tourism growth in siem reap

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Siem Reap master plan highlights Cambodia's will to welcome back international travelers

By YANG HAN in Hong Kong | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2021-10-25 20:36

As Cambodia prepares for reopening, the country's new tourism master plan will play a key role in promoting post-pandemic recovery of the sector, experts say.

"(The master plan) comes at a key moment that sees the tourism industry awaken after a prolonged pandemic which caused a slump in travel globally" and devastated the hospitality-related businesses, Arnaud Darc, president of the Cambodia Restaurant Association, told China Daily.

"The time to rebuild has come," said Darc, who is also chairman and CEO of the Thalias Hospitality Group, one of Cambodia's premier hospitality companies.

Cambodia launched the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-35 on Oct 20.

The master plan will "play an important role to promote the quality, safety and sustainable development of the tourism industry in the province in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era," Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth said at the online launch event, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the master plan prescribed seven key strategic areas for the province's tourism development.

That includes development of major tourist sites, development of new tourism products, promotion of tourism, enhancement of the quality and sustainability of provincial tourism, environmental management, development of infrastructure, connectivity and tourism governance, he said.

According to the master plan, Siem Reap was expected to attract 7.5 million international tourists and 10.9 million domestic tourists by 2035, creating some 940,000 jobs and generating about $5.9 billion in revenue.

Siem Reap province, in northwestern Cambodia, is home to the 400-square-kilometer Angkor Archeological Park, the kingdom's most popular tourism destination that was inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1992.

About 2.2 million out of some 6.6 million international tourists to Cambodia visited the centuries-old temple complex in 2019, yielding gross revenue of $99 million in ticket sales. But in the first nine months of 2021, only about 6,100 foreign visitors visited the park, according to Xinhua.

Heng Kimkong, visiting senior research fellow at the Cambodia Development Center, a Phnom Penh-based think tank, said the master plan is vital to Cambodia tourism's post-pandemic recovery as it came at a much-needed time when the kingdom needs to bounce back from the economic fallout caused by COVID-19.

"It is essential to have the tourism master plan which will provide clear strategies and directions on how to restore the tourism sector and leverage it to its full potential after the pandemic," Heng told China Daily.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the related travel restrictions have hit Cambodia hard as tourism accounts for a sizable contribution to the nation's economy.

"Up until 2019, tourism was the country's second-largest growth driver that contributed almost 20 percent of real GDP," said Darc from the Cambodia Restaurant Association, noting that the COVID outbreak has led to the beginning of a socio-economic crisis unseen for years for Siem Reap as the pandemic pulled down employment and household savings.

"Almost all hospitality enterprises suspended their activity or closed permanently,"  Darc pointed out.

The launch of the master plan comes as Cambodia gears up to reopen its economy and welcome back vaccinated foreign travelers.

Media reports have said earlier that the Southeast Asian nation was preparing to open up the country for vaccinated travelers in November.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Oct 22 that the country will gradually resume economic activities in the lead-up to full reopening, given that the domestic COVID-19 situation has improved significantly with fewer daily infections and deaths, according to The Phnom Penh Post.

Cambodia reported 128 new COVID-19 cases on Oct 24, bringing the total tally to 117,772, according to data released by the country's health ministry. It was the lowest daily increase since early April. The number of active cases also dropped significantly to just above 2,000 from more than 5,000 a month ago.

Cambodia has vaccinated 85.4 percent of its 16-million population as of Oct 24. Around 81 percent of people have been fully vaccinated with two doses, according to official data.

"Without its high vaccination rate, it will be impossible for Cambodia to open its doors to foreign tourists, let alone local holidaymakers," said Cambodia Development Center's Heng.

China has provided 34.8 million COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia as of Oct 14, including 5.8 million doses donated by the Chinese government and 500,000 donated by the vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech, according to the Chinese embassy in Cambodia.

Noting that Cambodia has also drawn a roadmap for tourism recovery during and after COVID-19, Darc said the kingdom's plan to boost tourism will propel the industry into a virtuous cycle.

"With the opportunities it creates … I expect to see investments flowing in the sector in the coming 3 to 4 years (will be) even more than (what) we have seen pre-COVID-19," Darc said.

Besides tourism, Heng from the Cambodia Development Center said the kingdom also needs to find ways to improve its agricultural sector, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, expand its skilled workforce, and move away from a low-skilled, labor-intensive growth model.

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Angkor Wat: The Impacts of Mass Tourism

October 18, 2019 •

6 min reading

Overtourism is now a term that is frequently used to describe the negative impacts of excessive tourism on a destination. The impacts of overtourism are numerous and even if the term is quite new, we can find traces of this concept already among scholars in the beginning of mass tourism . Plog, for example, related the evolution of the number of tourists in a destination to the type of tourists visiting that same destination.

Tourists are divided into 3 categories:

• Allocentric tourists with a preference for non-touristy areas and novel destinations
• Midcentric tourists , being less adventurous and preferring quasi mainstream attractions
• Psychocentric tourists , seeking familiarity and preferring tour packages.

What the figure below below illustrates is that the more touristic the destination is, the more psychocentric the tourists are. This modification in tourists’ segments has a direct impact on the destination.

Typically, psychocentric travelers can cause cultural change, because of their demand for standardized infrastructures and services, economic leakage because of their use of services provided by foreigners (e.g. tour packages) and loss of clients, because allocentric and mid-centric tourists will leave for other destinations.

Figure 1: Plog’s tourist model of destination preferences

Cambodia, and more specifically, Angkor Wat’s nearby city Siem Reap, is a great example of this phenomenon.

