Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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I spent three days in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and this trip had a bit of everything.

My journey from Siem Reap started with VET Bus… which broke down just 12 minutes from my hostel by tuk tuk. So close, yet not quite there. After eventually arriving, I checked into Onederz Hostel Phnom Penh and later headed up to Juniper Gin Bar for rooftop cocktails, where I met up with Jamie, one of my former Serendipity Hair Studio clients, and his mate Sam.

While in Phnom Penh, I explored AEON Mall, went to the cinema, and caught up for a drink with someone I first met in Chiang Mai a few years ago. I also had a relaxed swim at the hostel pool before heading out on the Big Red Bus city tour at 4:30 pm.

That evening, I met up with Dean and Alan from the Camp Bodia YouTube channel for a walk along the Saturday Night Market walking street.

For the return journey to Siem Reap, I travelled with Mey Hong bus company. The bus left at 1:30 pm and arrived just before 9:30 pm. What was meant to be a six-hour trip turned into eight hours with regular local stops along the way. Travel in Cambodia always keeps you humble.

If you are planning a trip to Phnom Penh or travelling between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, this video shows the real experience of travelling in Cambodia, the good, the unexpected, and everything in between.

If you enjoy honest solo travel over 50 and life in Southeast Asia, please subscribe to Nan with a Backpack.

Creating magic memories, one step at a time.

Links for places in video:
VET Bus company - vetairbus.com/en/transit/pages
Onederz Phnom Penh - booking.com/Share-Mzil4uE
AEON Mall Phnom Penh - ampp.aeonmallcambodia.com
Big Bus Angkor Tours - bigbusangkor.com
Mey Hong Bus - https://12go.asia/en/operator/mey-hong-bus

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0:00 Traveling to Phnom Penh
2:12 Bus ride and amenities
4:31 Detour and hostel arrival
6:11 City views and cocktails
7:59 Exploring the shopping mall
9:55 Movies and meeting friends
11:09 Sunset tour of the city
14:24 Saturday night market
18:11 Return trip to Siem Reap