Siem Reap Province

Siem Reap Province consists of 12 districts, 100 communes, and around 875 villages. Most of the villages are located in the districts of Angkor Chum, Chi Kreng, Krolanh, Puk, and Sot Nikum. Angkor Thom district is the most well-known because the main Angkor Wat monument and the ancient city of Angkor Thom are located in this district. Many people also travel to Banteay Srei district to visit the famous Banteay Srei temple.

Cambodia enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warmth and humidity. During the monsoon season, plentiful rainfall supports the growth of a diverse range of crops. This consistent tropical weather makes Cambodia a fantastic destination for tourism. Visitors can rest easy knowing that the country is not prone to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, and it remains largely unaffected by tropical storms.

Travelers can explore Cambodia year-round, but those planning to drive extensively should be cautious during the last two months of the rainy season, as some rural roads may become difficult to navigate. The average temperature hovers around 27 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, while April tends to be the hottest. Here’s a brief overview of the provincial climate:
– Cool season: November to March (23-29°C)
– Hot season: March to May (27-37°C)
– Rainy season: May to October (24-33°C, with humidity reaching up to 90%).

Siem Reap Province primarily focuses on attracting foreign tourists, largely thanks to the renowned Angkor Temples. Since 2000, the region has experienced impressive economic growth, often reaching double-digit increases. Various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and transportation, benefit from the steady stream of visitors, which exceeded 1 million in 2007.

In addition to tourism, the provincial economy has also seen growth from a robust fishery sector. Each year, thousands of tons of fish are exported both domestically and internationally. While farming and fruit cultivation have become less lucrative, they remain important for many of the impoverished rural residents who contribute to the province’s overall revenue.

A detailed examination of the flora in Siem Reap Province reveals that a significant portion is comprised of low-lying wetland areas, particularly prominent in the southern regions. During the rainy season, these areas inundate rice fields and various agricultural plantations. In contrast, the northern part of the province is characterized by lush forests, showcasing a rugged jungle environment.

The Mekong River, although not particularly wide, plays a crucial role in the ecological and daily life of Siem Reap Province. It originates from Phnom Kulen and traverses the northern section of the province before emptying into Tonle Sap Lake.

While snakes, spiders, geckos, and other insects remain present, the wildlife in Siem Reap Province is limited, except for a few monkeys that can be seen around the temples. Most of the region’s wildlife is managed and conserved within designated animal parks.