Polaroid of the Week: Unexpected Return to Cambodia's Timeless Charm
This week’s Polaroid takes us to Cambodia! If you followed my March travel itinerary, you’ll know Cambodia wasn’t planned—I should be in Indonesia right now, not in Siem Reap near the iconic temples of Angkor Wat.
Travel plans don’t always go as expected. Last week, while checking in for my flight to Bali, I was denied boarding due to my passport’s condition. I was stunned. It had passed scrutiny on four flights in Thailand and five in the Philippines (plus the connecting flight), with no issues raised by officials. Admittedly, it looks well-traveled—more used than most—but this was my first denial in years of globetrotting.
I’ll cover the full story in my monthly roundup, but in short: I couldn’t join my friend in Indonesia (heartbreaking), and the temporary passport I received severely limits my options.
Why Cambodia? I’m meeting that friend in Thailand end-of-month, but my 30-day visa expires soon. For a new two-week visa, I had to exit. No hesitation—I searched routes from Bangkok to Cambodia and hopped a border bus once my new passport arrived.
Now here, I can’t believe I nearly skipped it. I fell head over heels for Cambodia on my 2012 visit, and three years later, it still captivates me. I’m thrilled to revisit favorites and explore new spots before heading back to Bangkok.
