Kamphucha: How A Visa Run from Thailand Brought Me to Cambodia

In this book, I, Haneda Kento, share my journey through Cambodia, a voyage that began during my fifth stay in Thailand in 2023. As the end of my visa-exemption period approached, I faced a decision many travellers in Thailand encounter – undertaking a visa run. This led me to a question that shaped my next adventure: where should I go?

Thailand's neighbours include Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, and, across the Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam. By the time I was planning my visa run, I had not yet explored Cambodia and Laos. This book delves into my choice of Cambodia, a nation less frequented by travellers compared to Thailand, largely due to its differing visa policies and the perception of safety.

I use the term "Kamphucha" (กัมพูชา), the Thai word for Cambodia, throughout this narrative. This decision reflects the Thai pronunciation's closer alignment with the Khmer language than the English term 'Cambodia,' offering a unique perspective shaped by my time in Thailand.

From my arrival at the newly-opened Siem Reap-Angkor Airport to watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, each experience offered deeper insights into Cambodia.

The next book in the series, "The Magic Tree: Phnom Penh, Genocide and China," continues my exploration. It features the nightlife in Siem Reap and my journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. It covers the vibrant markets in Phnom Penh, the impact of the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the genocidal history of Cambodia, as well as the lessons I learnt about the language, the currency, and the people of Cambodia.

"Kamphucha: How A Visa Run from Thailand Brought Me to Cambodia" is a personal narrative that weaves together history, culture, and my reflections on Cambodia, a country with a story far richer and more complex than often perceived. Join me in this honest and revealing account of a land with an enduring spirit and captivating history.

Paparback available on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/fSIO0WA