Siem Reap is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). This provincial capital is located on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest fresh water reserve in Southeast Asia. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century.

Today, Siem Reap is the base for visiting the Angkor temples. The town is lively and a safe, friendly and pleasant location for stays of up to a week. There is an endless choice of hotels and restuarants, cafe bars and local street-food.