• In 1992, the archaeological site of Angkor is added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. With the political stabilization in the country, tourism explodes.
• While only 118,183 international tourists visited the country in 1993, Cambodia hosted 6,201,077 visitors in 2018 .
• To host the booming tourism, an airport is built in Siem Reap in 2006.
• In 2017, Angkor Wat is chosen as the World’s Top Tourism Landmark by TripAdvisor .
• In 2018, 2,590,815 foreign visitors arrived in Siem Reap, representing 38.3% of the country’s international tourism.

Tourism growth has impacted tourism segments throughout the years.

In the early 2000s, the main visitors to Cambodia were westerners (USA, France, UK). Now China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Korea account for 67.1% of the tourism industry, with 32.6% for the Chinese market, which represents an increase of 67.2% between 2017 and 2018.

In 2011, Chheang studied tourists’ motivations to visit Angkor Wat. The study showed that the main interests to visit the region were learning new things, local culture and history and experience the local atmosphere. These interests, which could be attributed to allocentric travelers, were stronger among non-Asian tourists than among Asian tourists. The increase of Asian tourists in Angkor Wat could lead to the replacement of allocentric travelers by psychocentric travelers.

Cambodia and Angkor Wat are becoming increasingly attractive to Chinese tourists.

Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister declared wanting to target 20 million Chinese tourists in 2020 and he uses all the necessary means to achieve his objective.

There are currently 31 direct flights per week between Siem Reap and China, Chinese investments are encouraged by the government (e.g. a Chinese company obtained a concession to build a new airport near the Angkor Wat area, the construction is expected to be completed by 2022) and the government created an accreditation for “Chinese-friendly” tour operators, based on the criteria of the Ministry of Tourism’s China Ready Center.

But what are the impacts of these modifications of tourism segments?

First, Chinese tourists tend to frequent Chinese-owned businesses and usually book organized tours with them. These preferences, typical of psychocentric travelers, increase the economic leakage, already very high in Cambodia.

In 2008, although only 15% of the touristic infrastructure in Siem Reap was owned by foreigners, 28.3% of the benefits left the country. Moreover, Chinese tourists usually spend only a few days in the destination, therefore, they spend little. In 2018, the average length of stay was seven days, one day less than in 1995. Chinese tourists, and more generally, the Asian tourism market is booming, replacing slowly the decreasing old markets, like westerners.

On the other hand, with the great relations between Cambodia and China, many Chinese companies are investing in the development of the country, creating jobs, building bridges, roads and solar power plants. Moreover, Chinese tourists are also interested in nature, this is the second main attraction for them in Cambodia, after culture. To meet their demand for nature, the Cambodian government promotes and develops eco-tourism. For example, Kulen Revealed, has provided, since 2018, community-based ecotours in Kulen Mountain, near Siem Reap.

A Chinese-dominated tourism economy generates diverse impacts in a destination such as Siem Reap.

The tourism strategy needs to be managed carefully, focusing on the right segments to avoid irreversible impacts. In Thailand, Chinese tourists are also a major segment, representing 8.7 million visitors in 2016. The government had to take measures, like banning cheap tours bringing no benefits to the country or discouraging big tour groups.

These measures, combined with cultural differences between the level of education between tourists and the local population, can limit the conflicts and avoid tourism rejection seen elsewhere (e.g., Venice, Barcelona, etc.). Moreover, the new Chinese generation differs from its predecessors. They are mostly independent travelers, seeking unique experiences.

With 149.2 million Chinese tourists in the world in 2018, destinations need to understand how they can tap into this growing market, without compromising the interests of other markets.

References:

Aldama, Z. (2017). How Chinese tourists are changing the world. Post Magazine . Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/2113116/how-chinese-tourists-are-changing-world

CAPA. (2018). Siem Reap new international airport. CAPA . Retrieved from: https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/newairports/siem-reap-new-international-airport

Chheang, V. (2011). Angkor heritage tourism and tourist perceptions. Tourismos: an international multidisciplinary journal of tourism, 6 (2), 213-240. Retrieved from: http://www.chios.aegean.gr/tourism/VOLUME_6_No2_art13.pdf

Construction & Property. (2019). Cambodia to see massive infrastructure investment from Chinese firms. Construction & Property . Retrieved from: https://www.construction-property.com/read-news-1612/

Connor, L. (2019). ‘They only go to Chinese shops’: why Cambodia’s influx of mainland tourists is causing tensions. This week in Asia . Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2180257/they-only-go-chinese-shops-why-cambodias-influx-mainland-tourists

Neth, B. (2011). Angkor as World Heritage Site and the Development of Tourism: A Study of Tourist Revenue in the Accommodation Sector in Siem Reap-Angkor. In: World Heritage Angkor and Beyond: Circumstances and Implications of UNESCO Listings in Cambodia (pp.147-176). Retrieved from: http://books.openedition.org/gup/313

Peltier, D. (2018). Independent Chinese travellers close gap with tour groups. Skift . Retrieved from: https://skift.com/2018/10/29/independent-chinese-travelers-close-gap-with-tour-groups/

Plog, S. C. (2001). Why destination areas rise and fall in popularity: An update of a Cornell Quarterly Classic. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 42 (3), 13-24

Southern, N. P. (2017). Cambodia’s tourism industry: A Kingdom for more tourists. Globe. Retrieved from: https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodia-future-tourism/

