Beautiful colonial buildings and tree-lined streets give the Old French Quarter a European flavour. The neighbourhood is popular with travellers and packed with lively cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Stroll along bustling Sivatha Boulevard, relax by the Siem Reap River and explore the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
Things to do in Old French Quarter
Handsome colonial buildings and traditional Chinese shopfronts line Sivatha Boulevard. Many are painted in bright colours and will charm you with elegant arched doorways, wrought-iron balconies and decorative windows. The architecture offers a fascinating glimpse of Cambodia during the French Indochina era.
Many buildings in the French Quarter are reimagined as light-filled cafes where you can enjoy coffee and croissants. Others house trendy boutiques and galleries run by local artisans. Street stalls will tempt you with “banh mi” Vietnamese rolls. The crusty French baguettes stuffed with pork, pickled vegetables and fresh coriander are a local favourite.
Use the Old French Quarter as a base to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Angkor Wat recalls the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. The enormous temple was built by a Khmer king in the 12th century and will stun you with incredible proportions.
Smaller temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom dot the sprawling 160-hectare complex. Exploring the jungle-covered ruins, climbing steep stone steps and peering into gloomy chambers is all part of the fun. Visit the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap to find out more about the ancient Khmer civilisation and the mesmerising temples.
Getting around Old French Quarter
The Old French Quarter is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Tuk-tuks are a fast and affordable way to get around the Old French Quarter or you can use taxis, while bicycles are an eco-friendly way to get around. Siem Reap International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.