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Siem reap Province

Siem Reap, located north-west Cambodia, is a charming provincial town defined by a cluster of villages, Chinese-style shop houses, and French-colonial architecture. As a gateway to the ancient temple ruins of Angkor, Siem Reap has experienced exponential growth in recent years with hotel and resort developments turning this once sleepy village into a tourism mecca.
Activities to experience in the town of Siem Reap include watching a traditional Cambodian “apsara” dance performance and participating in a Khmer cuisine cooking class to exploring the peaceful countryside on the back of a horse or on a quad bike. The rural outskirts offer plenty of interesting activities such as visiting craft villages, workshops and silk farms, taking a bike ride through the scenic countryside, or participating in a humanitarian assistance program by making a pump well donation or funding a local school.

Geography

Siem Reap Province is located in the northwest of Cambodia. It covers an area of approximately 10,299 square kilometers (3,991 square miles). The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap Town. Siem Reap is one of the most visited provinces in Cambodia due to its famous temples, particularly those in the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Siem Reap Province is predominantly flat, with its landscape characterized by low-lying plains and rice paddies.Siem Reap Province is predominantly flat, with its landscape characterized by low-lying plains and rice paddies. It borders the provinces of Oddar Meanchey to the north, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom to the east, Battambang to the south, and Banteay Meanchey to the west.

Administration:

The province is divided into 1 municipality and 11 districts and further subdivided into 100 communes and 907 villages.

Siem Reap Province is divided into several districts, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. The districts in Siem Reap Province are:

Angkor Chum: Known for its rural landscapes and agricultural activities.
Angkor Thom: Famous for its proximity to the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the Bayon Temple with its smiling faces.
Banteay Srei: Home to the Banteay Srei Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone.
Chi Kraeng: A predominantly agricultural district with rice paddies and traditional farming communities.
Kralanh: Features rural villages and local markets, offering a glimpse into traditional Cambodian life.
Puok: Known for the Angkor Silk Farm, where visitors can learn about traditional silk weaving.
Prasat Bakong: Contains the Bakong Temple, one of the early temple mountains in the Angkor area.
Siem Reap: The central district and hub of tourism, featuring the city of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Sout Nikom: An agricultural district with scenic landscapes and local crafts.
Srei Snam: A rural district known for its quiet countryside and agricultural activities.
Svay Leu: Home to the Phnom Kulen National Park, a significant historical and natural site.
Varin: A remote district with dense forests and traditional communities.
Each district contributes to the cultural and economic tapestry of Siem Reap Province, offering diverse experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Religion

The predominant religion in Siem Reap, as well as in Cambodia as a whole, is Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in the country. It deeply influences the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Cambodian people.
More than 99.3% of the people in Siem Reap province are Buddhists. About 0.4% population of Siem Reap province follows Christianity. Islam which is mostly followed by Chams is 0.2% in the province.

Climate

Siem Reap Province experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The wet season typically lasts from May to October, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity.
The dry season, from November to April, sees less rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) throughout the year

Economy

Tourism is the backbone of Siem Reap Province’s economy, with millions of visitors coming to explore the ancient temples of Angkor each year.
The tourism industry supports a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and souvenir shops.
Agriculture is also important, with rice cultivation being the primary activity in the rural areas surrounding Siem Reap Town.

Siem Reap Travel Guide

Siem Reap offers a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things you can do while visiting:

Angkor Archaeological Park: Home to iconic temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and many others.

Tonle Sap Lake: Offers opportunities to visit four main floating villages Chong Kneas, Mechrey, Kampong Phluk, and Kampong Khleang, and observe traditional Cambodian life.

Siem Reap Town: The provincial capital with its vibrant atmosphere, restaurants, markets, and cultural performances.

Banteay Srei: Known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.

Landmine Museum: Provides insights into Cambodia’s history of landmines and efforts to clear them.

Local Market: Siem Reap, Cambodia, is home to several markets catering to different tastes and preferences. While the exact number may fluctuate over time due to new developments or closures, here are some of the notable markets you might encounter in Siem Reap:

Old Market (Psar Chas): This is the most famous and centrally located market in Siem Reap, offering a wide range of products including fresh produce, spices, crafts, clothing, and street food.
Angkor Night Market: A popular evening market with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring a variety of stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, artwork, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to enjoy local street food and live entertainment. Pshar Leu Thom Thmey Market: Situated a bit further from the town center, this market offers a more authentic local shopping experience with fewer tourists. It’s a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, household goods, clothing, and more.

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Siem Reap offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Here are a few hotels in Siem Reap that are well-regarded by travelers:

  • DELUXE
  • Somadevi Angkor Hotel
  • Royal Crown Hotel
  • SUPERIOR
  • Ambar Angkor Village
  • Grand Bayond Hotel
  • STANDARD
  • The Twizt
  • Lub d
  • Onederz Siem Reap
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Dining in Siem Reap offers a tantalizing journey through Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage, blending traditional flavors with modern twists. From elegant fine dining establishments to vibrant street food stalls, the city caters to every palate and budget.
Here are some restaurants in Siem Reap that you might want to check out:

  • FINE DINING
  • Malis
  • Embassy Restaurant
  • Kroya
  • MID-RANGE
  • Sokkhak River Restaurant
  • Cafe Indochine
  • CHEAP EAT
  • Street food
  • Street 60 Siem Reap
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For booking bus and flight tickets in Cambodia, you have several reputable options. Here are some recommendations:

  • BUS TICKETS

Giant Ibis: Giant Ibis is one of the most popular bus operators in Cambodia, known for its comfortable and reliable services. They offer routes between major cities such as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Kampot.

Mekong Express: Another well-regarded bus company, Mekong Express provides services connecting various destinations in Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Virak Buntham Express: Virak Buntham operates a network of buses covering multiple routes within Cambodia and to neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. They offer both daytime and overnight bus services.

  • FLIGHT TICKETS

Cambodia Angkor Air: Cambodia Angkor Air is the national flag carrier of Cambodia, offering domestic and international flights. They operate flights to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and other regional destinations.

Lanmei Airlines: Lanmei Airlines is a Cambodian airline that provides both domestic and international flights. They offer routes connecting Phnom Penh with destinations such as Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok.

JC Airlines: JC Airlines is a relatively new airline in Cambodia, offering domestic flights to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. They focus on providing affordable air travel options.

Here are some important emergency contacts for Siem Reap, Cambodia:

Police: Dial 117 for the police in Cambodia. This number can be used to report emergencies, crimes, accidents, or any other incidents requiring police assistance.

Medical Emergency: For medical emergencies, dial 119. This will connect you to emergency medical services in Siem Reap, including ambulances.

Tourist Police: Siem Reap has a dedicated Tourist Police unit to assist tourists with any issues they may encounter. You can contact the Tourist Police by dialing 012 942 484 or visit their office located near the Angkor National Museum.

Embassy or Consulate: If you’re a foreign national and need assistance from your country’s embassy or consulate in Siem Reap, it’s important to have their contact information on hand. You can typically find this information on your country’s embassy website or by contacting them directly before your trip.

Fire Department: In the event of a fire or fire-related emergency, dial 118 to reach the fire department in Siem Reap.

Tourist Hotline: The Ministry of Tourism in Cambodia operates a tourist hotline for assistance with travel-related inquiries, complaints, or emergencies. You can reach the tourist hotline by dialing 1800 1234 or 012 939 191.

It’s a good idea to save these emergency contact numbers in your phone or write them down and keep them with you while traveling in Siem Reap. Hopefully, you won’t need to use them, but it’s always better to be prepared in case of an emergency.

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