Siem Reap province, located in northwestern Cambodia, is world-famous as the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire.
History
The history of Siem Reap is inextricably linked to the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to 15th centuries, with its capital in the Angkor region. The name “Siem Reap” itself means ‘Siam Defeated,’ referencing a 16th-century victory by the Khmer king Ang Chan over the Thai (Siamese) army. After the Khmer Empire’s decline, the region fell under Siamese administration for a period until it was ceded to French Indochina in 1907. The French “re-discovery” of the Angkor temples in the mid-19th century played a crucial role in the town’s resurgence as a tourist destination, a role that was interrupted by the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime. Since the late 1990s, the province has focused on tourism and development.
Geography
The province is generally flat, lying on the floodplains of the Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The provincial capital, Siem Reap City, sits just a few kilometers north of the lake and is surrounded by rice paddies and the dense jungle that once concealed the Angkor temple ruins.
Climate
Siem Reap has a tropical climate with distinct seasons:
Cool/Dry Season (November to March): The most popular time to visit. Temperatures are warm (around 23°C-29°C), and rainfall is minimal.
Hot Season (March to May): Extremely hot, with temperatures often soaring up to 37 C before the rains begin.
Rainy/Monsoon Season (May to October): Characterized by high humidity and daily heavy rain showers, usually brief, often occurring in the afternoon. The rain transforms the landscape, making the countryside and the floating villages on Tonle Sap particularly lush and vibrant
Getting Around
The most common and popular ways to get around Siem Reap are:
- Tuk-tuks (or Remorks): The iconic three-wheeled motorcycle taxis are the primary way to hire a driver for temple tours or short trips around the city. Fares should be negotiated beforehand.
- Motorbike Taxis (Motos): Faster and cheaper for single riders and short distances within the city.
- Bicycles: Excellent for leisurely exploring the city center and the closer temples for fit travelers.
- Private Car/Van: For longer temple loops, trips to outer provinces, or for air-conditioned comfort, especially in the heat.
How to Get There
Siem Reap is easily accessible:
- By Air: The Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is the main hub, connecting the city to major regional cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and various locations in Vietnam and China, as well as domestic flights from Phnom Penh.
- By Bus/Minivan: Comfortable, air-conditioned buses and minivans connect Siem Reap with the capital, Phnom Penh (about 5-6 hours), and other major Cambodian cities like Battambang.
- By Private Taxi: A faster, more direct, though slightly more expensive, option for overland travel from Phnom Penh.
What to Do
While the Angkor Temple Complex (including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon) is the main attraction, Siem Reap offers much more:
- Explore the City: Stroll through the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and the various Night Markets for shopping and street food. The famous Pub Street is the center of the city’s nightlife.
- Cultural Experiences: See a show at Phare, the Cambodian Circus (a socially conscious performance combining acrobatics and theater), attend a traditional Apsara Dance performance, or take a Khmer cooking class.
- Countryside & Lake: Take a day trip to the Tonlé Sap Lake to visit a floating or stilted village like Kampong Phluk. Alternatively, explore the countryside on a bicycle or quad bike tour.
- Museums: Learn about the country’s difficult past at the Cambodian Landmine Museum or delve deeper into Khmer art and civilization at the Angkor National Museum.
