Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination in Cambodia known for its proximity to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, known for its delicious food and cultural and historical attractions. But which one should you visit?
It depends! Phnom Penh is known for its delicious food and cultural and historical attractions. Siem Reap is known for its proximity to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat and other cultural and historical sites. Are you after ancient temples or a large city?
Keep reading to discover which destination aligns with your interests the most.
Introduction
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a small city in northwest Cambodia that is known for its proximity to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. The city is a popular tourist destination, with a range of hotels, restaurants, and bars catering to visitors. The main attraction in Siem Reap is the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a number of ancient temples and ruins, including the famous Angkor Wat temple.
In addition to the temples, Siem Reap also offers a number of other attractions, such as the Angkor National Museum and the Siem Reap Art Center. The city is also home to markets and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and other local products. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Siem Reap, there is something for everyone in this charming Cambodian city.
Related: Is Siem Reap worth visiting?
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and is located in the south-central part of the country. It is known for its rich history and culture, with a number of historical and cultural landmarks to visit. These include the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the King of Cambodia, and the National Museum, which houses a collection of Khmer art and artifacts. The city is also home to the Genocide Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Phnom Penh is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city has a lively street food scene, with a variety of local dishes to try, and is also home to a number of markets and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and other local products. Whether you are interested in history and culture or just want to relax and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere, Phnom Penh has something for everyone.
Related: Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?
Attractions
Siem Reap Attractions
The main attraction of Siem Reap is the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex is home to a number of ancient temples and ruins, including the famous Angkor Wat temple. Other notable temples in the complex include Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan. Visitors to Siem Reap can explore these temples and learn about the history and culture of the Khmer Empire.
In addition to the temples, Siem Reap also offers a number of other attractions for visitors, such as the Angkor National Museum and the Siem Reap Art Center. The city is also home to markets and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and other local products.
South of Siem Reap, you can also visit the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Whether you are interested in history and culture or just want to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Siem Reap, there is something for everyone in this charming Cambodian city.
Phnom Penh Attractions
The main attractions of Phnom Penh are the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, the National Museum, and the Genocide Museum.
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia and is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture. It is open to the public and visitors can explore the palace grounds and see the Silver Pagoda, which houses a number of valuable Buddhist artifacts.
Wat Phnom is a temple located in the center of Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom is a popular place to visit for both locals and tourists.
The National Museum is also a must-see for those interested in the history and culture of Cambodia. It houses a collection of Khmer art and artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.
The Genocide Museum is a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a sobering but important place to visit for those wanting to learn about this dark chapter in Cambodia's history.
In addition to these cultural attractions, Phnom Penh is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city has a lively street food scene, with a variety of local dishes to try, and is also home to a number of markets and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and other local products.
Whether you are interested in history and culture or just want to relax and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere, Phnom Penh has something for everyone.
Food
Cambodian cuisine is similar to that of its neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a focus on rice, noodles, and grilled meats. There are, however, a number of dishes that are unique to Cambodia. In both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will find a variety of local dishes to try, including:
Amok: a popular Cambodian dish made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, and served in a banana leaf.
Khmer red curry: a spicy curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and chili peppers.
Grilled meats: a variety of grilled meats, including pork, chicken, and beef, are popular in both cities.
Fried insects: a delicacy in Cambodia, fried insects can be found at markets in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Street food: both cities have a thriving street food scene, with a variety of local dishes available to try.
Both cities are located close to each other and the local cuisine isn't all that different between them. In terms of international cuisine, Phnom Penh has a larger variety and choice of restaurants than Siem Reap. Phnom Penh is a larger city and has a more developed restaurant scene, with a range of international cuisines available to try.
In contrast, Siem Reap's restaurant scene is more geared towards tourists and tends to focus more on Western-style dishes, especially around pub street. If you want western food, you will not have trouble finding it.
Both cities offer a range of local and international dishes to choose from, so you will be able to find something to suit your tastes no matter where you are.
Safety
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are generally safe cities to visit. However, as with any destination, it is always a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety.
In Phnom Penh, you should be aware of the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, and take steps to protect your belongings. It is advisable to be cautious when using tuk tuks in Phnom Penh as there have been instances of local motorcycle riders reaching into the vehicles to steal from passengers. It is also advisable to avoid walking alone at night in certain areas of the city.
Siem Reap is generally considered to be a safer city than Phnom Penh, but there are still a few things to be aware of. Like Phnom Penh, you should take steps to protect your belongings and be aware of the risk of petty crime. In addition, you should also be mindful of scams targeting tourists, such as tuk-tuk drivers charging exorbitant fees or offering overpriced tours. To avoid being overcharged, use popular local ride sharing apps such as Grab or Pass App.
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are both relatively inexpensive destinations compared to many other cities around the world. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively cheap in both cities, making them popular choices for budget travelers.
However, Siem Reap tends to be slightly more expensive than Phnom Penh, especially when it comes to accommodation. This is due in part to the city's popularity with tourists visiting the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Despite this, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a range of options for travelers on a budget, from hostels and guesthouses to more upscale hotels. In general, you can expect to find a good balance of value for money in both cities.
Night live
Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have a lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. However, Phnom Penh tends to have a more varied and developed nightlife scene compared to Siem Reap, where all of the activity happens very close to Pub Street. Phnom Penh is a larger city and has a more diverse population, which has contributed to the city's wider range of nightlife options. In Phnom Penh, you will find everything from local bars and clubs to upscale rooftop bars and live music venues.
Siem Reap, on the other hand, has a more tourist-oriented nightlife scene, with a range of bars and clubs catering to visitors. The city is known for its pub crawls, which take visitors to a number of different bars and clubs in the city. However, the nightlife in Siem Reap tends to be more focused on Western-style bars and clubs, with fewer options for those looking for more traditional Cambodian nightlife experiences.
