Siem Reap is a city in northwestern Cambodia and the capital of Siem Reap Province. Serving as the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park and its world-renowned temples such as Angkor Wat, the city blends ancient Khmer heritage with a vibrant modern tourism scene. Once a quiet river town, it is now Cambodia’s second-largest city and cultural hub.
Key facts
- Country: Cambodia
- Population: about 225,000 (2019 estimate)
- Location: Northwest Cambodia, near Tonlé Sap Lake
- Primary industry: Tourism
- UNESCO site nearby: Angkor Archaeological Park (1992)
History and origins
Siem Reap’s name—often translated as “Siam defeated”—alludes to historic Khmer-Thai conflicts, though the story is largely legendary. The area has been inhabited for millennia, with early Khmer capitals such as Hariharalaya established nearby in the 9th century CE. After the fall of Angkor in 1431, the region declined until its “rediscovery” by French explorers in the 19th century, spurring archaeological work by the École française d’Extrême-Orient and later mass tourism.
City and culture
Situated along the Siem Reap River north of Tonlé Sap Lake, the city retains French-colonial and Chinese shophouse architecture in its Old Market and French Quarter. Modern Siem Reap offers a lively mix of Khmer culture and cosmopolitan influences—exemplified by Apsara dance shows, art galleries, and social-enterprise cafés. Its Pub Street area and night markets provide an energetic nightlife balanced by Buddhist pagodas and nearby countryside.
Tourism and attractions
Only six kilometers from Angkor’s entrance, Siem Reap is the base for exploring dozens of temples including Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. Beyond the ruins, visitors frequent the Angkor National Museum, the Cambodia Landmine Museum, and boat excursions to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap. Cultural events such as the Bon Om Tuk (Water Festival) and the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon highlight the city’s calendar.
Modern development
Since the 1990s, Siem Reap has transformed into a regional travel hub with an international airport and improved infrastructure under the 2020–2035 Tourism Master Plan. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has rebounded with renewed emphasis on sustainable tourism and preservation of its Khmer heritage.
