Where to Eat
Walking (or biking) to Angkor Wat – and even the remotest of temples in the park – can be a tiring feat. Gas up for your journey ahead, by eating at any of these topnotch restaurants near the Angkor Archaeological Park.
1) Jungle Junction Family Entertainment, Restaurant and Bar
Although it is 7.9 miles away from the Angkor Archaeological Park, the travel to this restaurant will be all worth your while when you get your taste buds on its tasty Cambodian and Southwestern fare. Although the exteriors make it perfect for families, it is ideal for special occasion dining as well. Entrees are delicious yet affordable at an average of US$7 per order.
Address: Makara Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
2) Sala Bai Restaurant School
When it comes to Asian or French hankerings, make it a point to visit the Sala Bai Restaurant School, located 7.1 miles away from Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from enjoying a sumptuous set menu of about US$8 to US$10 per order, your payments will surely go to a good cause – proceeds are slated to help in the eradication of poverty and sexual exploitation in Cambodia.
Address: 155 Phum Tapoul, Siem Reap, Cambodia
3) Haven Training Restaurant
True to its name, the Haven Training Restaurant is a sanctuary for tired tourists who wish to revitalize their souls with good food. Specializing in Western and Asian fares, the restaurant whips up exciting dishes for as low as US$4.50 per entrée. While it is 7.5 miles away from the Angkor Archaeological Park, it is the perfect stopover after a day of strolling around the former Khmer capital.
Address: Sok San Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4) Angkor Palm
Good for cheap eats, the Angkor Palm offers local cuisine and some spicy treats of green curry with fish fresh from Tonle Sap lake. The personnel are friendly and are always at hand to provide you with chilled face towels to cool off with.
Address: Phasar Chas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
5) Temple Club
If you want to while away the night with music and dancing, go to the Temple club where the place gets very lively and the food is fantastic, yet not too pricey. You may also avail of their cooking lessons – an amazing value for money – for just US$10 you get to participate in cooking and eating three courses, a free T-shirt and a trip to the market.
Address: Pub Street, Siem Reap
Where to Stay
There are no hotels inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. If you wish to make the most out of your 3 or 7-day passes, then you can stay at Siem Reap’s top hotels:
1) Shinta Mani Siem Reap
Located 7.1 miles from the Angkor Archaeological Park (equivalent to a 15-minute tuktuk ride) is the beautiful yet affordable Shinta Mani Siem Reap, where nightly rates start at US$118. This boutique hotel features 39 rooms – all designed with a fusion of European and Khmer design styles.
Address: Oum Khun Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
2) The Privilege Floor
Wake up to the spoils of life just like the Khmer kings did by booking a night or two at the Privilege Floor. Choose any of the hotel’s 19 ornate rooms and pay just US$149 per night for 5-star services. Because it is just a 15-minute ride away from Angkor Archaeological Park, the Privilege Floor is considered as one of the best for tourists.
Address: National Road 6, 0369, Banteay Chas, Slorkram, Siem Reap, Cambodia
3) Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa
Indulge yourself in the luxuries that Cambodia can give by staying at the lovely Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa, situated 6.9 miles away from the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is next to the King’s Residence, thereby giving you a bird’s eye view of the neighboring Royal Gardens. Its outside views are just as tasteful as its interior decorations, all inspired by the 20th century art and design.
Address: Central Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4) Soria Moria Boutique Hotel
With traditional Khmer hospitality at its best, the warm and friendly staff at the Soria Moria Boutique Hotel would be more than glad to assist you organize your holiday in Siem Reap. Avail of their commodious air-conditioned bedrooms with mini bar, large bathtub with shower, cable TV and complimentary wireless Internet access. At the hotel’s Fusion Kitchen, you can enjoy the complimentary breakfast before exploring the temples and beyond. And from an exhausting exploration at the temples and beyond, delight in a relaxing massage with an invigorating traditional reflexology, or choose from the hotel’s tempting treatment menu. A standard twin room costs US$56 per night.
Address: Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
5) My Home Tropical Garden Villa
My Home Tropical Garden Villa offers 26 spacious rooms and a wide array of facilities and services, from complimentary wireless Internet access to affordable and delectable breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, they offer hotel standards at guesthouse prices with room rates as low as US$12 per night.
Address: Psar Krom Road, Siem Reap
The many temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park continue to race against time and deterioration. It struggles to breathe from the tight clasp of the giant ficus and silk trees. While efforts of restoring its old glory are underway, you still have to make sure to visit the park when you can – before nature and time completely subdue the majestic temple complex and conceal it again from humanity.