Sullivan, N. (2015). Siem Reap warned Chinese tourists pose challenge and opportunity. The Phnom Penh Post . Retrieved from: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/siem-reap-insider/siem-reap-warned-chinese-tourist-post-challenge-and-opportunity

Tourism Statistics Department, Ministry of tourism [MOT]. (2006). Cambodia tourist statistical report 2006. Ministry of tourism . Retrieved from: https://www.catacambodia.com/Cambodia%20Tourism%20Statistics%20-%202006.pdf

Tourism Statistics Department, Ministry of tourism [MOT]. (2018). Tourism Statistics Report - Year 2018. Ministry of tourism . Retrieved from: https://amchamcambodia.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Year_2018.pdf

Vannak, C. & Manet, S. (2016). Cambodia-China tourism pact. Khmer Times . Retrieved from: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/7913/cambodia-china-tourism-pact/

Xinhua (2019). Chinese tourists make nearly 150 mln outbound trips in 2018. China Daily . Retrieved from: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201902/14/WS5c64e2fca3106c65c34e9528.html

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Ecotourism to be developed in cambodia’s siem reap.

Waterfall in Phnom Kulen, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo by Kim Seng

The Government of Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment plans to develop and establish ecotourism in protected areas of Siem Reap, Kampong Speu, and Koh Kong provinces under the “Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project.”

Areas that will potentially be developed include the Preah Jayavarman-Norodom National Park “Phnom Kulen”; the Oral Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Central Cardamom Mountain National Park; and the Tatai and Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Cambodia aims to diversify its tourist destinations and tourism products. Currently, tourism in the country is overconcentrated in Siem Reap Province, leading to imbalanced growth across provinces, and creating mounting pressure on the Siem Reap heritage sites.

Read full article at  https://greatermekong.org/ecotourism-be-developed-cambodias-siem-reap-kampong-speu-and-koh-kong-provinces

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Siem Reap hospitality industry brimming with optimism

Leading hoteliers appeared to pin their optimism on the prospects of the new Siem Reap International Airport boosting visitor numbers.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia) anticipated more number of flights from the new airport as well as the upcoming airport in Phnom Penh scheduled to open in 2025. “This will make Cambodia more accessible to new markets and easier to discover. All it needs are these additional links, and Cambodia already boasts enough tourism attractions to both match and complement other Southeast Asian travel destinations.”

Giulio D’Alberto, General Manager, Zannier Hotels, Phum Baitang, believes the effectiveness of the new airport will dictate the fortunes of the bigger players like Raffles, Hyatt and Sofitel.

“Wealthy people will always have no issues in travelling,” he said.

D’Alberto explained that while the first quarter looks much better than last year, it is in the second and third quarters that the problems will begin to emerge. This is the time when Europeans start travelling and with the continent in recession, people will cut down on excesses. “They will prefer to travel within the continent (Spain, Italy, Greece, South of France), avoiding spending up to $10,000 for a family of four to travel to Asia, on a 20-hour journey in economy class and two changes of airport,” he added.

According to figures released by Statista, the estimate for revenue volumes for the hotel industry in Cambodia for 2024 is $106.8 million. The number marks an annual revenue growth rate of 9.20 percent, taking the market volume to $151 million by 2028. The market is expected to see users totalling 1.19 million by 2028. The hospitality market will see 83 percent of the total revenue being accounted for by online sales by 2028.

“I think the steady growth in tourist numbers will continue to steadily grow,” said William Lake, co-owner of Olive & Lake. While the recovery hasn’t been as quick as most hoped, there’s no denying that improvement is underway, he added. While many Siem Reap hotels reopened recently, demand still remains below expectations and some will struggle for survival.

There will only be a slight increase in numbers on the previous year for tourists, felt Steve Lidgey, General Manager, Travel Asia a la carte, a far cry from the heady days of 2019. “However, travellers will stay longer and be seeking more rewarding and self-riching experiences in their travels,” he said.

Painting a rather more pessimistic image was Craig Dodge, Director of Sales and Marketing of Phare Circus. He said, “High airfares, limited flights, sluggish economies and aggressive marketing from neighbouring competitor destinations dampen the recovery.” He asked suppliers to come up with unique and sustainable experiences to lure high-value travellers.

Explaining the complexities of air connectivity for European visitors, D’Alberto joined the chorus for direct flights from Europe, or at least with one stop only. He underlined the need for a new airline that must fly to Siem Reap, preferably from the Middle East. “It will be more comfortable for Europeans. When flights will be more affordable travellers will come back, not only on the high sector but mid and low too,” he said.

Lake summed up the mood of the industry saying, that with the continued development of local and international infrastructure and steady growth in demand, there’s hope that things continue to improve for the hospitality sector through 2024.

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Home » Siem Reap: The Next Economic Powerhouse of Cambodia

Siem Reap: The Next Economic Powerhouse of Cambodia

Updated June 2021

The rapid growth of economy and population in Phnom Penh is affecting the traffic situation, mobility, and infrastructure capacity of the capital city of Cambodia. Because of the exceptional developments in the city over the years, if not almost, Phnom Penh is close to reaching its peak.

Luckily, just about 5 hours away from Phnom Penh, is a rising alternative to the capital city, a rapidly developing area which is said to be The Next Economic Powerhouse of Cambodia – the city of Siem Reap. 

WHY INVEST IN SIEM REAP?

Off to a prodigious economic rise, there lies a promising future in Siem Reap city. Numerous developments are being constructed today transforming the city into the next Economic and Investment Hub in Cambodia. 

