Choosing where to stay in Siem Reap is really about one thing: how you want to experience Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex. Every hotel in town sells itself on temple proximity, but the reality is more nuanced. Some properties are genuinely closer. Some have better sunrise logistics. And some are specifically designed to help you recover from the physical demands of temple touring.
We evaluated the best hotels near Angkor Wat across every budget tier, factoring in distance from the temples, sunrise tour logistics, recovery amenities (pools, spas, cool rooms), dining quality, and our SEA Hotel Score methodology.
Understanding Siem Reap's Geography
Angkor Wat sits about 6 km north of Siem Reap's town center. Most hotels are in or near the town center — along Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, around the Old Market area, or on Sivatha Boulevard. The drive to Angkor Wat takes 10–15 minutes, and to the more distant temples (Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea) 45–90 minutes.
A handful of properties sit closer to the temples or even within the Angkor Archaeological Park itself. These offer meaningful advantages for sunrise visits and multi-day temple touring, but sacrifice access to Siem Reap's restaurants and nightlife.
The Luxury Tier
1. Amansara — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 96** | **From $850/night** | **Platform price range: $800–$1,050**
Amansara is not just the best hotel near Angkor Wat — it is one of the best hotels in Southeast Asia, period. Originally built as a guesthouse for King Sihanouk in the 1960s, it sits on the road to Angkor Wat, closer to the temples than any other luxury property. The 24 suites feature private courtyards with pools, and the minimalist design channels a serene, meditative calm.
**Temple logistics:** Amansara's signature experience is the "remork" (a customized tuk-tuk) tour of the temples with a private guide. Guests are routed to avoid crowds, arriving at temples at off-peak times. For sunrise at Angkor Wat, you are in the shortest possible tuk-tuk ride — roughly five minutes versus 15–20 from the town center.
**Recovery amenities:** The plunge pools in each suite courtyard are ideal for post-temple cooldowns. The spa offers Khmer-inspired treatments, and the included meals (breakfast and lunch or dinner) mean you never have to plan where to eat while temple-fatigued.
**Best for:** Travelers who want the single finest hotel experience in Siem Reap with unmatched temple access.
2. Park Hyatt Siem Reap — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 93** | **From $380/night** | **Platform price range: $350–$460**
On Sivatha Boulevard in the heart of Siem Reap, the Park Hyatt occupies a restored 1960s-era building with Art Deco-influenced architecture. The 104 rooms and suites surround a central courtyard with a reflecting pool, and the rooftop pool offers views over the town toward the Angkor forest.
**Temple logistics:** The hotel's concierge team is among the best in Siem Reap for temple tour planning. They will arrange sunrise visits, create custom itineraries based on your interests and fitness level, and organize private guides who are genuine scholars of Khmer history.
**Recovery amenities:** Two pools (ground floor and rooftop), a full-service spa, and The Dining Room restaurant, which serves Siem Reap's best hotel breakfast — a mix of Khmer, French, and international dishes with made-to-order stations.
**Best for:** Travelers who want a centrally located luxury hotel with Park Hyatt service standards and excellent town access.
3. Belmond La Residence d'Angkor — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 91** | **From $280/night** | **Platform price range: $260–$350**
Set within tropical gardens along the Siem Reap River, Belmond's property occupies a collection of traditional Khmer buildings with contemporary interiors. The 59 rooms and suites feature dark wood, Khmer silk, and private balconies overlooking the gardens or river.
**Temple logistics:** The hotel is slightly closer to the temples than most town-center properties — about 12 minutes by tuk-tuk. The concierge arranges private temple tours with knowledgeable guides, and the early-morning wake-up service includes coffee and pastries delivered to your room before the sunrise departure.
**Recovery amenities:** The garden pool is one of Siem Reap's most beautiful, shaded by mature trees and surrounded by daybeds. The Kong Kea Spa uses traditional Khmer techniques and is the ideal antidote to a day of climbing temple stairs.
