Siem Reap, Cambodia
Region: Siem Reap is located in the Siem Reap province
Geographic Coordinates: 13.362200, 103.860000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate patterns in Siem Reap, Cambodia include a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year with highs averaging around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
Population: 147866
Language: Khmer
Siem Reap is a charming city located in the northwestern part of Cambodia. It is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat, One of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Siem Reap has become a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Angkor Wat, But it also has plenty to offer visitors in its own right. Siem Reap’s history dates back to the 9th century when it was founded as a Khmer Empire capital. The city was abandoned for centuries until French explorers rediscovered it in the late 19th century.
Today, Siem Reap’s architecture reflects its rich cultural heritage and colonial past. One of Siem Reap’s top attractions is Angkor Wat, Which attracts millions of visitors every year. The temple complex covers an area of over 400 square kilometers and includes more than 100 temples and other structures built between the 9th and 15th centuries. Visitors can explore these ancient ruins on foot or by bike or tuk-tuk. In addition to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has many other historical sites worth visiting.
These include Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces carved into towering pillars; Ta Prohm Temple with its massive trees growing out of ancient ruins; and Banteay Srei Temple with intricate carvings that are considered some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Aside from historical sites, Siem Reap offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking through nearby forests or boating on Tonle Sap Lake – one of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lakes – where visitors can see floating villages and observe local fishermen at work.
Siem Reap also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants offering everything from traditional Cambodian cuisine to international dishes like pizza and sushi. Visitors can sample local delicacies like amok (a coconut curry dish) or try street food like fried insects or grilled meat skewers. Shopping is another popular activity in Siem Reap, With many markets and boutiques selling everything from traditional handicrafts to designer clothing. The Old Market is a must-visit destination for its colorful stalls selling souvenirs, Spices, And fresh produce.
Overall, Siem Reap is a fascinating city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, And natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples or trying new foods, There’s something for everyone in this vibrant Cambodian city.
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm Temple
- Angkor Thom City
- Banteay Srei Temple
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages
- Preah Khan Temple
- Bakong Temple
- Angkor Night Market
Major Industries and Businesses in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Handicrafts
- Education
- Hospitality
- Retail Trade
- Transportation
Tourism
Siem Reap is renowned for its ancient temples such as the iconic Angkor Wat that draw millions of tourists annually making tourism the city’s primary source of income.
Agriculture
The surrounding areas of Siem Reap are fertile and suitable for agriculture with rice, vegetables, fruits and other crops grown in the region.
Handicrafts
There are many local artisans who produce traditional handicrafts like silk weaving, wood carving pottery making and silver jewelry.
Education
Several schools and universities offer education to both locals and foreigners.
Hospitality
With a large number of tourists visiting each year there has been an increase in hotels, resorts and restaurants catering to them.
Retail Trade
The city has a growing retail industry with shops selling souvenirs, clothing items etc.
Transportation
Taxi, tuk-tuks etc have also gained prominence due to an increase in tourist footfall. Transportation services like taxis, tuk-tuks etc have also gained prominence due to increase in tourist footfall.
- Siem Reap is most famous for the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, which was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II.
- Siem Reap was once the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries.
- One of the most notable kings of the Khmer Empire, Jayavarman VII is credited with building many temples and monuments in Siem Reap and other parts of Cambodia.
- Siem Reap was part of French Indochina from 1863 until Cambodia gained independence in 1953.
- During Pol Pot’s reign and his Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975-1979, many people were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Siem Reap.
- In recent years, there have been significant efforts to clear landmines left over from past conflicts in Siem Reap and other parts of Cambodia.
- The Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has been involved with conservation efforts at Angkor Wat and has also adopted a child from Cambodia.
- In recognition of its cultural significance, Angkor Wat was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
- Angkor Wat: The most famous temple complex in Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bayon Temple: Located in the center of Angkor Thom, this temple features 54 towers with carved faces.
- Ta Prohm Temple: Known for its jungle setting and the roots of trees growing over and around the temple ruins.
- Angkor National Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries.
- Artisans Angkor: A social enterprise that supports local artisans by training them in traditional crafts such as silk weaving, stone carving, and wood carving.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus: A contemporary circus that showcases traditional Cambodian performing arts.
