The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap

Royal Independence Gardens is 492 m west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 6 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “parks & nature”.

The next two places under “parks & nature” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are Flying Foxes (580 m) and Kulen Elephant Forest (1.2 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Royal Independence Gardens is a public park in central Siem Reap, accessible around the clock along National Route 6. Visitors find a landscaped space with historical statues, mature trees, and good lighting that extends into the evening. The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm shrine sits within the gardens themselves. The park draws joggers, walkers, and people playing casual sports, and several cafes nearby serve coffee.

Guests consistently describe the gardens as clean and well-maintained, with a peaceful atmosphere suitable for a stroll regardless of the time of day. Many highlight the cultural and spiritual quality of the space, particularly around the shrine. The most distinctive feature visitors mention is the congregation of hundreds of flying foxes hanging in the trees—an unusual sight that recurs across multiple reviews. Some acknowledge the gardens are pleasant rather than exceptional as a destination in themselves, though most find them worthwhile for a visit. The area feels safe to move around in at night when lit, and it works for families, friends, or couples seeking a quiet break.

The gardens are open continuously, making them accessible for early morning walks or evening visits. The site requires no entry fee and works best as a stop during a wider exploration of Siem Reap rather than as a standalone destination. The flying foxes are most active and visible in the early morning and at dusk. Those interested in local history and spiritual sites, or anyone wanting a green space to move through without crowds, will find it suitable; visitors primarily seeking dramatic natural beauty or wildlife encounter may feel it offers less.

• 492 m from the hotel — about 6 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 2,954 travellers on Google

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6, National Route 6 (Airport Road), Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours
• Sunday: Open 24 hours

Royal Residence is 570 m south-west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 7 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “sights”.

The next two places under “sights” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are Made in Cambodia Market (895 m) and Fair Trade Village (1.4 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

The Royal Residence is a garden complex in central Siem Reap featuring landscaped grounds, historic statues, and shrines. Visitors find it a functioning civic space where locals exercise in the mornings and evenings, and a place where Cambodian national events are gathered. The gardens sit near the river, with French colonial architecture visible along the waterfront.

Guests consistently praise the well-maintained grounds and peaceful atmosphere for walking. Many note it as an accessible escape in the heart of the city, where you can observe daily life and interact with locals. Reviewers mention the gardens have been recently renovated and are worth the visit regardless of your reason for being in Siem Reap. The ambiance and photo opportunities are frequently mentioned as appealing.

The gardens are easily reached on foot from hotels in the surrounding area—around a 3 to 4 kilometre walk is manageable. Early morning, between 9:30 and 10 am, is a good time to visit if you want to see locals exercising. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds. It suits anyone looking for a quiet, local-oriented break from temple touring, and those wanting to photograph colonial riverside architecture and garden landscapes.

• 570 m from the hotel — about 7 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 368 travellers on Google

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NR6, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Flying Foxes is 580 m west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 7 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “parks & nature”.

The next two places under “parks & nature” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are Royal Independence Gardens (492 m) and Kulen Elephant Forest (1.2 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Flying Foxes is a bat colony in central Siem Reap that roosts in trees within an urban park. These are large bats, comparable in size to small cats, with wingspans that make them distinctive when airborne. The colony remains active throughout the day, though visitors report they are most animated at sunrise and sunset. The site is free to visit and accessible at any time, sitting amid everyday city life—near a temple, vendors, and open to foot traffic and local residents using the space for exercise or recreation.

Visitors consistently emphasize the experience as remarkable and worth multiple visits. Many note the surreal coexistence of the bats with human activity: people playing badminton or doing morning exercises in close proximity while the bats go about their routines undisturbed by noise, music, or crowds. The colony is reliable—reviewers mention returning night after night across visits spanning days or weeks. Some visitors bring drinks and settle in to watch. One caveat: the surrounding area can be loud, with temple drumming and amplified music from nearby venues, though this apparently does not deter the bats. Weather can be unpredictable, and heavy rain sometimes forces early departures.

