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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Cambodia

Accommodation Types

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostels

    These offer dormitories and private rooms. Popular with backpackers, they feature social atmospheres, common areas, and sometimes pools. They are an economical way to meet other travelers.

  • Guesthouses

    Budget-friendly and often locally run, guesthouses provide basic rooms, often with a choice of fan or air conditioning. Many include a simple breakfast and offer friendly service.

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Some guesthouses or eco-lodges offer traditional Khmer-style wooden houses. These provide a more authentic local living experience, often set in tranquil garden surroundings.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo offer vacation rentals and apartments. These provide more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities, useful for families or longer stays.

Mid-Range to Luxury

  • Boutique Hotels

    These fall into the mid-range to upscale category. Boutique hotels offer stylish designs, often with a local Khmer influence. They frequently include amenities like swimming pools and gardens.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    This category includes high-end international chains like IHG Hotels and luxurious local resorts. They typically feature extensive amenities, like multiple pools, spas, and fitness centers.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Less common directly within Siem Reap city, some rural villages near Siem Reap offer authentic homestay experiences. These are often part of organized tours and offer a deep dive into local Cambodian life.

  • House Sitting

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters offer exchanges for those interested in house and pet sitting.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area offers a different character and set of advantages.

Pub Street Area

Benefits
  • Central location.
  • Walking distance to lively nightlife.
  • Wide array of restaurants.
  • Various markets and the river.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially at night.
  • Often becomes crowded.
  • Hotels directly in this vicinity might experience more noise.

Wat Bo Area

Benefits
  • Good balance of quietness and accessibility.
  • Retains a more residential feel.
  • A short tuk-tuk ride connects you to Pub Street.
  • Accommodation often offers good value.
Considerations
  • Slightly less immediate access to bustling nightlife.
  • Requires a short ride for the main entertainment hub.

Near National Road 6

Benefits
  • Convenient for direct access to Angkor Park.
  • Hotels are generally newer and larger.
  • Good facilities like expansive pools.
  • Close to the airport road.
Considerations
  • Located further from the city center.
  • Reliance on tuk-tuks or taxis for all trips into town.
  • Less walkable for evening strolls.

General Safety & Proximity

Safety Considerations

All main tourist areas in Siem Reap are generally safe. Exercise standard precautions against petty crime, like keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Proximity to Attractions

Central areas like Pub Street, Wat Bo, and Sok San Road are best for walking to restaurants and markets. They also offer easy access to hailing tuk-tuks or using ride-hailing apps.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies will secure your preferred accommodation and potentially save money.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (November-February): Book accommodation several months in advance, especially for popular choices. This means you find your desired rooms and avoid higher last-minute prices.
  • Shoulder/Low Season (March-October): Good deals are often found a few weeks or even days in advance. This period has more flexibility for walk-in rates at smaller establishments.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are highest in the dry season and around major holidays, like Khmer New Year in April. Prices drop outside these peak times.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiation is possible at smaller guesthouses, notably during the low season. It is less common for established hotels.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • Major online travel agencies like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used for finding and booking hotels.
  • Direct booking with hotels sometimes offers better rates or additional perks like complimentary airport transfers or breakfast.
  • Hostelworld: A dedicated platform for budget accommodation, find hostels here: Hostelworld.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property and booking platform. Always check the specific terms regarding deposits and cancellation penalties before confirming.

Accommodation Tips

Consider your priorities
  • Proximity to attractions or nightlife.
  • Noise levels and ambiance.
  • Amenities like pools or spas.
  • Budget and travel style.
Check reviews
  • Look for recent reviews.
  • Focus on comments regarding cleanliness and service.
  • Consider feedback on location and noise.
  • Check for consistent positive or negative patterns.

Important Note

No Camping

Camping is not common or permitted within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Dedicated campsites outside the city are rare for tourists.

Homestay Verification

For authentic homestays, verify legitimacy through organized tours or reputable community-based tourism programs to avoid misinterpretations.

Arrival Planning

Consider booking at least your first night's stay, especially if arriving late, to simplify your arrival logistics.

Accommodation Recommendations

This guide provides examples of accommodation types tailored to different budgets.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Travelers <$25

Hostels, Guesthouses, Basic Hotels.

  • Dorms or fan-only rooms.
  • Shared or basic en-suite bathrooms.
  • Often central location without a pool.
  • Focus on affordability and social atmosphere.
Mid-Range Travelers $30-$80

Boutique Hotels, Mid-range Resorts, Guesthouses with Pools.

  • Air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms.
  • Swimming pool, garden, on-site restaurant.
  • Focus on comfort, good value, and local charm.

Luxury & Specific Needs

Luxury Travelers >$100

5-star Resorts, International Hotel Chains.

  • Spacious rooms/suites, multiple pools.
  • Spa services, fine dining options, concierge service.
  • Focus on indulgence, superior service, and privacy.
Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals (apartments or houses) or guesthouses offering weekly or monthly rates can be cost-effective for longer visits.

  • More space and privacy.
  • Kitchen facilities for self-catering.
  • Reduced rates for extended stays.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Resorts with Kids Amenities

    Many mid-range and luxury resorts offer family rooms, connecting rooms, and amenities tailored for children, like kids' pools or sometimes kids' clubs and babysitting services.

  • Space and Privacy

    Vacation rentals and apartments (via platforms like Vrbo) are often a good choice for families, offering more living space and kitchen facilities.

  • Breakfast Included

    Look for properties that include breakfast, as this can simplify mornings with children.

  • Concierge Services

    Some larger hotels or resorts provide concierge services that can assist with booking family-friendly tours or activities.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels for Socializing

    Hostels with good reviews provide social opportunities, common areas, and often organized events to meet other travelers. Consider Hostelworld for options.

  • Guesthouses for Balance

    Guesthouses in the Wat Bo or Sok San areas offer a balance of social engagement and quiet. Many also feature pools and on-site dining.

  • Central Locations

    Opt for accommodations within walking distance to areas like Pub Street or the Old Market for convenience and evening activities.

  • Read Reviews

    Pay attention to reviews from other solo travelers regarding safety, atmosphere, and ease of meeting people.

Culturally Significant Properties

Traditional Khmer Design

Some boutique hotels incorporate traditional Khmer design or are built around historical elements, presenting a culturally immersive stay.

  • Look for properties with wooden structures.
  • Properties with traditional artwork.
  • Gardens inspired by Khmer landscaping.
  • Properties that showcase local craftsmanship.
No On-Site Temple Accommodation

No accommodation exists within the Angkor Archaeological Park itself. All hotels are located outside the park boundaries, in Siem Reap town or its outskirts.

  • Plan transport to and from the temples.
  • Book tours or tuk-tuks in advance.
  • Early morning starts for sunrise require planning.

General Considerations

Value for Money

Siem Reap generally offers excellent value for accommodation, especially compared to other popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

Pools are Common

Many hotels and guesthouses, even in the mid-range category, feature swimming pools, a welcome amenity in the Cambodian heat.

Airport Transfers

Many accommodations offer complimentary airport transfers; check with your chosen property before arrival.