It's a botanical garden unlike any other in Siem Reap, or even in Cambodia. Over an area of 15 hectares, aromatic herbs, flowers, trees, insects and animals live side by side along the winding paths.
The Angkor Botanical Garden symbolises a milestone in the metamorphosis of a burgeoning temple city. Take a guided tour with HE Yit Chandaroat, vice-chairman of the APSARA Authority and head of the botanical garden.
A garden with great ambitions
For several weeks in 2020, 80 workers were mobilised on the building site to open in May 2022. As Mr Yit Chandaroat, who has been overseeing the development of the site since 2018, explained. It was at that time that the decision was taken to expand the small pre-existing spice garden, at the joint instigation of the Ministry of Land Management and the APSARA Authority. "From the outset, the aims have remained the same: to collect the widest possible range of species endemic to Cambodia in order not only to preserve them, but also to bring these plant treasures to the widest possible audience. This botanical garden is aimed at both tourists and the local population, and brings together in one place the incredible variety of the kingdom's flora".
A stopover on the way to the temples
With its main entrance on Avenue Charles de Gaulle, the garden is located on the route to the temples of Angkor, and is undoubtedly a stop-off point for many visitors. Visitors will not be disappointed, as the walk is both refreshing and pleasant. Nothing has been left to chance in the design of the five themed areas along the way, interspersed with pools, waterfalls and small hills.
“Everything has been done with the utmost respect for the environment: solar panels, water for the pools and watering from the nearby river rather than groundwater, respect for wildlife and its natural habitat... We've spared no effort!”
"Transforming oneself into a landscape gardener”
Medicinal plants and spices, ornamental flowers, a Cambodian garden, a palm grove and an area dedicated to forest wildlife will punctuate the visit. The fauna has not waited long to invite itself into the groves, which are full of colourful birds and butterflies. With a smile on his face, Mr Yit Chandaroat meticulously describes all the plots, the creation of which he has lovingly overseen. ”When the decision was taken to expand the spice garden, we drew up a master plan, which I subsequently modified to varying degrees,” he recounts in impeccable French.
Ponds were added, little wooden houses, decorative elements referring to Cambodian traditions and all sorts of amenities designed to make the garden attractive. I've literally turned myself into a landscape gardener, drawing inspiration from some of the world's finest botanical gardens, such as those in New York, Singapore and London.
Making botany rhyme with education
More than 500 species can be contemplated, from the smallest cactus to majestic trees, spices and pineapples.
"Did you know that there are dozens of different species of mango, banana and sugar cane trees in Cambodia? The same goes for palm trees, to which a whole area is devoted. Cambodia's plant heritage is exceptional in more ways than one, but is largely unknown compared to its historical heritage. Yet the two are linked: these trees and plants were already part of the Angkorian landscape. Our ancestors grew them, ate them and used them to treat themselves... That's what we want visitors to learn too. To this end, a series of explanatory panels have been put up," says Yit Chandaroat, indicating with his hand the final improvements to be made. But the walk is not just educational: the café-restaurant with its terrace, the many benches and the different atmospheres are perfect for couples or families, lovers of green spaces and Instagrammers in search of a selfie.
By targeting the widest possible audience, Yit Chandaroat hopes to make this space a must-see spot in Siem Reap.
Symbol of a new phase
The opening of this garden comes at a particularly good time for the town. After having suffered considerably from the lack of tourists following the pandemic and having undergone a year of gigantic urban development work, Siem Reap is now dressed in its finest finery to welcome visitors back at last. The same applies to the temples and their surroundings, as Mr Yit explains, citing as examples the recent development of the Angkor Wat forecourt, the Terrace of the Elephants, the renovation of the Angkor Thom West Gate and the creation of 30 kilometres of cycle paths.
"We're teeming with new projects," confides the man who, in addition to his duties as Vice-Chairman, is also responsible for the management and development of infrastructure and landscape in the APSARA zones. Created in 1995, this 3,000-strong institution oversees all aspects of Angkor's historic heritage.
"Work tripled during Covid. The absence of tourists decided us to undertake work that we would normally have spread over several years. In addition to the work mentioned above, we are also in the process of moving the road around Takeo temple, which previously covered its moat. The same approach was used to create the new footbridge leading to the islet of Neak Pean. The old access opened directly onto the monument, depriving it of its island character. Generally speaking, the development work that has taken place in recent years, as well as future projects, aims to rediscover and respect the original vision of the Angkorian builders.
The 15 hectares occupied by the Botanical Garden may one day be expanded to include the temple of Angkor Wat, just a handful of kilometres away. That, at least, is Mr Yit Chandaroat's wish, a decision that will depend on the success of the site.