The Ministry of Tourism has developed the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2020-2035, a strategic framework that aims to remodel the city and optimize the use of the province’s key resources and communities. 

Once completed and executed properly, Siem Reap will be the strongest counter magnet of Phnom Penh. It can leapfrog the population density of Phnom Penh. It can even become one of the best economic hubs in Asia—the likes of South Korea’s Incheon, Thailand’s Chiang Mia, Japan’s Yokohama, and China’s Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

• MASSIVE ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Traveling around Siem Reap city would be a lot easier, thanks to the on-going transportation works across the 12 districts. For regular and future commuters, expect that there will be a total of 38 new and improved roads (approximately 108.74 km) that will serve the city.

As this road project continues, more public transportation options connecting areas of Siem Reap are expected to be established. In addition, it is also expected to reduce travel time substantially, along with improved mobility and security through CCTVs, sidewalks and public spaces.

A move to commercialized the city even more, this project may seem to affect the environment but ACTUALLY, it will not. Part of the project’s objective is also to bring back the natural beauty of the Siem Reap river by upgrading the sewage and drainage systems.

• CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SIEM REAP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Expected to rise in 2023 , the new international airport in Siem Reap is currently being built on a 750 hectare plot in Ta Yek commune, Sotr Nikum district (approximately 46 km southeast of Siem Reap city) at a cost of $900 million.

The project is being built into three phases which will include the construction of new 4E runways, airside stations, taxiways, new terminal buildings, airport ancillary projects and supporting facilities including municipal and special highways.

With two airports in the province, Siem Reap can become one of the best locations for logistics, shipping and business process outsourcing. A potentially logistics hub that can ship high value goods to international markets and host to companies servicing airlines, undertaking aircraft maintenance and repair.

Siem Reap will be more ideal for convention centers, recreation facilities and leisure establishments because of its convenient access to the international airports. 

The new airport has the capacity of approximately 10 million passengers in 2030 and 20 million by 2050, offering a major decongestion in the Phnom Penh Airport, as well as other international airports in the country. 

• GROWING NUMBER OF INFRASTRUCTURES

Perhaps the most exciting infrastructure development in the area is the planned New Siem Reap city (also named as the Grand Siem Reap), closely situated to the under-construction new Siem Reap Airport, just about 60 km from Siem Reap downtown.

Although details of this project have not been revealed just yet, according to the Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, the New Siem Reap city will be developed as a Smart City with traditional Khmer architectural style. Despite being located outside the protected areas of Apsara Authorities, the minister said it would still follow the existing policy of the old Siem Reap city which is to preserve the beauty of Angkor Wat by restricting high-rise developments.

The goal of this proposed project, as indicated in the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2020-2035 , is for it to become the country’s new center for business, culture, and entertainment, with a hope to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and bring in 7 million international tourists annually by 2035.

Meanwhile, other exciting developments currently in the works are:

• Angkor Lake of Wonder – Also known as Naga World Siem Reap, is a 75 hectare site which will comprise luxury hotels, bars, water attractions, shopping centers, indoor high-tech theme parks, and venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Update : UNESCO, APSARA agree to halt this $350M NagaCorp resort project .
• Wildlife Park and Aquarium – Cambodia’s first aquarium park on 100 hectares of land with an investment of US70M.
• Aeon Mall Siem Reap – A speculated project with no concrete information, yet is said to have a high possibility to be developed in Siem Reap, considering there are very few number of shopping centers in the city.
• Angkor Grace Residence & Wellness Resort – Siem Reap’s first holiday home destination which occupies 2.2-hectare of land, offering 263 modern contemporary units and world-class amenities.
• Rose Apple Square – A unique mixed-use community square combining co-working spaces, strata offices, co-living apartments, condos, and modern amenities.

• INCREASING CAREER AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Think about how Phnom Penh city developed from a scratch, it is exactly how Siem Reap is envisioned to be in the next ten years. The Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2020-2035 will bring the same urge of looking for employment and investment opportunities in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap city.

The multiple infrastructure developments in Siem Reap will integrate housing, offices, commercial and retail centers and institutional sections. This will definitely overturn the lives of the people living in Siem Reap creating more job opportunities, and most importantly attracting more business and property investors.

As it opens new doors to the locals, it would give opportunities to thousands of potential pool of skilled Cambodians in the countryside, as well as those in the neighboring provinces. This only means that locals in Siem Reap do not need to look further to Phnom Penh to get a better job as it is already in or near their hometowns. 

It is through these said “developments” that Siem Reap will become the next central business district that would definitely increase the living standards of the city, as well as its neighboring districts and provinces. 

• RISING PROPERTY VALUE

With the aggressive infrastructure developments in Siem Reap, this 2021 is definitely the right time to invest in real estate property . A few years from now, Siem Reap will see further commercialization where the value of properties will become much higher. 

Nevertheless, since the developments are not yet visible, the properties for sale in Siem Reap are definitely cheaper and more affordable compared to properties in Phnom Penh.

If you start investing as early as now, you will soon reap the seeds that you sow once Siem Reap city is completely developed. 

Siem Reap city holds a lot of promising developments that would benefit its citizens and business investors, both locally and internationally. Because of this, the city will continue to experience unprecedented growth, especially in its real estate landscape. As bright as the rise of the Sun in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap’s future will shine brighter and brighter for many years to come.

So, if you still want to enjoy a suburban lifestyle while pursuing your passion in your dream career, then Siem Reap might be the place that you are looking for.

