"Good morning, Siem Reap" a Phumi Siem Reab Travel Page by ukirsari

Siem Reap, Siem Reab or Phumi Siem Reab. I love to address this small province of the Kingdom of Cambodia as "House of The Angkors". Because this place is the gateway to the Angkors and situated about 7 km away from the main attraction which became one of the Seven Wonders in the world.
It's still arguably story nowadays about the name "Siem Reap" itself. From the sources I had read, these words means "the city which conquered by Siam (the ancient name for the Kingdom of Thailand)". The fact about this battle also can be found in National Geographic Channel which speaking about Siam's invasion at 1431 or 15th century. But in the other hand, I try to open mind about the story by the locals. They said that Siem Reab (Reap) means "the city where the Khmer repulsed Siam (warriors)". Because the meaning of this word "reab" (reap) in Khmer lingo reflecting "cut", like cutting the crop 'till the roots. "The first time, yes, Siamese won. But, our king --one of the geniality of King Jayavarman-- knew they will be comeback again. So he made a new strategy so finally we won against Siam," tell a man nearby 1st level of Angkor Wat. "That's why the name of this city means "the place where the Siamese surrender"!"

What I look and what I feel about Siem Reap today at the moment I visit this small town, I love to be here. No matter she lose or win, since she gave a nice impression as a gateway of the Angkors. The condition is a bit dusty. New hotels and building activities are everywhere in Siem Reap, especially in the strategic areas nearby National Route Nr 6 (or Airport Road) and Vithei (vithei means street) Charles de Gaulle nearby Grand d' Angkor Hotel (managed by Raffles International Resort, same as Raffles Hotel in Singapore) and Jayavarman VII hospital.
Traditional (by locals) and modern life (from the tourists) are mixing in Siem Reab. For examples, food and beverages using USD for payments. Also the souvenirs. But in local market (called phsa, means market), they're still using riel (KHR). Or when I took Tuk-tuk and going around Siem Reab in early morning with Ha (I always address him as Mister Eic, not pronounced his name as 'Ha'), the 40 years old Tuk-tuk driver. I witnessed the people bathing at the Siem Reap River, nearby the Royal Residence of King Norodom Sihanouk. Then the monks were walking in small group to Wat Preah Ang. They're living in harmony ... still have simple life in the modern atmosphere as a tourist destination.
When I heading back to Poi Pet after visit House of the Angkors, I still remember the nice hospitality of Mr H who showing me this small-nice city through his eyes. He knew, I like this city very much. Do you think we can meet again someday, Mr H? I do hope so :)