Siem Reap: River Loop & Royal Independence Gardens

In the bustling town of Siem Rap, one of the decent places to run is on the roads alongside either side of the Siem Rap River. This river is in fact a man-made canal and was one one of the fail points to the Angkor civilization in the 1300s as droughts and floods stressed their water management system. Can be combined with the Royal Independence Gardens.

River Loop. We’ve put together an 8 km loop incorporating roads and paths on either side of the river. Starting in central Siem Reap near the Old Market Siem Reap Bridge, head north on the east bank of the river. There’s a decent sidewalk along Achar Sva St., with some views of the river and a nice tree canopy. At the 1 km mark, cross over to the west side. Here, you can add a 1-2 km loop of the Royal Independence Gardens (see below). Head back south, staying on the west side of the river. At the 2.2 km mark, the next ~6 km will be the ‘southern’ loop of the river, as far as Krowat Krong St. On the east side, the road becomes more of a dirt path (can be muddy when it rains!), with no sidewalk but not too much traffic. On the west side, run alongside the NR 63 road, which is busier but has a sidewalk (can be uneven).

Royal Independence Gardens At the north end of the river route, add 1-2 km around the grounds of the Royal Independence Gardens & Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine area. There are lovely, wide paths here — it’s the most bucolic spot in Siem Reap.

Note: South of Krowat Krong St., there’s no sidewalk on NR 63 (west side) and the road on the east side becomes more rugged & remote.