Have you been convinced of the many reasons why Siem Reap is the ideal location for your first or next investment? Perhaps you are now considering looking for a perfect property in Siem Reap, learn more in these articles:

• Embrace a Peaceful Country Living in Siem Reap
• Siem Reap City Area Guide
• First-Of-Its-Kind Condo Development in Siem Reap
• Siem Reap Beyond Temples

Darlyn Ann Balagot

Leading a skilled copywriting team, Darlyn is committed to enriching the real estate dialogue with educational and compelling narratives, aiming to empower clients with knowledge and stimulate impactful actions through both print and digital mediums.

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• June 18, 2024
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Boosting Tourism SME Growth Through Enhanced Credit Reporting Knowledge in Siem Reap

In a landmark initiative to bolster the tourism sector’s recovery and growth, the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) and the Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA) conducted a comprehensive workshop in Siem Reap. This event was designed to enhance the understanding of credit reporting, financial health tools, and credit assessment knowledge among tourism SMEs. The workshop aimed to facilitate these businesses’ access to credit, empowering them to finance their growth effectively.

The timing of the workshop coincides with the government’s announcement of a $50 million loan package specifically aimed at supporting tourism SMEs in Siem Reap. This financial boost is seen as a critical step towards accelerating growth and recovery in the post-pandemic era for the tourism sector. Approximately 100 tourism SMEs from Siem Reap participated in the workshop, demonstrating a strong interest in leveraging credit for sustainable business growth.

Importance Of Preparing For & Obtaining Credit

Mr. Ngov Sengkak, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, in his address to the participants, emphasized the importance of preparing for and obtaining credit. He noted that responsible and sustainable investments are key to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth. Mr. Sengkak also highlighted the value of close collaboration with CBC and banks to support the sector’s advancement.

Read More: Leader Talks – Chhay Sivlin On The Opportunities And Challenges For Cambodia’s Tourism Sector Post COVID

Credit reporting is pivotal for financial inclusion and access to credit. It enables lenders to make informed loan decisions by providing critical information on applicants’ credit profiles. Mr. Oeur Sothearoath, CEO of Credit Bureau Cambodia, shared insightful data, revealing that as of February 2024, the tourism sector nationwide held loans amounting to $2.68 billion, with 12.68% of these loans attributed to borrowers in Siem Reap province.

He further elaborated on the significant growth of small business loan balances in Siem Reap, which has seen a 52% increase over the last five years, now constituting 73.35% of the overall loan balance in the province. Mr. Sothearoath reaffirmed CBC’s commitment to enhancing the understanding of credit reporting to improve SMEs’ access to credit in the tourism sector.

Stronger Collaboration Across The Financial Sector

Lok Chumteav Chhay Sivlin, President of Cambodia Tourism Association, stressed the workshop’s role in providing a vital platform for member SMEs to deepen their understanding of credit reporting and its impact on loan access. She emphasized tourism’s crucial role in revitalizing Siem Reap and the national economy, advocating for stronger collaboration across the financial sector, business community, associations, and government to achieve inclusive growth in line with government policies.

The workshop also offered participants the opportunity to utilize the CBC mobile app, allowing them to check their credit reports for free, an essential step since lenders review credit reports before loan approval. This initiative underscores the importance of regular credit report checks to ensure accuracy and readiness for loan applications.

Discussions during the event shed light on the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and business leaders in the tourism sector, particularly in the context of loan applications. Insights from senior executives from the SME Bank of Cambodia and Sathapana Bank were shared, offering valuable tips and suggestions to aid SMEs on their financing journey.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Cambodia » Siem Reap

11 BEST Places to Visit in Siem Reap (2024)

We don’t think you’ll find anyone who has travelled to Cambodia and without visiting Siem Reap. It’s the gateway to one of the most phenomenal tourist attractions in the world – Angkor Wat. However, as the temples have grown in popularity, so has the appeal of the town. There’s plenty here to spend multiple days, and it’s one of the tourist meccas of South East Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker, a flashpacker, travelling with the family, or hoping for a luxury break, you’ll find something for you. Great restaurants, nightlife, and nearby outdoor beauty; Siem Reap really does have it all!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit in Siem Reap. Yes, obviously Angkor Wat will already be number one on your Siem Reap itinerary, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered when you travel to this friendly and fascinating country!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Siem Reap:

These are the best places to visit in siem reap, faq on the best places to visit in siem reap.

Old French Quarter

Old French Quarter is the best place to stay in Siem Reap if you’re visiting for the first time. Located at the centre of the city, the Old French Quarter is close to main thoroughfares and well connected to the area’s top attraction, Angkor Wat.

• Try contemporary Asian cuisine and a good selection of wines at Cassia Restaurant
• See the home of the Cambodian royals by passing by the Royal Residence
• Enjoy delicious and authentic Cambodian food at chic and stylish Kroya Restaurant

Tap your foot on the brake pedal for a second! Before plunging straight into all the goodness below, check out where to stay in Siem Reap first. That way, you’ll be all sorted with your accommodation before embarking on your trip down the rest of this list (and hopefully to the actual Siem Reap soon!).

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#1 – Angkor Wat – One of the most amazing places in Siem Reap

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• Trip Advisor’s number 1 destination in the world for 2 consecutive years
• The biggest Buddhist temple on Earth
• Get an early start and catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat

Why it’s awesome: It’s unlikely that any tourist will travel to Siem Reap and not visit Angkor Wat, but we couldn’t miss it off our list! This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only one of the most famous places in Siem Reap, but all of Cambodia and South East Asia. Built in the 12th century, this is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in the world. In fact, it’s the largest religious monument in the world, covering over 400 acres. Since it’s so huge, you’ll probably need more than one day to really experience this incredible place!

