Siem Reap – the city of temples in Cambodia

One of the most beautiful destinations is Siem Reap province, where the city of the same name is located. Not only the largest lake in Southeast Asia (Tonle Sap) attracts so some visitors. The capital in the northwest of the country gained its popularity mainly due to the famous temple complex called Angkor Wat.

A typical street of Siem Reap

The temples of Angkor can be reached very quickly from Siem Reap. The distance is just six kilometers. The origin of the city’s name has not yet been conclusively clarified. Translated, it means something like “Siam flattened/ defeated”. Some historians assume that the name refers to a Khmer victory over the army of the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya in the 16th century. However, since this has not been proven with certainty, the origin of the name remains a mystery for the time being. The national language in Cambodia is Khmer, only in a few regions in the northeast Krom is spoken. Payment is made in US dollars and the Cambodian riel, which is the currency of the country.

As mysterious as its name, the cultural city of Cambodia presents itself to its numerous visitors, who sometimes start to sweat at an average temperature of 32,8°c. Especially in the summer months the humidity in Siem Reap is very high, sometimes even around 82%, but even in winter it hardly drops below an average of 60%. These conditions allow many unique plants to grow distinctly and provide the viewer with a beautiful display of flowers. At every corner there are impressive and typical impressions of the country, which can be captured individually. Siem Reap also has a lot to offer in the area of street food. Eating is done with everything that is available. Whether chopsticks, cutlery or even with the hands, the street food tastes best in the smallest restaurants and is very authentic. The larger restaurants are more reminiscent of school cafeterias and offer a less pleasant atmosphere.

The traditional dance art of the Cambodian people fills the inhabitants of the capital Siem Reap with pride to this day. So it is not surprising that this example is regularly performed in the “Angkor Village Theater”. In contrast to the traditional representations on many temple walls, the dancers are dressed in the traditional way, but complementary they keep themselves covered on top. The population of about 174,000 is certainly interested in tourism. Fortunately, they have preserved these and other, exciting cultural rites for posterity. Almost the entire population of the country Cambodia and thus of course in Siem Reap is Buddhist. The country’s religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is considered one of the most peaceful religious directions.

Not far from Siem Reap, the heart of every fishing enthusiast beats faster, because in the Tonle Sap Lake there are huge fish deposits. Fishing and the cultivation of rice have always been a livelihood for the population of the capital and the surrounding villages. But also long walks, in the landscape surrounding the lake are a great experience. A bird sanctuary, as well as numerous national parks complete the incomparable experience in nature around Siem Reap. Waterfalls, untouched nature and magical sunsets make a stay in Cambodia’s capital and its surroundings unforgettable.