**Best for:** Heritage-minded travelers who want a classic Southeast Asian luxury hotel with riverside gardens and Belmond's signature hospitality.
The Mid-Range Tier
4. Jaya House River Park — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 90** | **From $160/night** | **Platform price range: $145–$200**
Jaya House punches well above its price point. This 36-room boutique hotel on the Siem Reap River includes free tuk-tuk transfers to the temples, complimentary laundry (a godsend in Cambodia's heat), free minibar, and free mobile phones for guest use. The salt-water pool and gardens provide a shaded retreat from the midday heat.
**Temple logistics:** The complimentary tuk-tuk transfers are the standout. You do not need to negotiate with drivers, and the hotel coordinates pickup times after your temple visits. For sunrise tours, the tuk-tuk is ready at 4:30 AM without additional charge.
**Recovery amenities:** The pool, free laundry, and afternoon tea service combine to make this the most practical mid-range option for temple touring. After a sweaty morning at Bayon and Ta Prohm, returning to a clean room with fresh laundry and a cold pool is transformative.
**Best for:** Practical travelers who want maximum value and convenience for temple touring.
5. Phum Baitang — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 92** | **From $250/night** | **Platform price range: $230–$310**
"Phum Baitang" means "green village," and the resort lives up to its name. Set within working rice paddies five minutes from Siem Reap's center, the 45 stilted wooden villas are modeled on traditional Cambodian village houses. The property feels like a rural retreat despite its proximity to town.
**Temple logistics:** The resort is on the road toward the temples, shaving a few minutes off the drive compared to town-center hotels. Private guides and custom itineraries are arranged through the resort, and the sunrise logistics are well-rehearsed.
**Recovery amenities:** The 50-meter infinity pool overlooking the rice paddies is Siem Reap's most photogenic. The spa uses locally sourced ingredients, and the cooking school offers evening classes where you learn to prepare Cambodian dishes — a perfect post-temple activity.
**Best for:** Travelers who want a resort experience that connects to Cambodian rural life while maintaining luxury comfort.
6. Templation — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 89** | **From $180/night** | **Platform price range: $165–$230**
A 34-room boutique hotel that channels Siem Reap's Angkorian heritage through a contemporary lens. The design incorporates sandstone textures, Khmer motifs, and water features that echo the temple complex. Each room has a private balcony, and the pool bar serves cocktails until late.
**Temple logistics:** Located on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, the main road to the temples, making for a quick and direct morning transfer. The hotel can arrange private guides and customize multi-day temple itineraries.
**Recovery amenities:** The central pool, spa, and excellent restaurant make it a comfortable base. The location on Charles de Gaulle Boulevard also puts you within walking distance of Siem Reap's French Quarter restaurants.
**Best for:** Design-aware travelers who want a boutique hotel with Angkorian-inspired architecture at a mid-range price.
The Boutique & Value Tier
7. Viroth's Hotel — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 90** | **From $110/night** | **Platform price range: $95–$140**
Viroth's appears on every best-of list for Siem Reap, and rightfully so. This 38-room property delivers an experience that would cost three times as much in most Asian cities. The minimalist design — concrete, glass, tropical greenery — is sophisticated without being cold. Free tuk-tuk transfers, complimentary afternoon tea, and a rooftop pool with Angkor views are all included.
**Temple logistics:** Free tuk-tuk service to the temples, with a dedicated driver assigned to each guest. The hotel's Angkor guides are among the most knowledgeable in Siem Reap — owner Viroth Khauv personally vets them.
**Recovery amenities:** Rooftop pool with a view, spa services, and Viroth's restaurant across the street — one of Siem Reap's best dining options, serving refined Cambodian cuisine at local prices.
Check prices across platforms for this property — we have seen rate differences of up to $45 per night. [SEA Hotel's Siem Reap page](/destinations/siem-reap) has the latest comparisons.
