Siem Reap: Gateway to Ancient Wonders and Vibrant Culture

• Helloជំរាបលំដាប់
  [chomrap lamdab]
• Goodbyeលាហួខ្លា
  [lakhuakla]
• Yesបាទ/បាទទេ
  [baat/baat te]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូមអរគុណ
  [som arkoun]
• Thank youសូមអរគុណ
  [som arkoun]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមអពករណ៍
  [som apakrin]
• How are you?អ្នកសណ្ឋាគមន៍បានប៉ុណ្ណ៍ឬ?
  [nak santeakumne ban bon ork?]
• Fine. And you?ស្អប៉ុណ្ណ៍, និងអ្នក?
  [sabon ork, nung nak?]
• Do you speak English?លោកអ្នកនិយាយអង្គស?
  [lok nak niyeay angkear?]
• I don't understandខុសមិនឃើញ
  [kho som min khern]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខុសបង់មូលទៅមើពិះ
  [kho bon mul tov mep]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនចិញ្ញើក
  [khnom min chhnoak]
• Cheers!ជាំរាបលំដាប់!
  [chomrap lamdab]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខុសបញ្ជំវង់រូបខុស
  [kho nchom voangrob kho]

• Help!ជាំរាបដាប់!
  [chomrap dab]
• Go away!ទិញសំលូញ!
  [tean smaulon]
• Call the Police!ហេតុធាបប៉ុណ្ណ៍!
  [hettabap bon]
• Call a doctor!ហេតុអ្នកជន!
  [het nak chun]
• I'm lostខុសភ្ញៀវ
  [kho pnea]
• I'm illខុសជើងគាត់
  [kho chernkeat]

• I'd like to buy...ខុសទិញ...
  [kho tean...]
• I'm just lookingខុសមើផ្នែក
  [kho mep phneak]
• How much is it?តើវ៉ិញហេនទៅ?
  [te vean hen tov?]
• That's too expensiveនេះទៅគិតជាថ្មីសូម្ពិះ
  [neh tov kit chea thom somph]
• Can you lower the price?តិព្មិនអរគុណបង់ថ្មី?
  [tupman arkoun bon thom?]

• What time is it?ម៉េរបង់ម៉េរ?
  [mer bon mer?]
• It's one o'clockវ៉ិញហេនម្មូរស៍
  [vean hen mumbos]
• Half past (10)ចុចជើងគត់(១០)
  [chuchernkhet(10)]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [prek]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lingca]
• Eveningយប់
  [yob]
• Yesterdayម្ខាងល្ងាច
  [mkaeng lingca]
• Todayថ្ងៃស្អប៉ុណ្ណ៍
  [ta saphon ork]
• Tomorrowស្អប៉ុណ្ណ៍
  [saphon ork]
• 1១
  [1]
• 2២
  [2]
• 3៣
  [3]
• 4៤
  [4]
• 5៥
  [5]
• 6៦
  [6]
• 7៧
  [7]
• 8៨
  [8]
• 9៩
  [9]
• 10១០
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?នយោខ្ញុំមាន...?
  [naokhnom mien...?]
• What's the address?សេចមានអាសយដ្ឋាន?
  [sechmien asyatadanh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?តិព្មិនទទើលខ្ញុំ(នៅលើផែយស៍)?
  [tupman tutiel khnom(na ler pes)]
• When's the next (bus)?នោយនេហទទើលក្រុងរបស៍?
  [noyneh tutiel krongrobs]
• A ticket (to ....)សិរីកម្មន្ដ(ទៅ...)
  [serikmamot(tov...)]

Angkor Wat, constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, is the most iconic symbol of Cambodia. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist temple. The complex is renowned for its massive scale, intricate bas-reliefs, and stunning architecture. It remains one of the largest religious monuments in the world, reflecting the grandeur and ingenuity of the Khmer Empire.

The history of Siem Reap Province is deeply intertwined with the rise of the Khmer Empire, which began with Jayavarman II's declaration of independence from Java in 802 AD. He proclaimed himself the universal monarch (Chakravartin) and established the foundation for the Angkorian civilization, which would dominate Southeast Asia for centuries.

Constructed in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple is famed for its enigmatic smiling faces carved into its towers. These faces are believed to represent the king himself or the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Bayon serves as the centerpiece of the ancient city of Angkor Thom and symbolizes the zenith of Khmer architectural and artistic achievement.

Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm is unique for the way nature has reclaimed its structures. Massive trees grow from the ruins, their roots intertwining with the stone, creating a haunting and picturesque scene that has captivated visitors and filmmakers alike.

By the 15th century, the Khmer Empire began to decline due to a combination of factors including internal strife, economic hardship, and invasions by neighboring kingdoms such as the Siamese. The capital was eventually moved to Phnom Penh, and Angkor was abandoned, leading to centuries of neglect until its rediscovery by Western explorers in the 19th century.

In the 19th century, French explorers and scholars played a crucial role in rediscovering and documenting the Angkor ruins. This led to a renewed interest in Cambodia's ancient history and the eventual establishment of French colonial rule. The École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of Angkor's temples.

From 1975 to 1979, Cambodia was under the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot. This regime resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. Siem Reap, like the rest of the country, suffered greatly during this period. The temples of Angkor, however, were mostly spared from destruction and looting, preserving their historical and cultural significance.

Today, Siem Reap Province is a bustling tourist destination, serving as the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. The city of Siem Reap has grown to accommodate the influx of visitors, with its vibrant markets, cultural performances, and hospitality industry. Despite modern developments, the province remains deeply connected to its historical roots, offering a unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary culture.

Siem Reap Province is accessible via Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which offers both international and domestic flights. Major airlines operate direct flights from various Asian cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, you can reach Siem Reap by bus from Phnom Penh or other Cambodian cities. The journey from Phnom Penh typically takes around 6-7 hours by road.

Once in Siem Reap, getting around is relatively easy. Tuk-tuks are the most popular mode of transportation for tourists and are readily available. They are affordable and convenient for short distances. For longer trips, taxis and car rentals are also available. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented for a more adventurous experience. Public buses are limited, but some routes connect the main town with outlying areas.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas like Siem Reap. ATMs dispensing both currencies are available throughout the province. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas such as the Old Market and Pub Street. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Always keep your valuables secure and be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. Siem Reap Provincial Hospital and Royal Angkor International Hospital are among the main medical facilities available. It's recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Tuk-tuk drivers appreciate small tips. Don't haggle aggressively. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a 'Sampeah' (hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Siem Reap like a local, visit the local markets such as Phsar Leu Thom Thmey for fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's heritage. Don't miss the early morning visit to Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise. For a unique experience, take a boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages and local life.