Sunrise is the optimal time to visit, when the bats are most active and the air is cooler. The site requires no tickets or advance booking. Bring a camera if you wish to photograph them, though their erratic flight patterns make still photography challenging—video may be more practical. The location suits anyone interested in wildlife behavior and natural history, and the free access makes it a low-commitment addition to a Siem Reap itinerary. Plan for the noise and crowds around the site, which are part of the urban context where these bats have chosen to live.

• 580 m from the hotel — about 7 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 111 travellers on Google

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Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours
• Sunday: Open 24 hours

Brother Bong Cafe is 594 m south-west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 7 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe (1.1 km) and Dialogue (1.3 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Brother Bong Cafe sits on Street 20 in Siem Reap, open daily from early morning to late afternoon. It functions as a proper breakfast and lunch stop rather than a quick coffee counter, with a menu that stretches from English breakfast plates and smashed avocado to Khmer dishes, sandwiches and baguettes, alongside its coffee program, which has roots in an earlier Phnom Penh location.

Reviews are largely enthusiastic, with repeat visitors mentioning the coffee, particularly iced lattes, and the generous, well-made baguettes and breakfast plates as standouts. Vegetarian options and friendly, attentive staff come up often, and some travellers say they returned daily during longer stays. A few notes of caution surface too: one visitor found the sausage in a dish more like a street-style meatball than expected, and another flags that credit cards are not accepted, something staff did not volunteer in advance.

Go for breakfast or lunch rather than a late-day visit, since it closes in the afternoon, and expect it to be busy even on weekends, so a short wait for a table is possible. Bring cash to be safe, as card payments have not always been accepted. It suits travellers wanting a relaxed, well-designed café setting with a broad menu covering both Western breakfast staples and Khmer food, and it has drawn a loyal following among those coming back multiple times during a Siem Reap stay.

• 594 m from the hotel — about 7 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,167 travellers on Google

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Street 20, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:15 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:15 A

The River Gallery is 599 m south-west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 7 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “museums & galleries”.

The next two places under “museums & galleries” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are The Cocoon House - Art Gallery, Concept Store, Fashion Vintage and Skate Shop - by Cocoon Limited (1.7 km) and VIMEAN SOKHA MUSEUM (2.5 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

A small gallery in Siem Reap showing paintings by Cambodian artists, ranging from established names to those exhibiting for the first time. Visitors describe it as compact rather than sprawling, with original pieces and prints available across a range of price points, giving the space a working-gallery feel rather than a museum-style display. Part of the appeal is the story behind the art itself, with several works reflecting the artists' own perspectives on Cambodia's past.

Guests consistently mention the quality and atmosphere as standing apart from the artwork sold around the night market and Pub Street area, calling it a more serious stop for anyone actually interested in buying local art. The staff come up often and favourably, with one visitor naming a guide, Julia, whose explanations of individual paintings were described as bringing the work to life. Reviewers also note that a portion of sales revenue goes toward supporting art education for students, which several found meaningful rather than incidental to the visit. No real complaints or caveats surface in the reviews, though its small size is mentioned as a fact rather than a flaw.

The gallery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It suits travellers with an interest in contemporary Cambodian art, whether browsing or looking to buy an original piece or print, and works well as a quieter counterpoint to the temple circuit. Given the small footprint, a visit tends to be short, but those keen on hearing about individual works should allow time to talk with staff rather than just walk through.

• 599 m from the hotel — about 7 minutes on foot
• Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 362 travellers on Google

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Krong Siem Reap 171202, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Legend Cinemas Siem Reap is 713 m west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 9 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “cinema”.

The other place under “cinema” within reach of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap is Sabay Cinema Siem Reap (1.7 km).

Legend Cinemas Siem Reap is a multiplex cinema in the city centre offering standard and premium screening options. Visitors find well-maintained halls with spacious seating, good air conditioning, and controlled lighting. The cinema shows films in original versions with subtitles across 2D, 3D, and VIP screening rooms. Regular tickets cost around $3.50, with premium VIP options available at higher prices. Online ticketing is straightforward and accepts credit card payment without requiring account registration.

