Best Places to Stay in Angkor Wat Cambodia

Where to Stay Near Angkor Wat: A Guide for Every Traveler

Planning a trip to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat? Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference!

Here’s a breakdown of where you can stay, catering to different budgets and preferences:

Inside the Park:

  • Luxury:

    • Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (Angkor Siem Reap): A historic landmark within walking distance of the Angkor Wat complex. Expect opulent rooms, luxurious amenities like a pool and spa, and top-notch service.
    • Raffles Hotel Le Royal (Siem Reap): An elegant colonial-style hotel with a luxurious atmosphere, offering easy access to the Angkor Archaeological Park and its many temples.

  • Mid-Range:

    • The Heritage Suites Hotel: Located in Siem Reap, this boutique hotel provides comfortable accommodations with traditional Khmer design elements.
    • Amansara: This luxury resort boasts stunning architecture and a serene setting within the Angkor Wat park itself.

  • Budget:

    • Siem Reap: Plenty of guesthouses and hostels offer affordable options in Siem Reap, allowing you to explore the temples without breaking the bank.
    • Siem Reap City: Staying in the city center provides access to budget-friendly accommodation outside the crowded temple areas.
    • Siem Reap: Enjoy local experiences at a lower cost with affordable guesthouses and homestays.

Why stay near Angkor Wat?

While technically you can’t stay inside Angkor Wat (it’s a temple, not a hotel!), staying close to the park entrance means:

  • Easier access to the temples: No need for long tuk-tuk rides!
  • More time to explore: Staying closer to the action allows for more flexibility in your schedule.
  • Avoiding crowds: Wake up early and enjoy the tranquility of the temple complex before it gets busy.

Where to find these accommodations:

  • Luxury: Many hotels offer luxurious experiences, like private tours and access to exclusive amenities within Siem Reap.
  • Siem Reap: The city center is a bustling area with numerous accommodation options for every budget.

Mid-range:

  • Amansara: Offers high-quality accommodations but is located further from the temple complex.

Budget:

  • Hostels in Siem Reap: Siem Reap is filled with hostels and guesthouses near the city center, offering a convenient base for exploring Angkor Wat.
  • Guesthouses: For a more authentic experience and budget-friendly prices, consider staying in a guesthouse in Siem Reap.

Popular options:

Here are some examples of hotels near Angkor Wat that cater to different budgets:

High-End:

  • Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (Siem Reap): Offers luxurious rooms, stunning architecture and amenities like a pool, spa, and fine dining options.
  • Amansara: A serene retreat with private villas and access to the park.

Inside the Park (nearby):

The Angkor Archaeological Park is a vast area with many hotels and guesthouses located within or near its borders.

  • Popular locations:

    • Siem Reap: The main town of Siem Reap offers a variety of accommodation options for all budgets.
    • Angkor Wat Area: This is the most popular area, as it’s right next to the iconic temple.

Choosing your Accommodation:

  • Location: Consider choosing a hotel in or near the Angkor Wat area for convenience.

  • Amenities:

    • Luxury hotels often have amenities like pools, restaurants, and access to spa treatments.

    • Mid-range hotels may offer comfortable rooms, swimming pools, and on-site dining options.

    • Budget guesthouses: These will provide basic amenities but are ideal for those looking to save money and explore the park at their own pace.

Accommodation Types:

  • Guesthouse/Hostel: A great option for budget travelers, offering affordable rooms and a chance to meet other people.

  • Hotel:

    • Near Angkor Wat: The nearby temples are breathtaking, but it’s important to choose a hotel that is well-rated for its comfort and amenities.
    • Luxury: Staying in a luxury hotel means experiencing the grandeur of Siem Reap with easy access to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

  • Boutique Hotel: For those seeking a unique and stylish stay, a boutique hotel near Angkor Wat provides a charming alternative.

Things to consider when choosing:

  • Distance from Angkor: Some hotels are closer to the park entrance than others. If you’re staying in Siem Reap, you can easily find a hotel within walking distance of Angkor Wat.

  • Budget:

    • Transportation: Many guesthouses offer bicycles for rent, which is a great way to get around the temples if you are on a tight budget.

  • Amenities:

    • Swimming pool: Some hotels near Angkor Wat have beautiful swimming pools that are perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.

  • Location:

    • Proximity to attractions: Choose a hotel in a convenient location, close to the main entrance and other temples.

  • Accessibility:

    • Airport Transfers: Look for hotels that offer free or affordable airport transfers to make your journey easier.

Getting Around:

  • Bicycles: A popular and budget-friendly option for exploring the Angkor Wat complex.

  • Tuk-Tuks: Convenient for transportation within Siem Reap.

  • Motorbikes: Rent a motorbike and explore the temples at your own pace.

  • Cars: Cars are a good option for exploring the surrounding area, but not necessary for just visiting Angkor Wat itself.

Transportation Options:

  • Tuk-tuk: You can rent a tuk-tuk to take you around the Angkor Archaeological Park.
  • Bicycle: A great way to see the sights and explore at your own leisure!

Things to do:

  • Visit Angkor Wat: The temple complex itself is a marvel, with numerous ancient structures to explore.
  • Enjoy the sunrise/sunset:

This is a truly magical experience at Angkor Wat.