What to do there: If you’d like to see the whole of the Angkor complex but don’t know where to start, it’s a good idea to get a tour guide. You can do tours for 1 day, 3, or even an entire week! Although a week would undoubtedly be interesting, you might end up with temple fatigue by the end of it! If you DO want to do this, stay in a hostel in a nearby area to make going back easier on transportation costs.

There are also a number of ways you can explore the temples. If on foot sounds like too much work, why not rent a bicycle? Whichever way you choose to visit Angkor Wat, they’re a Siem Reap must see and you won’t regret any time you spend here!

#2 – Cambodia Landmine Museum – One of the most underrated places to see in Siem Reap

• See a collection of disarmed landmines from the Khmer Rouge regime
• Learn about Cambodia’s bloody and brutal recent history
• One of the most moving and sobering attractions in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: The museum has a complex history. It was opened by a former Khmer Rouge fighter who worked with the UN to disarm and remove the landmines he had placed. What started as a collection grew into a museum as interest from foreign tourists grew. As the museum curator expanded his collection by visiting local villages, he also started to take in orphans who had been affected by the landmines. Nowadays, there are several children who are taken care of by the museum. It’s one of the best places in Siem Reap to get an insight into local life and history!

What to do there: Learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge and its effects on rural Cambodia and how landmines are being dealt within the region. Astonishingly, more than 6 million landmines were planted in Cambodia. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to see some active landmine detonations. Most importantly, you’ll learn about how this part of the country is being cleaned up and you may even meet some of the children who have benefitted from the museum and the centre. It’s really a Siem Reap must do!

#3 – Phare, the Cambodian Circus

• Not your typical circus
• Combination of an NGO and a performing arts school
• One of the more unusual things to do in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Circuses don’t have a great rep to be honest. Nowadays, many are associated with animal cruelty and are generally quite frowned upon. Not Phare though! This is a circus with a difference. An NGO and performing arts school take children from poverty and train them to work in this Cirque du Soleil style show. The performers use music, dance, and theatre to tell traditional Cambodian folk tales. It’s one of the top hotspots in Siem Reap at night!

What to do there: Roll up, roll up, for Phare the Cambodian Circus. Every night at 8 pm there’s a performance, so get your tickets in advance and enjoy one of the glitziest and most glamorous attractions in Siem Reap. It’s quite expensive when you compare it to other attractions in Siem Reap, but you can rest assured that your money is going to a very good cause!

#4 – Ta Prohm – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Siem Reap

• You might recognise this place from its appearance in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• One of the best places in Siem Reap that mixes nature and history
• See if you can spot the dinosaur of Ta Prohm – it’s hidden in there somewhere!

Why it’s awesome: Part of the Angkor Wat complex, we probably wouldn’t have included this if it were as well maintained as the other temples around here. However, the fact that it wasn’t is what makes it so special. If you’ve seen the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie, you might have thought that it was mostly CGI, but no. It was a real place – Ta Prohm has been pretty much swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. It’s a haunting place that you won’t want to miss on your Siem Reap itinerary !

What to do there: Although you wouldn’t realise it, since Ta Prohm was rediscovered in the 20th century, it has been maintained in such a way that the neglect seems authentic, but it does not affect the integrity of the structure. Although it might seem like fun to pretend your Indiana Jones, do be careful when you’re visiting! Also, look out for the controversial dinosaur of Ta Prohm. No one knows if it’s genuine or a hoax!

#5 – Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

• Wander round an enclosed garden filled with butterflies
• What to do in Siem Reap if you love animals and nature
• Learn about conservation at this cool butterfly sanctuary

Why it’s awesome: If you’re interested in butterflies, then this should be in first place on your Siem Reap itinerary. Yes, even above Angkor Wat! This cool butterfly sanctuary and conservation centre is home to thousands of butterflies from the local area, and it’s been built like the rainforest. This is to mimic the butterflies’ natural habitat and make them as comfortable and natural as possible!

What to do there: Get right up close with the Banteay Srey butterflies. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), the butterflies might just land right on you! If you’re travelling with kids, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. Not only can you get up close and personal with the butterflies, but you can also take an interactive tour to show you the life cycle of these wonderful insects. This is one of the most relaxing and tranquil points of interest in Siem Reap!

#6 – Tonlé Sap Lake – A nice quiet place to see in Siem Reap

• Take a cruise on the largest freshwater lake in Asia
• Bring your camera as it’s a great spot for animal lovers
• A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: If you want to get a glimpse into a traditional Cambodian village, then head to Tonlé Sap. Incredibly, more than 3 million people call the banks of this lake home, but it’s still an incredibly quiet and peaceful area in Cambodia . There are several tours here from Siem Reap, and you can do a variety of things. Kampong Khleang is the largest village on the lake, and it’s situated on the north shore. Here, you can check out floating stilt houses and traditional handicrafts. The locals are really friendly too!

What to do there: As well as villages dotted around the lakeshore, there are some great natural attractions on Tonlé Sap too. One of the coolest places, and also one of the top attractions in Siem Reap, is the Prek Toal bird sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to over 100 species of water birds. There are plenty of observation towers, but if you want to get up close and personal with the birds, you can row out onto the lake! Keep an eye out for other wildlife such as crocodiles, snakes, and turtles too!

