Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province. Located approximately 314 km northwest of Phnom Penh, the city lies close to the archaeological site of Angkor. It is therefore a must-visit destination for tourists in Cambodia. Siem Reap is considered the gateway to the famous Angkor temples, the most important tourist attraction in both the city and the country.

History

The name Siem Reap, which means "Defeated Siamese," refers to a battle between the Siamese and Khmer armies. The Siamese army came from the Kingdom of Siam, now known as Thailand.

In 1907, Siem Reap Province was under Siamese control. A century later, it was returned to Cambodian administration. The École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) was appointed to oversee the excavation, restoration, and maintenance of the Angkor site.

The region was controlled by the Khmer Rouge starting in 1975.

Siem Reap today

Siem Reap is a city in full development. Its tourist attractions have been growing rapidly. Tourism began to pick up in the early 2000s. As a gateway for foreign capital, most of the city's hotels and shops are built around the Old Market. Other commercial zones are located near Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and along National Road 6. Since 1994, the Angkor temples have also been gaining popularity among tourists.

The city's architecture today combines modern and colonial styles, reflecting the historical French presence in Cambodia. Siem Reap includes a French Quarter near the Old Market, built in a colonial style with many traditional Khmer elements.

In 2008, the population of Siem Reap was around 175,000. A majority of its residents are of Vietnamese origin. During the 1970s, at the time of the war against the Americans, many Vietnamese fled their country and settled in this part of Cambodia.

One of the most popular activities among tourists in the region is eating like a Khmer. Khmer cuisine is considered by locals to be an essential part of their culinary heritage. Generally, Cambodians are used to eating while sitting on the ground. In contrast, due to its colonial history, the city has also developed a scene for international cuisine. Visitors can find French and Italian food in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is also known for its local liqueur called Sombai. This drink is inspired by Sraa Tram, a type of infused rice wine traditionally consumed by Cambodians. Each bottle is hand-painted, making it a popular handcrafted souvenir among tourists. The city even has a dedicated tasting room for Sombai, located in a traditional Khmer wooden house. This space has become one of the city’s tourist attractions.

To retrace the history of Khmer civilization, the Angkor National Museum is an essential stop when visiting Siem Reap. The museum offers several galleries that preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the region. These artifacts also reflect the richness of ancient local art.

Tonlé Sap is a symbol of biodiversity in the Siem Reap area. The name Tonlé Sap means "great freshwater river" in Khmer. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is home to nearly 300 species of freshwater fish and more than 100 varieties of aquatic birds, including storks and pelicans.

Just a few kilometers from Siem Reap, the temples of Angkor remain the most important attraction in the province and in Cambodia. It is also a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Southeast Asia. Angkor is a vast archaeological site considered to be a museum of Angkorian civilization. Amid the ruins and ancient architecture, visitors can discover the last great capital of the Angkor Empire.

Climate

According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, Siem Reap has a tropical climate with a dry winter and a very wet summer, including a high level of precipitation. The city records an average rainfall of 29.9 mm. In September, during the rainy season, precipitation can exceed 500 mm.

The average annual temperature is 28.9°C. April is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C. In contrast, the coldest month is December, when temperatures can drop to 26°C.

How to get there

By plane

The city has an international airport called Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. It is about a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city center.

By boat

Every day at 7 a.m., Siem Reap connects to Phnom Penh by boat, traveling up the Tonlé Sap River from a small village located 13 km from the city. The journey between the two cities takes about 4 to 5 hours.

By bus

Siem Reap has a bus station located 8 km from the city center. From Phnom Penh, the trip takes around 6 to 7 hours. The city is also served by several domestic and cross-border bus lines from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Getting around

By bicycle

To experience the beauty of the city, it is convenient to get around by bicycle. Widely used by Cambodians, this mode of transport is the best way to experience local life.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation in Siem Reap. Fares depend on the distance traveled and the number of passengers.

What to do

• Explore the famous Angkor temples to learn about the ancient Angkorian civilization 
• Visit Tonlé Sap Lake and take a boat ride to discover the floating villages 
• Visit the Angkor National Museum