Arrival in Cambodia

In the morning, I successfully catch my bus from a station on the other side of Bangkok. The bus takes me directly to my destination — Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia’s greatest attraction: the ancient Angkor temple complex of the Khmer Empire.

Interestingly, the name Siem Reap means “Siam Defeated” in Khmer, with Siam referring to the old Thai kingdom — a small but telling reminder of the region’s long and complex history.

The journey takes the entire day, including the crossing of the Thai–Cambodian border. Watching the scenery gradually change along the way makes the long ride feel like a slow transition into a new chapter of the trip.

By evening, I arrive at my hostel in Siem Reap and head out for a short walk around the city. The famous Pub Street is lively and full of energy, with restaurants, bars, and music spilling out into the warm night air.

On one corner, the well-known fish foot spas are operating — small tanks filled with tiny fish ready to nibble at tired travelers’ feet. From the hostel, there’s a clear view of the busy street below, giving a first glimpse of the rhythm of life in this vibrant town.

After a long travel day, it feels good to finally be in Cambodia — ready to explore Angkor the following day.