Siem Reap
INTRO
Siem Reap is small province in Cambodia with a main city having the same name. Its proximity to the Angkor Wat, the sacred spirited centre of Cambodia, makes the city a favourite tourist destination. The city itself is vivid and colorful with houses in French styles that contrast with the Chinese-type architecture contributing to a very interesting combination of styles.
City Profile
City: Siem Reap
Country: Cambodia
Area: 10,549 km2
Population: 139,458
Language: Cambodian
LOCATION
Siem Reap is located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, as the province borders the lake Tonle Sap on south, which covers a large part of the district. 20% of the area is part of a preservation zone.
TIME TO VISIT
Basically Siem Reap, like the rest of Cambodia may be visited any time, but perhaps the best months are December and January, when the humidity and rainfalls are low. In February the temperatures can rise up to 40 C. Many tourists visit the place in the middle of April coordinating it with the spectacular festivals and celebrations of the Khmer New Year.
POPULATION
In 2005 the population was 139,458 in the city, while in the whole province there were 788,568 inhabitants. Since 1998 the population has been growing with the impressive 5.8% per year.
DISTRICTS
The province Siem Reap is divided into 10 districts and stretches on 10,549 km2 12 districts, 100 communes, and 921 villages.
- Siem Reap District - it is the main city and the place where is the part of Angkor area, a Cambodian symbol of great cultural value. Due to tourism in the past years the city has grown and developed fast.
- Angkor Thom District - it surrounds the famous, protected by UNESCO last capital city of the Khmer empire. The place is extremely unique, with its ancient temples and holy statues. The complex looks so unreal that you feel like you have fallen in another forgotten world.
- Banteay Srei District - it is in north-west Cambodia and surrounds the Banteay Srei site, 10th century Cambodian temple. The other districts are Chi Kraeng District, Puok Thala District, Kralanh District, Prasat Bakong District, Sout Nikom District, Srei Snam District, Svay Leu District, Variin District.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
- Angkor Wat - a stunning example of human devotion to their gods, a spiritual time machine that will bring you back with centuries. A holy place, known as "the largest religious monument in the world" http://www.angkorwat.org/
- Artisans d'Angkor - artisans d'Angkor is the beautiful shop of Les Chantiers Écoles, a school that have specialized teaching traditional crafts. In the shops you can find a lot of interesting objects and beautiful figures made by the children. The profits go back to the school's funds. It is open from 7:30am to 6:30pm. http://www.artisansdangkor.com/
- Land Mine Museum - an interesting museum which displays the types of mines using in the Cambodian's civil war. The details are very accurate and the place compares fairly with the new War Museum that has recently opened near the airport http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/
- Wat Bo - modern temples that offers different perspective from the sandstones of Angkor. It is open from 6:00am-6:00pm.
- Banteay Srey - a beautiful small size temple with pink sand walls that looks like taken from a fairytale. It was discovered in 1915 by a French archeologist and works till 5.00 p.m. It is best to visit it before 10a.m or after 2p.m when the colors look astonishing. http://www.cambodianonline.net/angkorwat506.htm
- Terrace of the Elephants - an amazing 350-long terrace with carved elephants, lions and garudas. It is a true masterpiece with amazing decoration of gold-framed windows and gorgeous mirrors. http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-terrelephants.htm
- Roluos Group - an impressive group of monuments from the first Khmer capital - Hariharalaya. Bakong is the name of the most famous member of the group, 15 meters tall and made of stone. http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-rolous.htm
AIRPORT
Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is located approximately 15 min away from Siem Reap's centre. There are regular buses and taxis that don't cost much, 5 or 4US $, sometimes even less. There are separate terminals for domestic and international flights.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Most of the spots can be reached by walking but the ways of transport in Siem Reap as really pleasant and cheap so you can afford to spoil yourself a little:
- Motorbikes: For less then a dollar some local will let you hop behind him. There will be plenty of such offers, but if you want you can rent a motorbike and a driver for like 10US$ for a whole day. He should provide you with a helmet.
- Bicycles: Most of the hotels provide them for free for the "only-town" usage or for a dollar or two. It is great to visit Angkor with a bicycle because the tarrain is flat and appropriate.
- Cars: Hotels may provide you with a car and driver for like 25$ per day. Also taxis can be hired for 10-15$ per day but pay them at the end of the trip. They tend to take your money and don't wait for you while you are sightseeing.
HISTORY
The city has ancient history that starts in 802, when the city is inhabited by the Khmer tribe and the great temples are a proof how high it was civilized from architectural side. Later in 1847, the Siem Reap became French colony and it is obvious by the style of the buildings in the city center. Soon after that in 1950 Cambodia fall under Vietnam government and after that it was Vietnam took control over it once more in 1978.
CITY LINKS
- Administrative Site of the Siem Reap's district http://www.siemreap-town.gov.kh/city_info/display/cms/frame/index.cfm?region_id=28&id=35&lang_id=3
- Angkor wat http://www.angkorwat.org/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Build Bright University http://www.bbu.edu.kh/
- Australian Centre for Education (ACE) http://www.idp.com/cambodia/ace/
- Angkor University http://www.yellowpages-cambodia.com/education/schools-and-educational-private/angkor-university-21021.html