Old Market (Psar Chas) / Pub Street

The main tourist area with the most restaurants, bars, and shops concentrated in a walkable zone. Convenient but crowded, with pickpockets and scammers working the area. Main streets are reasonably safe but watch your belongings.

Old Market sits in the city center between the Siem Reap River and Pub Street. During the day, the actual market (Psar Chas) has vendors selling produce, souvenirs, and daily goods - you'll see local families shopping next to tourists. Pub Street becomes pedestrian-only around 5 PM and fills with travelers eating and drinking. The concentration of hotels, restaurants, and cafes means English is spoken everywhere and you'll constantly run into other tourists. This is where most backpackers and budget travelers stay. The downside: the crowds attract pickpockets and scammers. Where Pub Street meets Sivatha Boulevard, gangs of kids and women run aggressive scams and have gotten nasty in recent years. Avoid that corner, especially at night. On the main streets, tourist police are visible but the crowds still give thieves opportunities. Keep valuables in crossbody bags and use Grab for late-night rides.