Overall, Phnom Penh has a more varied and developed nightlife scene compared to Siem Reap, but both cities have plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a night out.
For Families
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a number of attractions that would be suitable for families. In Phnom Penh, families can visit the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Genocide Museum, as well as enjoy the city's parks, markets, and street food scene. In Siem Reap, families can visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, as well as take part in cultural activities such as cooking classes or traditional dance performances.
In terms of overall suitability for families, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have their strengths. Phnom Penh is a larger city with a more developed infrastructure, which may make it more convenient for families with young children. The city also has a wider range of accommodation options, including hotels with family rooms and facilities.
Siem Reap, on the other hand, is a more laid-back city and may be more suitable for families looking for a more relaxed vacation. The city is also located closer to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, which may be a big draw for families with older children interested in history and culture. Ultimately, the choice between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a family.
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a number of wildlife-related attractions that may be of interest to families. In Phnom Penh, families can visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, which is home to a variety of rescued animals, including elephants, tigers, and bears. The center is run by Wildlife Alliance, an organization that works to protect wildlife in Cambodia. In Siem Reap, families can visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, which is home to a number of rescued animals, including tigers, bears, and primates. The center is involved in conservation efforts and also offers educational programs for visitors.
In addition to these wildlife centers, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap also have zoos, which may be of interest to families with younger children. The Phnom Penh Zoo and the Siem Reap Crocodile Farm are both popular attractions in their respective cities.
Transportation
Transportation in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is very similar, with both cities offering a range of options for travelers. The most common forms of transportation in both cities are tuk-tuks, motodops (motorbike taxis), and private cars or taxis. Tuk-tuks and motodops can be found all over both cities and are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around.
Tuk-tuks, private cars and taxis are also readily available, with a number of ride-hailing apps, such as Grab and PassApp, operating in both cities. Using these apps gives you the local rate by default. Be careful with drivers in Siem Reap though, some of them are flat out scammers. Negotiate a rate before or make sure that the Pass App (or Grab) destination is accurate. A scamming driver held our luggage hostage on the way to the bus out of Siem Reap and then upcharged us by two dollars for 200 extra meters. All that, because Pass App was slightly inaccurate. We've since learned that Grab has a better reputation with the locals, and we get why.
In addition to these options, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a number of public bus routes, although these may be less convenient for tourists.
Surroundings
Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are located in close proximity to a number of interesting day trip destinations.
In Siem Reap, there are a number of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, such as visiting traditional villages, exploring the countryside on a bike tour, or taking a boat ride on the Tonle Sap lake.
Phnom Penh is also located close to a number of interesting day trip destinations. One popular option is to visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species, or taking a boat trip to the Mekong Delta to explore the waterways and visit traditional villages.
Overall, both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh offer a number of interesting day trip options for travelers, including nature reserves, and traditional villages.
Locals and their hospitality
Cambodians are known for their warm and hospitable nature, and both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are home to friendly and welcoming locals. In both cities, you can expect to receive a warm greeting and be treated with kindness and respect.
That being said, as with any destination, it is always a good idea to be respectful of local customs and traditions. In Cambodia, it is considered polite to take off your shoes when entering someone's home or a temple, and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of cultural differences and to try to be understanding of any misunderstandings that may arise.
Shopping
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a range of shopping options for visitors.
In Phnom Penh, you can find everything from local markets selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs to modern malls offering a wide range of international brands. The city is home to a number of local markets, such as the Central Market, which is a popular destination for souvenir shopping. Phnom Penh also has a number of malls, including the Sorya Shopping Center, which is home to a range of international brands, as well as local stores and restaurants. In addition to these options, Phnom Penh also has a number of specialty stores and boutiques selling everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts.
Siem Reap also has a range of shopping options, including local markets and modern malls. The city is home to a number of local markets selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, such as the Old Market and the Artisan's D'Angkor. Siem Reap also has a number of malls, including the Aeon Mall, which is home to a range of international brands, as well as local stores and restaurants. In addition to these options, Siem Reap also has a number of specialty stores and boutiques selling a variety of products.
Our Pick
We like each city for its own special things. Phnom Penh is famous for its tasty food and relaxed vibe. It has many places to eat and try different types of food, as well as markets and other places to relax and enjoy. Siem Reap is known for being close to Angkor Wat and other ancient temples. These temples are a very important part of Cambodian history and culture, and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to visiting the temples, Siem Reap also has other things to do like visit traditional villages, go on a bike tour, or take a boat ride.
Why not visit both?
Finally, it might be a good idea to visit both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on your trip to Cambodia. One option could be to fly into Phnom Penh and spend a couple days there to acclimatize and relieve jet lag, and then travel further to Siem Reap to see the temples.
This way, you can experience both the bustling city life and the cultural and historical attractions of the region. By visiting both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will get a more well-rounded understanding of Cambodia and all that it has to offer. And if you take the 7 hours bus trip, you will also get to see what the country-side looks like in between.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are worth visiting to get a well-rounded understanding of Cambodia. Both cities offer a range of interesting and enjoyable activities, and are home to friendly and hospitable locals.
Why trust us?
We have just been to both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and can provide firsthand experience and advice. We found that both cities offered a range of interesting and enjoyable activities, and would recommend visiting both to get a well-rounded understanding of Cambodia.
In Siem Reap, we were able to visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat and take part in other activities such as visiting traditional villages, exploring the countryside and taking a boat ride on the Tonle Sap lake.
In Phnom Penh, we enjoyed trying the delicious local and international cuisines, and exploring the cultural and historical attractions of the city. Both cities are home to friendly and hospitable locals, and we had a great time in each place.
Thanks for stopping by.