Old Market Area (Psar Chas)

Overview

The Old Market Area — named for the colonial-era Psar Chas (Old Market) building at its center — is the beating heart of tourist Siem Reap. Spreading out from the Siem Reap River, the neighborhood covers roughly eight square blocks bounded by Sivatha Boulevard to the west, the river to the east, and Street 9 to the north.

Pub Street (Street 8) is the main artery, lined with open-fronted restaurants serving everything from fish amok to wood-fired pizza, while bars pump out live music until 2 AM. The Angkor Night Market on the western edge offers silk scarves, carved stone, lacquerware, and spa services in a lantern-lit outdoor mall. The surrounding streets — particularly Street 9 (The Lane) — host quieter cafes and cocktail bars with a more local-expat feel.

Despite its touristy reputation, the Old Market Area has genuine character. In the mornings, monks collect alms along the riverbank, local vendors sell baguettes and coffee on the sidewalks, and the indoor market buzzes with Cambodian shoppers buying fresh produce and household goods long before the tourist trade kicks in.

Where to Stay

The Old Market Area offers the widest range of accommodation in Siem Reap, from $8 dorm beds to $120/night boutique hotels:

• Onederz Hostel (Street 14): Popular social hostel with a rooftop pool; dorms from $8, private rooms from $18
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Street 7): Party-friendly hostel with nightly bar events; dorms from $10
• Jaya House River Park: Boutique hotel on the Siem Reap River with stunning pool and grounds; from $90/night
• Pavillon d'Orient (Street 20): French colonial-style boutique hotel; from $55/night with breakfast
• Funky Flashpacker: Mid-range hostel-hotel hybrid with excellent facilities; private rooms from $25/night

Where to Eat

Psar Chas rivals any Southeast Asian food district for variety:

• Temple Restaurant (Pub Street): The most photographed restaurant in Siem Reap — set inside a restored warehouse with Angkor reliefs. Fish amok and lok lak are excellent; mains $7–14
• Cuisine Wat Damnak (Street 26): Fine-dining tasting menus showcasing seasonal Cambodian ingredients; set menu $32 per person — worth every riel for a special night
• Psar Chas Market Food Court (ground floor): $1.50 bowls of kuy teav (noodle soup) and fresh spring rolls eaten alongside local shoppers
• Haven Restaurant (Street 7): Social enterprise training restaurant; Khmer and Western food from $5–10; brilliant for lunch
• Sister Srey Cafe (Street 9/The Lane): Beloved all-day brunch spot; banana pancakes, açai bowls, and Cambodian filter coffee; $4–9
• Khmer Kitchen (Street 11): One of the original Pub Street restaurants; generous Khmer portions for $4–7; great for first-timers trying amok or lok lak

What to Do

• Psar Chas (Old Market): Browse the covered market for silk, spices, silverware, and Khmer krama scarves. Morning hours are best for authentic local atmosphere
• Angkor Night Market: Evening shopping market with stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and artwork; also has an island bar and massage garden
• Pub Street at night: The full Pub Street experience — a car-free street of restaurants and bars with live music from 7 PM; worth experiencing at least once
• Siem Reap River walk: Early morning strolls along the tree-lined riverbank, especially during alms-giving around 6 AM
• Cooking classes: Several restaurants offer morning market tours and Khmer cooking classes ($25–35); Le Tigre de Papier and Neak Poan Cooking Class are well-regarded
• Apsara dance shows: Traditional Apsara dance performances nightly at Koulen Restaurant (Street 9) and Smile of Angkor ($12–18 including dinner)

Getting Around

• Walking: The Old Market Area itself is entirely walkable — most restaurants and the market are within a 10-minute walk
• Tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat: $3–4 one-way; full day hire $12–18 (negotiate before departure)
• Grab app: Reliable for fixed prices; typically $1.50–2.50 for short hops within Siem Reap town
• Bicycle rental: $2–4/day from guesthouses; flat terrain makes cycling to nearby temples easy
• E-bikes: Available from $5–8/day; useful for the longer Angkor circuit

Budget Guide

• Budget traveler: $20–35/day (dorm bed $8–10, market meals $2–4, free sights + Angkor pass amortized)
• Mid-range: $50–90/day (private hotel room $25–45, restaurant meals $6–12, tuk-tuk hire)
• Comfortable: $100–180/day (boutique hotel $60–90, fine dining $20–35, private car)
• Angkor Pass: 1-day $37, 3-day $62, 7-day $72 — budget this separately