Siem Reap History

 

The history of Siem Reap province is long and complex, dating back to the 9th century when the Khmer Empire was founded. The province was home to many important temples, including Angkor Wat, which was built as the capital of the Khmer Empire. In the 15th century, the Khmer Empire declined and Siem Reap province came under the control of the Thai kingdom of Siam. In the 19th century, France colonized Cambodia and Siem Reap province became part of French Indochina. After World War II, Cambodia gained independence and Siem Reap province became part of the new country. In the 1970s, Cambodia was plunged into civil war and Siem Reap province was heavily damaged. In the 1990s, peace was restored to Cambodia and Siem Reap province has since become a major tourist destination.

Here is a more detailed timeline of Siem Reap's history:

• 802 AD: The Khmer Empire is founded.
• 9th century: The Angkor Wat temple complex is built.
• 15th century: The Khmer Empire declines and Siem Reap province comes under the control of Siam.
• 19th century: France colonizes Cambodia and Siem Reap province becomes part of French Indochina.
• 1946: Cambodia gains independence and Siem Reap province becomes part of the new country.
• 1970s: Cambodia is plunged into civil war and Siem Reap province is heavily damaged.
• 1990s: Peace is restored to Cambodia and Siem Reap province has since become a major tourist destination.

Today, Siem Reap province is home to over 2 million people. The province's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Siem Reap is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to see the Angkor Wat temple complex. The province is also home to a number of other historical and cultural sites, as well as a growing number of hotels, restaurants, and businesses.