What is Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is a vibrant city located in northwestern Cambodia. It’s best known globally as the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important tourist attraction in Cambodia.
While the ancient temples are the primary reason people visit, Siem Reap itself is a bustling town that has grown significantly due to tourism. It offers a mix of:
- Ancient History: Obviously, the main draw is the vast Angkor Archaeological Park with its countless temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (with the famous Bayon faces), and Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple).
- Modern Amenities: Siem Reap has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants (from local street food to fine dining), bars (especially on Pub Street), and shops catering to tourists.
- Cultural Experiences: Beyond the temples, you can find Apsara dance shows, local markets, the Phare Cambodian Circus, and opportunities to learn about Cambodian culture and history.
- Natural Beauty: The nearby Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages offers a unique glimpse into local life and the natural environment.7
Essentially, Siem Reap serves as the base for exploring the incredible historical sites of Angkor, but it has developed into a destination in its own right, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern comforts.
Why is it called Siem Reap?
The name “Siem Reap” has a very specific and historical meaning in the Khmer language. It literally translates to “Siam defeated” or “the total defeat of Siam.”9
This name comes from a historical conflict between the Khmer (Cambodian) kingdom and the Siamese (Thai) kingdom. According to traditional Cambodian accounts, the name was given by King Ang Chan I in the 16th century after he successfully repelled an invasion by the Siamese army at Angkor in 1530. He named the area “Siem Reap” to commemorate this significant victory over their historical rival.
While some historical records from other sources might suggest different timings or details of the conflict, the widely accepted and popular explanation in Cambodia is that the name Siem Reap is a proud declaration of a past Khmer military triumph over Siam. It reflects a long history of rivalry and conflict between the two nations over territory and power.
References:
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/cambodia/cambodia-siem-reap-angkor-b2716441.html
