The Best of Cambodia & Laos

106
SIEM REAP
6
WHERE TO DINE
No. 353 Pokambor Ave. & 063/964-774. www.shadowofangkor.com. 35 units. $20 river balcony A/C;
$15 double A/C; $8 double fan. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: A/C, TV, fridge.
Sun Sengky Guest House This is a no-nonsense clean, bright, and well-run option
with secure parking right near Psar Chas on Sivatha Road. There are few frills (just TV,
fridge, and air-conditioning) but the rooms are large and new with an outside veranda.
The wide, white tiled corridors are certainly not going to win any prizes for subtlety of
decoration, but they might win some for light, bright functionality. It is the equivalent
of a good motel in Missouri after a long drive across the Midwest. The staff is relaxed but
precise and efficient, and the security guard stays wide-awake all night.
No. 15 Sivatha Rd. & 063/964-034. 27 units. $10 double fan; $15 double A/C. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar. In room: A/C, TV, fridge.
3 WHERE TO DINE
Dining in Siem Reap is not a pricey affair. The major hotels all have fine upscale eateries,
and there are also several good free-standing spots. The area around the Old Market is a
cluster of storefronts, most of little distinction from one another, but all are affordable
and laid-back.
EXPENSIVE
Le Bistrot de Siem Reap FRENCH The atmosphere in this restaurant is
wonderfully charming, with old French music playing lightly in the background, light
gray walls with the ceiling trim and accent walls painted warm maroon, and black lacquer
tables with mixed wooden and rattan chairs. The walls are adorned with old posters
advertising voyages to the Far East, but the cuisine is a superb culinary trip to France.
The wine list is a work in progress, so ask for a recommendation. They also have a good
selection of Cuban cigars. It’s a wonderful, tasty slice of old Indochina.
Central Park, P.O. Box 93145, Siem Reap. & 063/760-428. Main courses $15–$26. AE, MC, V. Daily
6:30am–midnight.
Meric KHMER This is a slick, trendy restaurant located in the equally stylish
Hôtel de la Paix. The Western dishes are stronger than the Khmer menu, though both
are constantly changing with the latter often offering off-the-beaten path specials such as
mashed snake or frog. The steaks here are the best in town and service is tops. There is
outdoor dining around a stately bodhi tree in the central courtyard, or indoor tables near
the open kitchen.
Sivatha Blvd. & 063/966-000. Main courses $18–$26. AE, MC, V. Daily 6–10:30am, noon–3pm, and
6–10:30pm.
MODERATE
Abacus ASIAN/FRENCH This restaurant, set in a traditional Cambodian stilt
house, is a refreshing change from the eateries along Pub Street. There is a central bar
made of volcanic stone and a few tables with rattan chairs on the first floor, underneath
the house. Terrace seating upstairs is divided among various small, cozy rooms. The
menu is written on a chalkboard and you can choose from a good selection of either
Asian rice bowls or Western mains with a couple of side dishes.
Oum Khun St. & 012/644-286. Main courses $5–$17. No credit cards. Daily 11am–late.