Sala Kamreuk (Royal Residence Area)

Overview

Sala Kamreuk occupies the northwestern quadrant of central Siem Reap, between the Siem Reap River to the east and the approach roads toward Angkor to the north and west. The Cambodian Royal Family's Siem Reap residence — a walled compound of traditional Khmer pavilions — sits at the heart of the neighborhood, giving it both a prestigious character and strict development constraints that have preserved its low-rise, tree-shaded nature.

The area developed as a premium destination in the early 2000s when the Aman group chose it for the Amansara — a conversion of a villa originally built for Prince Sihanouk's guests. Other properties followed, drawn by the neighborhood's combination of quiet elegance, proximity to the temples, and the cachet of the royal adjacency. Today, Sala Kamreuk contains some of the most photographed hotel pools in Southeast Asia.

For non-luxury travelers, Sala Kamreuk's side streets and lanes contain excellent mid-range guesthouses, local restaurants, and independent cafes that benefit from the neighborhood's quiet atmosphere without the premium pricing of the marquee hotels.

Where to Stay

• Amansara (Road to Angkor): Cambodia's most celebrated hotel — 24 suites in a beautifully restored 1960s villa; private pool suites; rates from $800/night; full board recommended; consistently ranked Asia's best small hotel
• La Résidence d'Angkor (River Road): Boutique luxury on the Siem Reap River; 62 rooms in traditional Khmer pavilion style; stunning pool; from $160/night
• Shinta Mani Angkor (Oum Khun St): Philippe Starck-designed luxury with a social mission; excellent restaurant; from $180/night
• Heritage Suites Hotel (Sala Kamreuk area): Award-winning boutique; 26 suites with outdoor bathtubs; garden and pool; from $95/night
• The Siem Reap Residence (adjacent lanes): Elegant mid-range guesthouse with pool and garden; from $55/night

Where to Eat

• Kroya at Amansara: Exclusive guests-only dining featuring refined Khmer cuisine; visiting non-guests may dine with advance reservation for lunch ($45 set menu)
• The Dining Room at La Résidence: Riverfront terrace serving Cambodian and international cuisine; mains $14–22; excellent sunset cocktail spot
• Cuisine Wat Damnak (Street 26, walking distance): The region's most acclaimed restaurant; seasonal Khmer tasting menus $32; advance booking essential
• Spoons Cafe (Road to Angkor vicinity): Social enterprise cafe supporting hospitality training; excellent sandwiches, cakes, and Khmer staples $4–9; one of the best lunch spots near the temples
• Local rice restaurants (residential lanes): Home-cooking style rice shops serving daily specials with grilled fish, vegetable curries, and rice for $1.50–3; authentic neighborhood dining

What to Do

• Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine: Small but significant shrine near the Royal Residence visited by Cambodians seeking blessings; respectful visitors welcome; fascinating daily religious activity
• Bicycle to Angkor temples: Sala Kamreuk is the ideal departure point for cycling the Angkor circuit; rentals from $3–5/day, e-bikes $7–10/day; the approach is flat and pleasant
• Spa treatments: La Résidence and Heritage Suites offer spa services to non-guests by appointment; 90-minute Khmer massage $40–75
• River kayaking: Several operators launch kayaks on the Siem Reap River near the neighborhood; 2-hour guided paddles $18–25 including local village stops
• Morning temple run: The neighborhood's proximity to Angkor means you can reach Angkor Wat before the tour buses; most hotels offer 4:30 AM tuk-tuks for the famous reflection-pool sunrise

Getting Around

• Tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat: 10–15 minutes, $3–4 one-way; full-day hire $15–20
• Tuk-tuk to Old Market Area: 10 minutes, $2–3
• Bicycle: Flat roads, easy cycling to both the temples and town center
• Hotel shuttle: Amansara and La Résidence provide complimentary temple shuttles for guests
• Grab: Available; typical town rides $1.50–2.50

Budget Guide

• Budget (local guesthouses): $25–45/day (guesthouse $20–35, local food $3–6)
• Mid-range boutique: $80–150/day (boutique hotel $55–95, restaurant dining $10–20)
• Luxury: $200–500/day (La Résidence, Shinta Mani level; fine dining included)
• Ultra-luxury: $900–1,500+/day (Amansara full-board experience)