Siem Reap | Cambodia

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second-largest city and the primary gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. As of January 2026, the city is navigating a complex period of rapid infrastructure growth amid localized border instability and a nationwide effort to modernize tourism services.

Historical Timeline

802–1431: Served as the heart of the Khmer Empire. Most major temples, including Angkor Wat, were constructed during this period.

1860s: French explorer Henri Mouhot "rediscovered" the Angkor complex, sparking Western interest and the subsequent development of the town for visitors.

1975–1979: The city was evacuated under the Khmer Rouge; many heritage sites were neglected or damaged.

2023–2026: A pivotal era of modernization, marked by the opening of a new international airport (2023) and the introduction of digital arrival systems (2024).

Demographics & Population (2026)

The provincial population is estimated at 1,115,000, with the urban center housing approximately 252,000 residents.

Median Age: Consistent with the national average of 26.2 years, reflecting a young, tourism-dependent workforce.

Tourism Impact: In January 2026, the city continues to host over 2 million annual visitors, with a significant surge in long-haul travelers following the airport expansion.

Urban Layout & Districts

Old French Quarter: Located along the river; contains colonial architecture, high-end boutiques, and the FCC Angkor.

Wat Bo Area: Evolved into a sophisticated district for boutique hotels and artisanal coffee shops.

Pub Street & Old Market (Phsar Chas): The city's entertainment and commercial core; characterized by dense night markets and nightlife.

Angkor Archaeological Park: A 400 $km^2$ protected zone north of the city containing over 1,000 temples.

Run Ta Aek Techo Sen: A newly established "eco-city" and administrative municipality north of the main city.

Top Landmarks & Attractions

Angkor Wat: The world’s largest religious monument; famous for its five lotus-shaped towers and extensive bas-reliefs.

The Bayon: Located in Angkor Thom; characterized by 216 massive stone faces carved into its 54 towers.

Ta Prohm: Left in a state of "controlled ruin," where giant silk-cotton trees grow directly out of the temple walls.

Phnom Bakheng: The premier site for sunset views over the temple canopy.

Tonle Sap Lake: Located 15km south; features stilted and floating villages (e.g., Kampong Phluk).

Angkor National Museum: A high-tech facility documenting the history of the Khmer civilization.

Transportation & Infrastructure (2026)

Aviation: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is fully operational. Located 40km east of the city, it can handle 7 million passengers annually. It replaced the old airport in 2023 to protect the temples from flight vibrations.

Arrival Card: As of 2026, all travelers must submit an electronic e-Arrival Card (CeA) within 7 days before arrival.

River Transit: A new 70-seat air-conditioned express boat now connects Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (via Kampong Chhnang) in approximately 4 hours.

Current Status (January 21, 2026)

Weather: Peak dry season. Today is sunny with a high of 33°C and a low of 19°C. Visibility is high (6–8 miles).

Security Advisory: Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed as of January 2026 due to recent armed conflict in border areas. Travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and monitor local media.

Displacement: Humanitarian efforts are active in the region to support over 140,000 people displaced by the border hostilities in late 2025/early 2026.

Air Quality: The AQI is currently Moderate (86).

Angkor Pass Prices (2026)

1-Day Pass: $37

3-Day Pass: $62 (valid for 10 days)

7-Day Pass: $72 (valid for 30 days)

Note: Pass loss penalties are severe, ranging from $100 to $300.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity: The name "Siem Reap" translates to "Siam Defeated," referencing a 16th-century victory over the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (modern Thailand). A local legend concerns Wat Phnom, where Lady Penh’s discovery of four Buddha statues is said to have occurred because the Tonle Sap river reversed its flow-a real hydrological event that still occurs annually, causing the river to change direction during the monsoon.