  • Explore the ruins: You can also explore other temples and ruins within the Angkor Archaeological Park, like the Bayon or the Angkor Thom complex.
  • Discover Cambodian culture:

Attend traditional dance performances, visit local markets, and explore the countryside.

  • Experience the natural beauty: Enjoy the serene setting of Siem Reap and the surrounding countryside.

Budget-Friendly Tips:

  • Book a hotel with breakfast: This will save you money on your first meal of the day.
  • Consider a hotel in Siem Reap city: Many hotels offer free or affordable transportation options to and from the Angkor Wat area.

Staying at the Angkor Wat:

  • Stay close to the action: Choose a hotel near the temples, so you can easily explore multiple sites.
  • Book in advance: Prices for accommodation are often higher if you book last minute, so it’s best to book your stay ahead of time.

Things to consider:

  • Location: While luxurious hotels may be tempting,

remembering that the Angkor Wat area is a popular tourist destination and they might have high prices.

  • Reviews: Check online reviews from other travelers for insights into affordability, cleanliness, and location-specific amenities.
  • Seasonality: Be aware of peak season pricing (usually November to April) and consider staying during the shoulder season (May-October) for better deals.

Siem Reap Experiences:

  • Visit the Angkor Wat temples: The main attraction, but be prepared for crowds.
  • Book a tour: To maximize your time and knowledge,

consider booking a tour that includes transportation and a guide.

  • Explore local markets: The Old Market (Phsar Chas) is a great place to experience the local culture and find some souvenirs.

Mid-Range Experiences:

  • Enjoy the Angkor Thom: This massive walled city contains several iconic temples, including Bayon and Ta Prohm.

  • Rent a bicycle: A great way to see the park at your own pace.

  • Explore Siem Reap town: This is a good option for those who want to save money on tours and explore the town’s attractions.

Tips for visiting the Angkor Wat:

  • Book in advance: For a more peaceful experience, consider booking your trip during the off-season.

  • Rent a bike or bicycle taxi: This is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around the park.

  • Enjoy the local cuisine: There are plenty of delicious and affordable Khmer dishes

to be discovered near Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Tips:

  • Stay in a central location: Prices for accommodation in the Angkor Wat area are generally higher than for those further away from the temples.

  • Transportation to the park: Staying near the city center provides easy access to the temple complex,

which is ideal for exploring the other temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park,

such as Angkor Thom or Banteay Srei.

Travel Tips:

  • Research the best deals: Book a hotel in a quieter part of Siem Reap, but factor in the cost of transportation to the temples.
  • Consider a guesthouse: Opting for a more budget-friendly option like a guesthouse

outside the main Angkor Wat area might be ideal for staying within your budget.

Choosing a location:

  • Book a hotel near the entrance: This can be a big advantage for those who want to experience the temples

without spending a lot of money on transportation.**

Guesthouse/Hotel Options:

  • Choose a hotel with a pool: Siem Reap is hot and humid, so a

hotel with a pool is a great way to cool off after a day of exploring.

  • Consider the amenities:

Some hotels offer free bicycles or even bicycle taxis for their guests.

Budget-Friendly Transportation Options:

  • Guesthouses:

    • Check for discounts: Ask if they have any package deals that include

entrance to the Angkor Wat temples.

Other things to consider:

  • Look for a good location: A guesthouse in the heart of the city can

offer a comfortable stay and easy access to restaurants, shops, and other attractions.**

  • Read reviews carefully:

Focus on reviews mentioning the proximity to the Angkor Wat area

and the availability of free bicycles.

  • Consider the time of year: The best time to visit the temple is during the dry season (November-April), as the rainy season (May-October) can make it difficult to explore the temples due to mud and rain.

A few extra tips for finding the right accommodation:

  • Think about your budget: There are a variety of

accommodation options in Siem Reap, from

budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.**

  • Consider the amenities:

What is most important to you?

Are you looking for a pool, gym, spa services, or free breakfast?

Knowing what you want and need will help you narrow down your search.

  • Look for a location near the Angkor Wat complex: This

will make it easier to get to the temples and explore them.** **

Remember:

  • Prices vary: It’s important to remember that prices for accommodation can fluctuate, depending on the season.

  • Consider the time of year:

The best time to visit the Angkor Wat is during the dry season (November-April)

when the weather is pleasant and the temple is accessible.

  • Look for a quiet location:

Siem Reap is a bustling town with many tourists and shops.**

Choosing a location:

  • Consider the best option:

Choose a location that offers access to the attractions you’re most interested in, such as the Angkor Wat complex.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Explore reviews: Look for hotels or guesthouses with reviews mentioning their proximity to the temples and their atmosphere.**
  • Consider transportation options:

Many hotels offer bicycles and tuk-tuk service, so you can easily explore the Angkor Wat complex.

Enjoy the local cuisine:

Look for a guesthouse or hotel near the city center, but consider the cost of transport to the temples.

  • Stay in Siem Reap: This can be a chance to experience

the city’s vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.

Remember, it’s important to consider your preferences and budget when choosing a place to stay.