What makes Siem Reap stand out on the global travel map today is not only its ancient temples but also its growing reputation for safety and comfort, especially for people travelling alone. In a recent study by UK based travel specialist Travelbag, Siem Reap was ranked seventh among the safest cities in the world for solo travellers, a recognition that reflects the city’s steady rise as a trusted and welcoming destination in Southeast Asia. This ranking reinforces Cambodia’s improving international image as a place where independent explorers can feel confident navigating new surroundings while enjoying rich cultural experiences.
How Did Siem Reap Perform in the Global Safety Study?
How exactly was this ranking determined and why did Siem Reap score so well? Travelbag evaluated 36 international cities using a combination of factors that matter most to solo travellers, including daytime and nighttime safety scores from the Numbeo Crime Index, affordability, ease of getting around, transportation quality, and overall traveller friendliness. Siem Reap achieved a strong daytime safety score of 85 and a nighttime score of 69, placing it ahead of major global cities such as Montreal and Tokyo, and firmly within the global top ten for solo travel safety.
What Role Does Angkor and the City’s Layout Play in Traveller Confidence?
Why do solo travellers feel comfortable exploring Siem Reap on their own? A big part of the answer lies in the city’s compact layout and its well developed tourism ecosystem. Siem Reap Province is home to the world famous Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, and the routes connecting major attractions are well travelled and easy to navigate. The city’s manageable size, combined with reliable tuk tuk services and a strong presence of tourism businesses, creates a reassuring environment for visitors who prefer to explore independently.
What Are Solo Travellers Saying About Their Experience in Siem Reap?
What do real travellers experience on the ground? Many solo visitors sharing their stories on social forums describe Siem Reap as a place where moving around on foot or by tuk tuk feels generally safe and straightforward. Central areas such as Pub Street and the Old Market are often mentioned as lively yet comfortable zones, especially during the evening, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a friendly destination where travellers can enjoy local life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
Why Is Solo Travel Driving Siem Reap’s Global Appeal Right Now?
Why does this ranking matter at this particular moment? Globally, solo travel is on the rise, especially among younger generations seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and flexible travel experiences. The Travelbag study highlights that safety remains the top concern for solo travellers, particularly Gen Z and millennials planning trips in 2025 and beyond. Siem Reap’s strong performance positions it well to capture this growing market at a time when destinations that combine safety, affordability, and authenticity are in high demand.
What Does This Ranking Mean for Cambodia’s Tourism Industry?
How could this recognition impact Cambodia’s wider tourism sector? Tourism experts suggest that Siem Reap’s appeal to solo travellers could support a more diverse visitor base as the industry continues its post disruption recovery. Solo travellers often spend more on local tours, dining, and cultural activities, which can generate broader economic benefits beyond traditional group tourism. Adding to this momentum, Siem Reap was previously voted by British travellers as the second best winter sun holiday destination for 2025, just behind Bangkok, further strengthening its global tourism profile.
Conclusion
So what does Siem Reap’s seventh place ranking really tell us? It shows that the city has successfully combined cultural heritage, traveller friendly infrastructure, and a sense of everyday safety that matters deeply to modern explorers. As global travel trends continue to shift toward independent and experience driven journeys, Siem Reap is well positioned to shine not only as the gateway to Angkor but also as one of the world’s most reassuring destinations for solo travellers.