**Best for:** Value-conscious travelers who want top-tier boutique quality at Cambodian prices.
8. Shinta Mani Angkor — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 89** | **From $130/night** | **Platform price range: $115–$170**
Part of Bill Bensley's Shinta Mani hospitality group, this 62-room property combines boutique design with a social mission. Proceeds support the Shinta Mani Foundation's education and vocational training programs in Siem Reap province. The hotel features a courtyard pool, a spa, and interiors that blend industrial textures with Khmer artisanal touches.
**Temple logistics:** Centrally located near the Old Market area, with organized temple tours and private guides available through the hotel. The team is particularly good at creating itineraries for return visitors who have already seen the main temples and want to explore more remote sites.
**Recovery amenities:** The courtyard pool and spa provide solid post-temple recovery. The location near Pub Street and the Old Market means you are walking distance from dozens of restaurants and bars.
**Best for:** Socially conscious travelers who want a well-designed boutique hotel that gives back to the community.
9. Golden Temple Residence — Siem Reap
**SEA Hotel Score: 86** | **From $65/night** | **Platform price range: $55–$85**
At the budget end, Golden Temple Residence proves that affordable does not mean compromising on comfort. This 22-room property near the Royal Residence features a rooftop pool, free airport transfers, free tuk-tuk to the temples, free bicycles, and a complimentary breakfast that is genuinely good.
**Temple logistics:** Free tuk-tuk transfers to the temples are included, which alone saves $15–20 per day compared to hiring independently. The staff can arrange guides and customize itineraries.
**Recovery amenities:** The rooftop pool with a bar is the highlight. After a long day at the temples, floating in a rooftop pool with a cold Angkor Beer and a sunset view is one of Siem Reap's great pleasures.
**Best for:** Budget travelers who want a clean, comfortable base with free temple transfers and a rooftop pool.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat: The Logistics
The iconic sunrise experience requires careful planning:
**Wake-up time:** 4:00–4:30 AM depending on the season. Hotels closer to the temples buy you an extra 15 minutes of sleep.
**Arrival time:** Gates open at 5:00 AM. Arrive by 5:15 to secure a good position at the reflecting pool.
**Best position:** The left (north) side of the reflecting pool typically offers the best reflection and fewer crowds than the center.
**Best months:** March and September, when the sun rises directly behind the central tower. November to February offers the most reliable clear-sky conditions.
**After sunrise:** Most visitors leave by 7:30 AM. If you stay until 8:00, the temple empties and the morning light on the inner galleries is spectacular.
**Temple pass tip:** Buy your pass the afternoon before at the ticket office. Entry after 5:00 PM on the purchase day is free, and you get a bonus sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup.
Multi-Day Temple Strategy
Most visitors try to see everything in one day. This leads to temple fatigue — a real condition where every carved apsara starts to look the same by 2 PM. A better approach:
**Day 1:** Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then the Small Circuit (Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm). Return to hotel by 1 PM.
**Day 2:** Sunrise at Srah Srang (the local favorite, far quieter than Angkor Wat), then the Grand Circuit (Preah Khan, Neak Pean, East Mebon, Pre Rup). Sunset at Pre Rup.
**Day 3:** Banteay Srei (morning for best light), then Beng Mealea (the "jungle temple" — atmospheric and uncrowded). This is a full day trip.
A three-day pass ($62) is the best value for most visitors. The seven-day pass ($72) makes sense only if you want to explore remote temples beyond the main circuit.
The Verdict
**Amansara** is the definitive choice for travelers who want the finest temple-touring experience in Siem Reap. **Jaya House** offers the most practical mid-range package for temple visitors, with free tuk-tuks and complimentary laundry. **Viroth's** delivers boutique luxury at value prices. And **Golden Temple Residence** proves that a great Angkor Wat experience does not require a luxury budget.
Whatever you choose, book temple guides through your hotel rather than at the gates — hotel-vetted guides are consistently more knowledgeable and better at crowd-avoidance routing.
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