Guests consistently praise the comfort of the seats and the quality of the sound system. The air conditioning is noted as effective, and the cinema stays cool even during afternoon screenings. Staff are described as helpful and friendly. Several visitors mention the VIP theatre option, which includes reclining La-Z-Boy style seats, blankets, and complimentary snacks and drinks brought to your seat. Prices across the board—for tickets, snacks, and drinks—are reported as very affordable compared to cinemas elsewhere. No significant complaints appear in visitor feedback.

The cinema is open daily from 9 AM to 10:30 PM, making it accessible for both afternoon and evening screenings. It suits anyone wanting a comfortable, air-conditioned escape in Siem Reap, whether watching a mainstream release or catching up on international films. The VIP option works well for couples or anyone seeking a more relaxed, cushioned experience. Given the modest ticket prices and friendly service, it's worth checking what's currently screening before visiting.

• 713 m from the hotel — about 9 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 504 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

9V75+22Q, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Sunday:

The Heritage Walk is 762 m west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 10 minutes on foot.

The Heritage Walk is an upscale shopping complex in Siem Reap designed around a hybrid concept that blends indoor retail with outdoor and natural features. The mall includes a multiplex cinema, a handful of international food chains (Starbucks, Domino's, Pizza Company, Dairy Queen), a few retail outlets such as Miniso, and a basement play area. The building itself is spacious with thoughtful architectural layout, but much of the retail space sits empty.

Visitors consistently note that the mall feels quiet and under-occupied, with only a fraction of shops and restaurants operating. Most reviewers describe the atmosphere as deserted or declining, with limited variety for browsing or shopping. The practical reality for many is that the mall functions mainly as a spot for coffee or a quick meal rather than a destination for serious shopping. While the concept was apparently sound, the execution has not drawn sustained foot traffic, leaving large sections of the facility closed or vacant.

The mall operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Parking is paid, though the fee is waived if you make a purchase; visitors should note that a lost parking ticket incurs a 5,000 riel penalty. It suits visitors seeking air-conditioned dining options, a movie, or a coffee break in a quieter setting, but it is not the place to rely on for variety in shopping or dining unless you are specifically after one of the anchoring chains. The contrast between its designed potential and current activity level is notable enough that reviews suggest checking what is actually open before making the trip.

• 762 m from the hotel — about 10 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.0 out of 5 by 1,273 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

NR6, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday:

Made in Cambodia Market is 895 m south-west of The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap — about 11 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “sights”.

The next two places under “sights” from The Secret Garden Hotel, Siem Reap are Royal Residence (570 m) and Fair Trade Village (1.4 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Made in Cambodia Market is a curated marketplace on Oum Khun Street selling locally made handicrafts, jewelry, and silk scarves alongside street food stalls. It differs from Siem Reap's larger tourist markets by operating at a smaller scale with a focus on artisan-made goods: handcrafted jewelry, brass and copper items, textiles, handbags, and artwork. The market also stocks local alcohol options. Benches near the entrance provide a place to rest between browsing.

Visitors consistently praise the atmosphere and product quality. The market is calm, well-organized, and notably clean compared to busier markets. Shopkeeping styles differ markedly from high-pressure sales tactics found elsewhere; staff are described as friendly and non-pushy, allowing browsing at leisure. The goods carry higher prices than mass-produced souvenirs, reflecting their handmade nature and quality. Repeat visitors mention specific stallholders like jewelry maker Say Sieng. The main reservation from reviews is cost: this is not the place for budget shopping, though visitors who prioritize quality over price consistently say it justifies the expense.

The market opens daily from noon to 9 PM. It suits travellers looking for distinctive, genuinely Cambodian souvenirs rather than generic tourist stock, and those who prefer a relaxed shopping environment without crowds or negotiation pressure. Allow an hour to browse comfortably. If you're staying in central Siem Reap and want to support local artisans while shopping in a pleasant setting, it's worth the visit; if your priority is finding bargains, look elsewhere.

• 895 m from the hotel — about 11 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 2,615 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Oum Khun St, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM