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Cambodia
Things to do in Siem Reap - a Local Guide
About our Siem Reap guide
At Connect Cambodia, we are work with travelers and tour guides every day constantly exploring the city for the best places to eat and experience Siem Reap ourselves. We are often asked to recommend places to eat and things to do in Siem Reap, so we thought we’d put all our insiders knowledge into a guide. We’re always trying new cafés, restaurants and activities. This guide is not based on Google research or generic travel blogs. It is based on our own experiences on the ground and the places we 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 14-04-2026
Table of Contents
Best Places to Eat in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has a diverse and growing food scene, with everything from traditional Khmer restaurants to modern cafés and international dining options. One thing that really stands out, especially for visitors from big cities, is how fresh the food is, with many ingredients locally grown and sourced. Whether you’re looking for authentic Cambodian food, vegetarian restaurants, or relaxed places to eat in Siem Reap, there are plenty of quality spots to choose from. Many of the best restaurants are located around areas like Wat Bo and the riverside, offering a more local and comfortable experience away from the busy Pub Street area.
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.
See more Sugar Palm images
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 the location of le Cul de Sac here.
You can find le Cul de Sac here.
See more Cul de Sac images
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.
See more Banlle images
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.
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.
Wake Park Cambodia
Part of the Wake park, the restaurant here serves easy food for kids in a relaxed beach style environment. Kids can run around, swim, jump on the trampoline or try wake boarding and then indulge in the kid friendly cuisine.
Angkor Wat Photography Experiences
Experience an Angkor Wat Photoshoot
One of the most memorable things to do in Siem Reap is an Angkor Wat photoshoot. A professional photographer not only captures high-quality images but also guides you to the best locations, lighting, and hidden spots around the temples. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, family, or solo traveller, an Angkor Wat photoshoot is a unique way to experience the temples and take home lasting memories.
Once in a
lifetime
memories
Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Boutique Hotels and Unique Stays
Choosing where to stay in Siem Reap can shape your entire experience, especially if you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat and explore the town at your own pace. From peaceful riverside properties to modern hotels close to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, there are plenty of boutique options that offer a more personal and comfortable stay.
If you’re looking for curated recommendations based on real experience, explore this guide to boutique hotels in Siem Reap to find the best options for your travel style.
Shopping in Siem Reap
Siem Reap offers some of the most enjoyable shopping in Cambodia, with a mix of lively markets, independent boutiques and artisan workshops spread throughout the town. Around areas like the Old Market, Pub Street and the Wat Bo neighbourhood, visitors will find small design shops selling locally made clothing, jewellery and homewares alongside galleries and craft stores. Many boutiques focus on Cambodian craftsmanship, working with local artisans who produce silk textiles, ceramics, wood carvings and handmade accessories. Shopping in Siem Reap is therefore not only about souvenirs, but also about discovering unique pieces and supporting local makers. Whether browsing artisan workshops, stylish concept stores or the colourful night markets, it’s easy to find distinctive gifts and well-crafted items while exploring the town.
Where to Shop..
Kandal Village
Kandal Village is one of the most pleasant areas to explore in Siem Reap, with a mix of boutique shopping, artisan stores and excellent cafés all within a small, walkable neighbourhood. Located close to the river and just a few minutes from the Old Market area, the streets are lined with independent shops selling locally made clothing, jewellery, homewares and Cambodian crafts. Alongside the boutiques you’ll find some of the best cafés in Siem Reap, serving good coffee, fresh food and relaxed brunch menus. Because everything is close together, Kandal Village is the kind of place where you can easily spend an hour or two browsing shops, stopping for coffee and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Make sure to check out:
for souveneirs
Little Red Fox for coffee
FCC Riverside
Just along the riverside near FCC Angkor, this small stretch of Pokambor Avenue is home to a cluster of boutique shops and galleries, all located right next to each other. It’s a quieter, more refined area of Siem Reap, ideal for a short walk combining shopping and art.
SATU Concept Store is the standout, bringing together a wide selection of Cambodian designers in one curated space. From clothing and accessories to homeware and gifts, everything is design-led, modern, and locally made, making it one of the best places in Siem Reap to find high-quality pieces.
Next door, The River Gallery offers a more relaxed, artistic contrast, with a collection of paintings and contemporary works inspired by Cambodia’s culture and landscapes.
Alongside these, you’ll find a smaller independent clothing boutique, adding to the feel of a compact, thoughtfully curated shopping spot.
With all three located side by side, this area works perfectly as a quick riverside stop for boutique shopping and local design.
Make sure to check out:
for souveneirs
Best Coffee Spots in Siem Reap
Siem Reap has developed a strong and growing café culture, with a mix of independent coffee shops and well-established local brands across the town. One thing that stands out, especially for visitors from bigger cities, is the focus on quality and freshness, with many cafés using locally sourced beans and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for specialty coffee in Siem Reap, a relaxed café to escape the heat, or a good breakfast spot before exploring the temples, there are plenty of excellent options. Areas like the riverside, Wat Bo, and Kandal Village are particularly known for their coffee scene, offering a mix of modern cafés and more laid-back local spots.
Sister Srey
Siem Reap has developed a surprisingly strong coffee scene, with a growing number of independent cafés serving high-quality coffee alongside relaxed breakfast and brunch menus. Around areas like the Old Market, the riverside and Kandal Village, you’ll find everything from specialty coffee shops to cosy cafés perfect for a morning stop while exploring the town. Many cafés focus on well-roasted beans, good espresso and welcoming spaces where visitors can slow down for a while between temples and sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a quick strong coffee or a place to sit with breakfast, Siem Reap has plenty of excellent cafés worth discovering.
Bean Embassy
The Bean Embassy is a relaxed coffee spot in Siem Reap with a peaceful garden setting that makes it easy to slow down and spend time there. The space feels modern and well-designed without being overly polished, with a calm atmosphere that works well whether you’re meeting someone or just sitting with a coffee.
There’s a strong focus on quality coffee, with a good range of options from classic espresso drinks to more refined brews. It’s clear that the team takes coffee seriously, but the overall feel remains welcoming and unpretentious.
It’s a good place to stop if you’re looking for a quieter café in Siem Reap with a comfortable setting and consistently good coffee.
Best for: A relaxed coffee break, casual meetings, or a quieter place to sit and unwind.
Brown Coffee Riverside
Brown Coffee Riverside offers a relaxed café setting along the river, with the option to sit outside and enjoy the view or cool down inside with strong air conditioning during hotter parts of the day. The space feels modern and comfortable, making it easy to spend time here whether you’re taking a break from exploring or meeting friends.
As part of one of Cambodia’s most established coffee brands, you can expect consistently good coffee, from classic espresso drinks to iced options that work well in the heat. Service is efficient, and the overall experience is reliable, which makes it a convenient stop while exploring Siem Reap.
Best for: A comfortable coffee break, cooling off during the day, or a casual riverside stop.