About Siem Reap

Siem Reap, the gateway city to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, has transformed from a quiet provincial town into one of Southeast Asia's most important tourism destinations. With a population of 226,000, this charming northwestern Cambodian city serves as the base for exploring Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The extraordinary growth of tourism has shaped the modern city - from just 7,650 visitors in 1993 to an astounding 2.6 million by 2018. The Angkor complex spans over 400 square kilometers and contains scores of temples built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, representing the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture and Hindu-Buddhist art. Over 50% of Siem Reap's jobs are now related to tourism, while approximately 120,000 people live within the archaeological park itself, creating a unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary livelihoods.

Beyond its role as a temple gateway, Siem Reap has developed its own distinctive character with vibrant night markets, the famous Pub Street entertainment district, traditional Apsara dance performances, and the fascinating floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. The city expertly balances preservation of Khmer cultural traditions with modern hospitality infrastructure, offering everything from budget hostels to five-star luxury resorts. Local artisan workshops keep ancient crafts alive, producing intricate silk weaving, stone carving, and silver work. The Old Market area remains a hub of local life where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts, while riverside restaurants serve both traditional Khmer cuisine and international fare. Siem Reap's unique position as both a living city and the custodian of humanity's greatest architectural treasures makes it an irreplaceable destination for cultural exploration and historical understanding.