Where to stay in Siem Reap for the Bayon
Siem Reap is the base for the Bayon and the rest of Angkor. If you are looking for Siem Reap hotels, the choice comes down to the area, not to one famous address. The town has four main zones: the centre around the Old Market and Pub Street, the quieter streets of Wat Bo, the budget side of Sok San, and the road toward the temples with its larger resorts.
You cannot sleep inside the Bayon, and no hotel is guaranteed to be close to a particular gate. Plan your days around the temple hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and book a stay that makes early starts easy. If you have not yet chosen your tours, start with our Angkor Wat tours with the Bayon.
Getting from Siem Reap to the Bayon
Most visitors reach the temple by tuk-tuk, taxi or on a guided tour with hotel pickup. Agree the price and the hours with the driver before you set off. If you buy your Angkor Pass at the counter, it lies on Apsara Road, about 4 km from the town centre, and opens at 5:00 a.m.
Siem Reap areas compared
Qualitative orientation. Every area has quiet and busy corners, so read the exact address before you book.
| Area | Character | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Old Market and Pub Street | Central, lively in the evening | Food, nightlife and walking everywhere |
| Wat Bo | East of the river, residential streets and smaller hotels | A calmer base close to the centre |
| Sok San | West of the centre, budget places | Low-cost stays |
| Road toward the temples | Larger resorts along the Charles de Gaulle corridor | Resort-style stays on the way to the park |
For most first-time visitors the centre is the easiest base, because food, shops and transport are close. Choose Wat Bo if you want a quieter street, Sok San if price comes first, and the temple road if you want a resort with a pool.
Our pick: two days from your hotel
A two-day tour that collects you at your hotel in Siem Reap on both days, so any base in town works.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours that pick you up from your hotel
Guided visits to the Bayon and Angkor, many with pickup in Siem Reap, with live prices and availability. Check each listing for pickup details.
Siem Reap hotels: a rough price guide
Typical nightly ranges for 2026. They are a guide, not an offer, and prices change with the date and the season.
| Type | Rough price per night |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed | 6 to 12 USD |
| Guesthouse double room | 15 to 30 USD |
| Mid-range hotel with pool and breakfast | 40 to 80 USD |
| Boutique or heritage hotel | 90 to 200 USD |
| Luxury | From 250 USD |
Check what is included before you book: taxes, breakfast and cancellation terms differ. For most visitors a mid-range hotel with a pool is the practical choice, because a pool helps after a hot day among the ruins.
What to check before you book
The details that decide a good stay.
Registration
If you stay in a hotel, guesthouse or rental, the operator should register you in the national guest system. This is separate from the arrival card you complete before you fly in.
Cambodia travel tips →Early starts
The Bayon opens at 7:30 a.m., and tours often start earlier with pickup at your hotel. Ask whether breakfast is served early or packed, and whether the tour can pick you up at the door.
Airport transfer
The airport is about 50 km from the town. Ask whether your hotel can arrange a car, and agree the price first. Free airport transfers are not something to assume.
Season
Rates change through the year. The cooler dry months are the most comfortable for staying in town, as the best time to visit page shows.
More guides for your stay
For the wider choice of hotels and areas around the park, see where to stay for Angkor. The walled city around the Bayon has a separate guide at where to stay for Angkor Thom.
Where to stay in Siem Reap: frequently asked questions
Which area suits a stay for the Bayon?
For most first-time visitors the centre around the Old Market and Pub Street is the easiest base. Wat Bo is calmer, Sok San is cheaper and the temple road has larger resorts.
Can I stay at the Bayon itself?
No. There is no lodging at the temple. You stay in Siem Reap and travel to the Bayon by tuk-tuk, car or tour.
How much do Siem Reap hotels cost?
As a rough 2026 guide, a dorm bed costs 6 to 12 USD, a guesthouse double room 15 to 30 USD, a mid-range hotel with pool and breakfast 40 to 80 USD, and a boutique or heritage hotel 90 to 200 USD. Luxury starts at about 250 USD. These are guides, not offers.
Do I need to book a hotel in advance?
A visit to the Bayon does not itself require a hotel booking. It is still sensible to fix your first night before you land. For the rest of your stay, compare listings for your dates.
Does my hotel need to register me?
Yes. The operator of a hotel, guesthouse or rental should register guests in the national system. This is separate from the arrival card.
Do hotels include airport transfers?
Do not assume free airport transfers. The airport is about 50 km from the town, so ask your hotel whether it can arrange a car and agree the price first.