Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Siem Reap?
No, tap water in Siem Reap is not safe to drink. The city’s water supply, managed by the Siem Reap Water Supply Authority, has limited treatment capacity and an unreliable distribution network, especially in areas surrounding the Angkor temple complex.
Water Source
Siem Reap draws water from the Siem Reap River and groundwater wells, with a treatment plant that has expanded in recent years but still struggles to keep pace with the tourism-driven population boom.
Contaminants & Concerns
Treatment capacity is limited and inconsistent, particularly during the wet season (May–October) when flooding increases turbidity and contamination of the Siem Reap River. Many neighbourhoods outside the town centre lack municipal connections and rely on untreated well water. Bacterial contamination is widespread.
Tips
- •Use bottled water for all drinking and teeth-brushing — sold everywhere for about 1,000 riel
- •Carry extra water when visiting Angkor Wat and the temple complex, where vendors charge premium prices
- •Many hotels and guesthouses offer free filtered water refills — bring a reusable bottle to reduce plastic
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data