Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 48 minutes ago
Why I chose Siem Reap, Cambodia as my Home
People always ask me why I chose Siem Reap, Cambodia as my home base. The funny thing is… I didn’t actually plan it. It all happened by accident.
After spending time in Thailand in 2023, I returned in 2024 but one frosty immigration encounter in Bangkok changed everything. So, I hopped on a bus to Cambodia with zero expectations.
What I found at the border was kindness, smiles, and a warmth I hadn’t felt anywhere else. My 30-day stay quickly turned into 60, and even when I left for Malaysia, I found myself missing Siem Reap every single day.
When I finally returned on a longer visa, I started learning Khmer, making local friends, and slowly realising that this wasn’t just another stop on my travels. Siem Reap had chosen me.
In this video, I’ll share the story of how I accidentally discovered my new home, and why Siem Reap life feels so special.
👉 Watch the full “Life in Siem Reap” playlist here:
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#nanwithabackpack #solotravel #solofemaletraveler
0:00 Intro
01:10 My Story So Far
03:28 The Thailand Twist
04:30 First Impressions of Cambodia
06:15 Extending My Stay
07:35 Missing Siem Reap in Malaysia
08:30 Why Siem Reap Feels Like Home
Why I chose Siem Reap, Cambodia as my Home
People always ask me why I chose Siem Reap, Cambodia as my home base. The funny thing is… I didn’t actually plan it. It all happened by accident.
After spending time in Thailand in 2023, I returned in 2024 but one frosty immigration encounter in Bangkok changed everything. So, I hopped on a bus to Cambodia with zero expectations.
What I found at the border was kindness, smiles, and a warmth I hadn’t felt anywhere else. My 30-day stay quickly turned into 60, and even when I left for Malaysia, I found myself missing Siem Reap every single day.
When I finally returned on a longer visa, I started learning Khmer, making local friends, and slowly realising that this wasn’t just another stop on my travels. Siem Reap had chosen me.
In this video, I’ll share the story of how I accidentally discovered my new home, and why Siem Reap life feels so special.
👉 Watch the full “Life in Siem Reap” playlist here:
👉 Subscribe to follow the rest of the series: youtube.com/@nanwithabackpack?sub_confirmation=1
Follow me on Facebook - facebook.com/nanwithabackpack
SUPPORT 🥰
☕️ Buy me a coffee ☕️ - .buymeacoffee.com/sonjaking
👉🏻 Or simply Like 👍🏼 Comment & Share my videos.
I also have a monthly newsletter, you can sign up here..... subscribepage.io/OCcqA6
I use Surfshark to keep me me safe online if you use this link you will get one month free - surfshark.club/friend/yDBVfQYj
📸 Follow me on Instagram:
instagram.com/nanwithabackpack/?hl=en
EMAIL for business enquiries only please
nanwithabackpack@gmail.com
#nanwithabackpack #solotravel #solofemaletraveler
0:00 Intro
01:10 My Story So Far
03:28 The Thailand Twist
04:30 First Impressions of Cambodia
06:15 Extending My Stay
07:35 Missing Siem Reap in Malaysia
08:30 Why Siem Reap Feels Like Home