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#7 – Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity

• One of the most important wildlife centres in Cambodia
• Meet Cambodian wildlife like porcupines, otters, and birds
• Take a guided tour to learn how the animals are rehabilitated

Why it’s awesome: If you hadn’t realised from the last two entries into our list, there are a lot of attractions in Siem Reap if you’re interested in animals and biodiversity. However, the Angkor Centre might just be the most important of all of them! Not only can you get up close and personal with Cambodian wildlife, but you can learn about breeding, conservation, and rehabilitation while you’re at the centre.

What to do there: Of course, you can visit the Angkor Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity at any time. However, there are twice-daily tours at 9 am and 1 pm, and these are really worth doing. Knowledgeable and friendly guides will explain how the centre works and how these beautiful animals are rehabilitated. It’s a long journey for sick and injured animals to be reintroduced to the wild, but this centre is very successful at doing so. Don’t miss it when you travel to Siem Reap!

#8 – Kulen Nature Trails – A beautiful outdoor place to check out in Siem Reap

• Explore Siem Reap’s jungle and rainforest surroundings
• Escape from the heat on a cool and shady nature trail
• Enjoy the site of the waterfall at the end of the trail

Why it’s awesome: They say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. However, when you’re visiting Phnom Kulen Waterfall, it’s kind of about both! These beautiful hiking trails take you along the side of rushing rivers, past ancient temples, and to a beautiful waterfall. There are some places to buy snacks near the waterfall, but a really nice idea is to bring a picnic here! This is one of the most evocative natural landmarks in Siem Reap, and you won’t want to miss it. Especially if you love hiking!

What to do there: Kulen’s Nature Trails are a great way to spend the day, and they’re suitable even for beginners. Therefore, it can get quite busy! We’d suggest getting up bright and early. Not only will it be less crowded, but you’ll also be trekking at the coolest time of day. Also, Cambodia is safe for travelers , but not here during rainy season when these trails become a mud bath of misadventures just waiting to happen. However, if you’re visiting Siem Reap during the dry season, these should be very high up on your itinerary!

#9 – Pub Street – A great place to visit in Siem Reap at night

• Let off steam and take a break from the city’s culture and architecture
• The best area for cheap hostels and late-night drinking and eating
• One of the best Siem Reap vacation ideas for homesick long-term travellers!

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes when you’re travelling, you start to miss home. And in a town like Siem Reap, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the architecture, history, and culture, so you may just want to spend some time cooling off in a more familiar environment. That’s where Pub Street comes in! Here, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Siem Reap when it comes to international food, and lots of late-night bars and clubs. A perfect spot to meet like-minded travellers and relax with a drink… or a bucket!

What to do there: Take a break from immersing yourself in Cambodian culture and remind yourself about what you miss from home. The Western food on offer here is great, and there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy a few drinks. You can even watch the Premier League or the Champions League if you’re a football fan. It may not be the most cultural thing to do on your travels, but everyone deserves a break sometimes, right?!

#10 – Bayon

• See the 11,000 faces carved into the temple
• One of the most unique temples in the Angkor Complex
• One of the most famous landmarks in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: Yes, we’ve already included Angkor Wat on our list, but we couldn’t miss Bayon off the best places to visit in Siem Reap. The scale of this place is simply staggering! This temple is a real testament to the ego of Jayavarman VII, who it was built in honour of. 1.2km of facades, over 11,000 faces, and 54 Gothic towers are just some of the mind-boggling figures that identify one of the most recognisable landmarks in Siem Reap!

What to do there: You could easily spend a few hours exploring Bayon. It’s in Angkor Thom (the holy city) and it does look better from close up than far away! Most people like to visit in the early morning, thanks to its eastward facing direction. However, if you find it’s too crowded in the morning, it’s worth heading here for the sunset!

#11 – Psar Chaa (The Old Market)

• A great place to pick up fresh produce if you’re cooking your own meals
• Pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home
• One of the best places to eat in Siem Reap

Why it’s awesome: When you’re in Southeast Asia, the local market is always one of the first ports of call. Siem Reap is no different, and you should head to Psar Chaa to pick up some food, especially if you’re planning on taking a picnic out or cooking fresh produce in your hostel. With juicy mangosteens, dragonfruit, and rambutan, you’ll certainly find a new favourite fruit or juice! It’s also a great spot to pick up souvenirs for family and friends.

What to do there: The Old Market is one of the best places to eat in Siem Reap, so come here and try local street food delicacies as well as tasting fresh products. If you want to cook Cambodian food back in your home country, pick up some spices here to use in future! You can also get clothes here, which is great if you’ve been soaked through trekking the Kulen Nature Trails or you want to refresh your holiday wardrobe!

Get insured for your trip to Siem Reap!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Siem Reap

What is there to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is pretty cool, but there are even better places to visit in Siem Reap: – Cambodia Landmine Museum – Ta Prohm – Tonlé Sap Lake

What is the most popular place to visit in Siem Reap?

Angkor Wat is probably one of the most famous attractions in Siem Reap. The temple sees thousands of visitors every month. However, the Ta Prohm temple is pretty popular as well.

What are the must-visit places in Siem Reap at night?

Pub Street is probably the must-visit place in Siem Reap at night. Dance the night away in one of the many nightlife venues, have a couple of tatsy drinks with your friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

What can you do in Siem Reap today?

Find out about the best tours, attractions and places to visit in Siem Reap on Klook . Everything that’s on today will be listed there. And if you want a more local experience, check out Airbnb experiences .

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Siem Reap. We hope that you’ve found it useful and informative, and you’ve got some ideas of what to add to your Siem Reap itinerary after visiting Angkor Wat.