- Landmine Museum & Relief Center: A museum dedicated to educating visitors about landmines and their impact on Cambodia’s people and society.
- Banteay Srei Temple: Known for its intricate carvings made from pink sandstone, this temple is located about 25 km northeast of Siem Reap city center.
- Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages: Take a boat tour to see floating villages where people live on houses built on stilts above the water’s surface.
- War Museum Cambodia – Siem Reap Branch: This museum displays military equipment used during Cambodia’s civil war era with information about each item displayed.
- Siem Reap United Football Club – founded in 2013, the club competes in the Cambodian League 2.
- Angkor Tigers Football Club – established in 2016, the club participates in local leagues and tournaments.
- Siem Reap Basketball Association – a non-profit organization that promotes basketball among youth and adults through training sessions and tournaments.
- Angkor Warriors Volleyball Club – a team of local volleyball enthusiasts who participate in friendly matches with other clubs.
- Bokator Martial Arts Association – promotes traditional Khmer martial art called Bokator through training sessions and competitions.
Overall, while Siem Reap does not have a rich history of professional sports teams or major sporting events, there is still a growing interest in various sports among locals and expats alike.
- Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: This yearly event lures runners from all corners of the globe to participate in a half marathon across the magnificent temples of Angkor.
- Khmer New Year: Celebrated in April, this festival marks the beginning of the Khmer calendar and is a time for family gatherings, customary dances, and indulging in delicious feasts.
- Water Festival: Also known as Bon Om Touk, this November festival honors the conclusion of monsoon season with boat races on Tonle Sap River and splendid fireworks displays.
- Angkor Photo Festival: This week-long occasion exhibits some of the finest photography from around the world at various locations throughout Siem Reap.
- Cambodian Cultural Village: This theme park provides visitors with an immersive experience into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, handicrafts demonstrations, and more.
- Bayon Festival: Held annually in December at Bayon Temple inside Angkor Thom, this festival features traditional music and dance performances by local artists.
- Phare Circus: This performance troupe combines acrobatics, theater, music, and dance to tell stories inspired by Cambodian folklore and modern life.
- Siem Reap Art Center Night Market: Every Saturday night local artisans showcase their handmade crafts at this vibrant night market while live music provides a festive atmosphere for shoppers to enjoy.
- Amok Restaurant is famous for its traditional Khmer dishes, especially the amok curry.
- Cuisine Wat Damnak is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Cambodian cuisine using local ingredients.
- Marum offers a mix of traditional Khmer and contemporary dishes while supporting disadvantaged youth.
- Sokkhak River Restaurant, situated along the Siem Reap River, provides authentic Khmer cuisine in a stunning location.
- New Hope Restaurant is a social enterprise that offers vocational training to underprivileged youth and serves affordable yet delicious Cambodian food.
- Phare Café by Phare Circus focuses on fresh ingredients and supports local farmers while serving contemporary Khmer cuisine.
- Viroth’s Restaurant provides modern international cuisine alongside traditional Cambodian dishes in an elegant setting.
- The Sugar Palm Restaurant & Bar is renowned for its flavorful curries and innovative approach to classic Cambodian fare.
- Mie Café & Gallery is an enchanting café that showcases local art and crafts while serving delectable coffee, cakes, and light meals.
- Tiny Corner Cafe is a cozy establishment that serves scrumptious breakfast options along with smoothies, juices, and coffee beverages.
- Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts of the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
- Phnom Kulen National Park is home to a stunning waterfall, ancient ruins, and a sacred mountain.
- Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is a butterfly farm that aims to educate visitors about Cambodia’s native butterfly species.
- Preah Prom Rath Pagoda Park offers visitors peace and tranquility with its pagoda, gardens, and statues of Buddha.
- Siem Reap Art Center Night Market is an outdoor market featuring local handicrafts, food stalls, and live music performances.
- Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia offering boat tours for exploring floating villages and wildlife reserves.
- Cambodian Cultural Village is a theme park showcasing traditional Khmer architecture along with dance performances and cultural exhibits.
- Angkor Golf Resort boasts of an 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Quad Adventure Cambodia offers off-road quad bike tours through rural villages and rice fields near Siem Reap for adventure enthusiasts.
- Phare Circus Show features unique circus performances by Cambodian artists combining acrobatics, theater, music, and dance to narrate stories about Cambodian life and culture.
