Connect
Cambodia
Things to do in Siem Reap - a Local Guide
About our Siem Reap guide
I’m Geoff, the founder of Connect Cambodia. I have lived in Siem Reap for more than ten years, working with travellers and tour guides every day and constantly exploring the city for the best places to eat and experience Siem Reap myself. I am often asked to recommend places to eat and things to do in Siem Reap, so I figured I’d put all my insiders knowledge into a guide. I am always trying new cafés, restaurants and activities. This guide is not based on Google research or generic travel blogs. It is based on my own experiences on the ground and the places I personally return to and enjoy. If you are visiting Siem Reap for a short trip or a longer stay, these recommendations will help you enjoy the city the way locals do.
This guide is frequently updated. Updated 23-11-2025
Eat
Shop
With Kids
Best Places to Eat in Siem Reap
Sugar Palm Restaurant
Sugar Palm is a long-time favourite for Cambodian dishes in a stylish setting. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the food is consistently good. It is a great introduction to Khmer cuisine and an easy choice for families or first-time visitors. Sugar Palm is located in the Wat Bo area, a quiet neighborhood just across the river from the town center.
Wat Bo is less touristy than Pub Street – and was voted one of the coolest neighborhoods in Asia by Time Out. Rightly or wrongly. None the less it’s a nice place to experience whilst visiting Siem Reap. Theres plenty of cool cafes in the area. Watch this space for my coolest cafes in Siem Reap guide, coming soon.
You can find Sugar Palm Restaurant here.
Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant
Banlle is one of the best choices in Siem Reap for vegetarian food. I’m not a vegetarian but I love going there as they focus on fresh, locally grown ingredients and present simple dishes with very good flavor. Prices are very reasonable and the quality is excellent. You can find Banlle on Street 26 in the Wat Bo area.
You can find Banlle Restaurant here.
Haven
Haven is a social enterprise restaurant in the Wat Damnak area. They train and support young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and the atmosphere is serene and positive. The food is fresh and comforting, with a mix of local and western dishes. It is an easy, relaxed choice for anyone and is also very suitable for families with younger children – there are games for kids to play and plenty of kid friendly dishes.
You can find Haven Restaurant here.
le Cul de Sac
I know you haven’t come to Siem Reap for French food, but I’ve put this place on here as the food is outstanding, and the atmosphere is unique and charming. If people are visiting Siem Reap, I always recommend eating here if you have enough time. It is about 15 or 20 minutes drive out of town and can be difficult to find so make sure you are sure about the location before you leave.
You can find le Cul de Sac here.
Chanrey Tree
Chanrey Tree sits along the riverside near the Old Market area. It is a stylish restaurant with refined Khmer food. It is a little touristy, but consistently excellent.
You can find Chanrey Tree Restaurant here.
Mahob Khmer
Mahob is located on Charles de Gaulle Road, close to the Angkor ticket office. It offers traditional Cambodian dishes in a modern and peaceful setting.
Best Restaurants with Kids in Siem Reap
Wild
Wild is a fun and relaxed spot in the Wat Bo area. They serve creative spring rolls with a variety of flavours that children enjoy choosing from. The garden setting is cosy and safe, and the owners are friendly, which makes it a great choice for families.
“Our guide came up with a plan that suited us perfectly — taking us through the local market, sharing the stories behind everyday life, and guiding us out to the fishing village. What stood out was not only his knowledge, but the way he spoke with genuine pride about his country’s history and its people. It made the experience much richer and more personal”