This town may get busy and crowded, but that all adds to the carnival atmosphere that you’ll find on pub street and at the local markets. However, there’s a sobering and peaceful side to it to as you’ll have seen from our list. There’s a good reason why Siem Reap is such a beloved backpacking destination in Cambodia .

We hope that you’ve not only found some more places to add to your Siem Reap itinerary, but you’ve also got some ideas about how to experience the city like a local. Keep your mind open while you explore Siem Reap and you’ll no doubt have an incredible vacation. We certainly hope you do!

Monique MacPhail

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Cambodia records 41.5 pct rise in chinese tourist arrivals in first 4 months.

PHNOM PENH, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese tourists to Cambodia increased 41.5 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2024, according to a Cambodian Ministry of Tourism report released on Monday.

A total of 260,455 Chinese holidaymakers traveled to the Southeast Asian country during January-April this year, up 41.5 percent from 184,009 over the same period in 2023, the report said.

Chinese tourists accounted for 12.3 percent of the total international tourist arrivals to Cambodia, the report said, adding that the kingdom received a total of 2.11 million foreign visitors in the first four months of this year, up more than 22 percent from the 1.72 million international guests in the same period 2023.

China is the third-largest source of foreign tourists to the kingdom after Thailand and Vietnam, according to the report.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Sok Soken is optimistic that the number of Chinese tourists to the country will continue to rise thanks to the Cambodia-China people-to-people exchange year 2024 launched in January.

"The future of Cambodia's tourism is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors," he said in a speech at a joint martial arts performance titled "When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor" held at the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province in April.

"Cambodia and many countries around the world have considered China a strategic partner and the biggest source of market for their economic growth and development," Soken added.

Xinhua 17th June 2024, 21:15 GMT+10

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Cambodia-India direct flight launch to 'positively affect' all areas of cooperation: Cambodian envoy

New Delhi, Jun 17 (PTI) The first-ever direct flight service between Cambodia and India will "positively affect" all areas of cooperation between the two countries, and will boost tourism, trade and investment, Cambodian envoy Koy Kuong said on Monday.

The ambassador said this in an exclusive interaction with PTI on the sidelines of the launch of the "1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024" here, a day after the starting of the flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi.

"This event, and especially the first direct flight between the two countries (will) make the two countries gain, we can say win-win solutions," he said.

Cambodia's national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air began the service between the two countries from June 16. It will be available four times a week -- on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The envoy said it just began yesterday and today this "milestone event" between the two countries. India and Cambodia have many similarities and "we share culture, traditions, religion (Buddhism), and people have to be aware of the two countries...and there are opportunities to see", Kuong said.

When a direct flight starts and cost is lower to travel, then people like to travel, he said.

"And, when more people travel, it increases number of tourists, and people need to eat, stay and travel. So overall, this opportunity like a direct flight will positively affect all areas of cooperation," Kuong said.

So, first is tourism, then second is volume of investment as when people travel it may be initially for sightseeing, but when they see opportunities to invest, "they become investors," he added.

"When they go to each others countries...goods, commodities between the two countries, they will import and export. Hence, the two-way trade volume will also increase. As also, the investment between the two countries," the envoy said.

Overall, the direct flight, will not only improve the private sector but it will improve the public sector too. And, there will be more exchanges between government officials of India and Cambodia, when they fly easy and travel at a lower cost, the envoy said.

Many high-level and other important official visits have taken place between the two sides.

Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia, visited India from May 29 to 31 in 2023 on his maiden State Visit, marking the culmination of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia in 1952.

This maiden State Visit by the King of Cambodia had taken place after almost six decades with the last one by his father King Norodom Sihanoauk in 1963.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had visited Cambodia in November 2022 to attend the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit.

While returning from Phnom Penh, he had also visited Siem Reap to review the preservation and restoration work being undertaken by India at Cambodian heritage sites.

Cambodia is home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. The world’s largest religious structure marks the high point of Khmer architecture. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

The '1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024' was jointly launched by Long Phirum, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, and Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism of India, with a beating of traditional drums on the dais.

Both Saxena and Phirum addressed the gathering that consisted of government officials, tour operators from both the countries, and many businessmen from India who interacted with Cambodian officials and others.

Addressing the gathering, Phirum, who spoke in her native language, described the designation of 2024 as 'Cambodia-India Tourism Year' as a "significant milestone".

She also said the "historic direct air link" between Phnom Penh and New Delhi was also celebrated on Sunday in Phnom Penh.

Ambassador Kuong in his interaction with PTI also said earlier for Indians visiting Cambodia, they had to transit through neighbouring countries which took a lot of money and time. They will now save on these, he said.

He emphasised that there is more to Cambodia than just the ancient temples.

There are river crosses, eco-tourism, mountainous areas and "we have beautiful beaches", and the Cambodian people are warm and friendly to foreigners, Kuong said, adding, "we have a three-way (mode of) travelling -- by air, water and land -- in our country".

Cambodia is predominantly a Buddhist nation and many Cambodians visit India to see Buddhist sites in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They also visit neighbouring Nepal to see the Lumbini.

Many Cambodians also travel to India seeking medical treatment, the envoy said.

"Before the direct flight they came either for pilgrimage or medical treatment, but now they will want to explore more. Besides, religious tourism, medical tourism, they will explore places for sightseeing, and more other places...see other things beyond old temples," he added.

Cambodia earlier this year also started a campaign 'Visit Siem Reap 2024' to promote tourism in that historic region of the country.