outside the Pub Street area.
TIP: if you’re NOT into extremely loud music, don’t book your accommodation nearby the Hard Rock Cafe, which is located just outside the Pub Street area (click to map).
Where to book your accommodation?
Booking.com is one of the many websites where you can book your accommodation and our recommended booking sites. Other respectable booking sites are Kiwi, Agoda and Trivago.
If you don’t want to book in advance and NOT visiting during a Cambodian holiday, you will not have any problem finding an accommodation and may even be able to negotiate a discount.
Don’t leave your passport behind
All accommodations are required by law to request a copy of your passport. Some accommodations however want to keep your passport until you leave your accommodation. Keep in mind that only a copy of your passport is mandatory by Cambodian law.If your accommodation request you to keep your passport until your last day, we strongly recommend you to find another accommodation (if not booked online).
Recommended Hostels
Prices at our recommended hostels start from $5 per night for a dorm bed. If you’re looking for cheaper options, ($2 during low season) you definitely need to have a look at the YOLO hostel or Uncle’s House.