Siem Reap: Gateway to Ancient Wonders

• Helloជំរាបសួស្តី
  [chom reab sour]
• Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [leah heuy]
• Yesបាទ/ចង្វិត
  [baat/chong vitt]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [som]
• Thank youអរគុណ
  [aw kohn]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមអត់
  [som ot]
• How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្តីប៉ុណ្ណា?
  [neak sok sabay bonnea?]
• Fine. And you?សុខសប្តីប៉ុណ្ណា? អ្នកប្រសើរប៉ុណ្ណា?
  [sok sabay bonnea? neak pros arn bonnea?]
• Do you speak English?តើអ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
  [tay neak niyeay phasa angkleh tay?]
• I don't understandខុស​ឯង​មិន​យល់​ទេ
  [kawmern min yul te]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយសូម
  [knhom chong muel menouy som]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនចេញហាងដូប
  [knhom min cheang haang dop]
• Cheers!អមស្រ្តី!
  [aum srotey]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់លុយសូម
  [knhom chong bong leu som]

• Help!ជម្រើសិប!
  [chamrahsab]
• Go away!លាហើយ!
  [leah heuy]
• Call the Police!ហៅលេខបង្កើត!
  [haw lek bangkeat]
• Call a doctor!ហៅវេជ្ជបណ្ឌុន!
  [haw vejjabandun]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំភ្លើ
  [knhom phleah]
• I'm illខ្ញុំឈឺ
  [knhom chhae]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhom chong teun...]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែងរកបញ្ចូល
  [knhom thaeng rok bangchol]
• How much is it?តើវ៉ែប្រមូលប៉ុន្មាន?
  [tay way bra mul bonman?]
• That's too expensiveវ៉ែនានពេលចោលពេក
  [way nan pear choul pheak]
• Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកអាករបញ្ចូលតម្លៃបានទេ?
  [tay neak akar bangchol tamle bon te?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោងណា?
  [maong na?]
• It's one o'clockវ៉ែមួយ
  [way muoy]
• Half past (10)ខួបបួរ (១០)
  [khub buel (sip)]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [preuk]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lingcha]
• Eveningយប់
  [yop]
• Yesterdayម្សិល
  [msil]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [tang ney]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [tang saek]
• 1១
  [mouy]
• 2២
  [pii]
• 3៣
  [bei]
• 4៤
  [bei]
• 5៥
  [pram]
• 6៦
  [pram]
• 7៧
  [pram]
• 8៨
  [pram]
• 9៩
  [pram]
• 10១០
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?មានទីតា/មើលម៉ឺនុយនៅណា?
  [mean teat/muel menouy nov na?]
• What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋាននៅណា?
  [asayatan nov na?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?តើអ្នកបង្ហាញខ្ញុំ(លើផែនទី)?
  [tay neak banghaanh knhom (leapet)?]
• When's the next (bus)?នៅម៉ោងណាហើយ(រថយន្ត)?
  [nov maong naheuy (rothear teat)?]
• A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រ(ទៅ....)
  [sombot (tov....)]

Siem Reap's history dates back to the early 9th century when it was part of the Khmer Empire. The city’s name means 'Defeat of Siam,' a reference to the Khmer victory over Thai forces in the 17th century. It was initially a small village, but its proximity to the ancient capital of Angkor made it historically significant.

The city of Siem Reap is most famous for its proximity to Angkor, the seat of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Angkor was one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world, and its architectural marvels like Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm are renowned for their grandeur and intricate details. Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, remains the largest religious monument in the world.

In the mid-19th century, French explorers Henri Mouhot and others brought the wonders of Angkor to the attention of the Western world. By 1907, Siem Reap fell under French colonial rule. The French influence is still evident in some of the city's architecture and urban planning, blending with traditional Khmer styles. During this period, significant restoration work began on the Angkor temples.

The latter half of the 20th century was tumultuous for Siem Reap. The Cambodian Civil War and the brutal Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 led to significant suffering and loss of life. Many historical sites were neglected or damaged during this period. However, the resilience of the Cambodian people has seen Siem Reap and its historical treasures gradually restored.

In recent decades, Siem Reap has transformed into a bustling tourist hub, thanks to its historical significance and the global fascination with Angkor. The city now boasts a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and a vibrant cultural scene with night markets, traditional dance performances, and a burgeoning food scene. Efforts continue to balance tourism with the preservation of Siem Reap's rich heritage.

Siem Reap has an international airport, Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which is the primary gateway for most international travelers. Direct flights are available from major cities in Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, the city center is approximately a 15-minute drive. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for transportation to your accommodation. Alternatively, travelers can reach Siem Reap by bus from Phnom Penh or other Cambodian cities, with several bus companies operating daily services.

Siem Reap is a relatively small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. Tuk-tuks are the most popular mode of transportation for tourists, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. For a more comfortable ride, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also available. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented from various shops for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. For longer trips, private car hires and guided tours can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. ATMs dispensing both Riel and US Dollars are readily available throughout Siem Reap. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but smaller establishments and markets may only accept cash. It is advisable to carry small denominations of both currencies for convenience.

Siem Reap is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to exercise caution. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas such as Pub Street and the night markets. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use hotel safes to store valuables. Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 118 for fire services, and 119 for medical emergencies. Siem Reap has several hospitals and clinics, including the Royal Angkor International Hospital and Angkor Hospital for Children. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and hats when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate. Negotiate fares with tuk-tuk drivers before starting your journey. Greetings: Do greet people with a traditional Cambodian greeting, the 'sampeah,' by placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food, but be cautious with food hygiene. Drink bottled water instead of tap water.

To experience Siem Reap like a local, visit the Old Market (Psar Chaa) for fresh produce, local snacks, and souvenirs. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a traditional Apsara dance performance. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating villages. Exploring the lesser-known temples around Angkor Wat can provide a more serene and intimate experience away from the crowds.