Siem Reap Named One of the World’s Best Cities

Siem Reap was singled out as “one of the world’s best cities” in the latest annual reader survey published by renowned Travel + Leisure magazine. Citing the city’s evolution from “a cluster of riverfront villages in northwestern Cambodia into a full-fledged destination,” the magazine praised Siem Reap for its magnificent temple sites and myriad recreational and cultural attractions.

Siem Reap scored an 87.9 on a possible scale of 100 in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Cities Awards,” which ranked it the 2nd best Asian city, and the 7th best city in the world. In the write-up in their August 2011 issue, the widely circulated travel magazine highlighted must-see stops in town including Angkor Archaeological Park, boutique handicraft store Artisans d’Angkor, the McDermott Gallery (currently showcasing modern white and black Angkor Wat photography), and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.

Travel + Leisure is a monthly travel magazine with over 4.8 million readers. This year marks the 16th annual “World’s Best Awards” —a yearly survey ranking readers’ favorite cities, hotels, cruises, and spas. Cities were ranked based on their sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping and value.

In a press release announcing the winners, Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Nancy Novogrod said, “exotic destinations—places that convey a sense of authenticity and adventure—are ruling the day once again.”