Province of Cambodia, located North West of the country. Siem refers to Siam, and Reap means ‘defeat’, thus Siem Reap means ‘Siam Defeat’. The name is called after the Siam was defeated by Khmer army during the war in 16^th century. Long time after the event the name of Siam comes to Siem, so that today they call this province ‘Siem Reap’.

Siem Reap was a hot place of war between Khmer Rouge and government during the war time 1980 – 1993. Population is small if compare to others provinces of Cambodia. They lived in fear and poor. Since 1993, first election that governed by UNTAC (United Nation Transitional Authority of Cambodia), Siem Reap is opened to the world, many soldiers of UN came to Siem Reap and meet with many local. They are happy to help to rebuild this country.

Since year 2000, Prime minister of Cambodia had opened this province to the world by using his effective policy is called ‘Open Air Policy’. Siem Reap have many countries want to flight direct from their city to Siem Reap with stop. This is the good policy for Siem Reap province. Many tourism companies have come for their business and build their resort for welcoming their visitors from over the world.

Now Siem Reap known as a high class province with many foreigners live for their business. Old colonial buildings are attracted to the visitors; they can enjoy their evening time for shopping, experience foods, massage, drinking, and many activities in the small vibrant town which centered at the old market and bar street

Attracting places in Siem Reap

Angkor Temples: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of elephant and leper king, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen, Beng Mealea…

Tonle Sap

Art School “Artisant d’Angkor” and Silk Farm at Pourk District

Cambodian Cultural Villages

Museum (National & Landmine)

Zoo

Pagodas (Wat Bo & Wat Thmei pagoda & Museum)

Kulen Mountain with it Grand Buddha and Water Fall

Bird Reserve at Preak Toal

Handicraft activities in Khmer villages (one village one product)

Visa

Visitors can obtain visa on arrival at the Siem Reap airport. Visa cost USD 20 per head. At least 5 ID size photos are required. No photo USD 5 will be charged.

Now visitors can obtain visa online: www.mfaic.gov.kh

Passes per person:

Angkor archeological site:

1 Day: US$20

2-3 Days: US$ 40

4-7 Days: US$ 60

Phnom Kulen: US$ 20

Beng Mealea: US$ 5

Koh Ker: US$ 10 (include Beng Mealea)

National Museum: ?

Cambodian Cultural Villages: US$ 9

Balloon: US$ 15 (10Minutes)

Elephant:

Phnom Bakheng: US$ 15

          From South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon: US$ 10

Land Area: Land covers an area of 10544 square km.  Siem Reap is known as a high potential province for tourism, forestry, fishery and agricultural products, has 2 millions foreign visitors in year 2007.  The area covers 12 districts, 100 communes, 875 villages.

Population: 788, 568 (2005).