For couples · Siem Reap · Cambodia
Romantic things to do in Siem Reap
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Siem Reap suits couples who like early starts: sunrise at the temples, quiet jungle ruins before the crowds, then long afternoons at a garden hotel and dinner in Kandal Village. Couples tend to stay in Kandal Village.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 6
- Couple-friendly sights
- 4
- Area for couples
- Kandal Village
- Best months
- November–February
Romantic ideas
1.Sunrise at Srah Srang
Watch the sun come up over the royal bathing pool, a calmer alternative to the crowds at Angkor Wat.
2.Sunset at Pre Rup
Climb the orange-brick temple mountain for views over palms and rice fields as the light fades.
3.Boardwalk to Neak Pean
Walk the long wooden boardwalk across the Jayatataka reservoir in the late-afternoon light.
4.Evening at Phare
Pair the circus with dinner at the on-site café for an easy, lively night out.
5.Hammock afternoon at the West Baray
Grilled fish, fresh coconuts and a sunset over the ancient reservoir.
6.Spa afternoon
Khmer massage is inexpensive, and many boutique hotels in Kandal Village and Sala Kamreuk have garden spas.
Sights couples love
Religious site · Angkor Archaeological Park
Angkor Wat
For sunrise, stand by the northern reflecting pool (left of the causeway), then go straight inside while most of the crowd heads to breakfast.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Couples
Religious site · Grand circuit
Pre Rup
It is less crowded at sunset than Phnom Bakheng; the stairs are steep, so allow time to come down before dark.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
- History
Historic site · Small circuit
Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei
Watch sunrise from the Srah Srang landing stage, then walk across into Banteay Kdei while it is still empty.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
- History
Experience · Siem Reap town
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Book a seat near the front for the acrobatics; arrive early to eat at the on-site café.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- After dark
- Couples
- Rainy day
- Art
Where couples should stay
$$$ · Best for couples, shopping and food lovers
Kandal Village
Kandal Village is the small grid around Hup Guan Street just north-east of the Old Market, where Cambodian and expat designers run clothing boutiques, homeware shops, cafés and small restaurants. It is central but calmer than Pub Street, with several boutique hotels and pool villas tucked into the side lanes.
- Good
- Independent shops and good coffee; Quieter evenings within walking distance of Pub Street
- Watch out
- Small area with limited hotel choice; Some shops keep irregular hours
- Nearby
- Psar Chas, Royal Independence Gardens, Siem Reap River
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Fish amok, Lok lak and Khmer red curry. Restaurant prices are usually in US dollars; small change may come back in riel.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Siem Reap romantic?
Siem Reap suits couples who like early starts: sunrise at the temples, quiet jungle ruins before the crowds, then long afternoons at a garden hotel and dinner in Kandal Village.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Siem Reap?
Sunrise at Srah Srang: Watch the sun come up over the royal bathing pool, a calmer alternative to the crowds at Angkor Wat.
+Where should couples stay in Siem Reap?
Kandal Village: Hup Guan Street's design shops, cafés and boutique hotels, a few minutes from the Old Market.