DAY 0 & 1 Southeast Asia: Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong

My husband and I recently took a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. It made such an impact on us that I thought I’d share it through a blog for you all to travel along with us! Enjoy the ride.

DAY ZERO: Our three-week Southeast Asia adventure began with a brief but heart-stopping moment of confusion the night before departure. While checking in online on November 22, we both suddenly thought our flight might be off by a day. Mild panic set in until relief washed over us when we realized everything was correct. The flight did leave Sunday. All was well. Adventure officially back on track.

DAY ONE: On Sunday, November 23, we boarded ANA Flight 111, bound for Tokyo and onward to Southeast Asia for a total travel time of 27 and a half hours and 9,391 miles. We sprung for the upgrade to business class due to the long grueling flight ahead. From the moment we stepped onboard, it felt like the trip had already elevated itself beyond expectations. Each of us settled into our own fully enclosed pod complete with a reclining seat, sleeping mat, pillow, blanket, slippers, generous storage, and a large screen loaded with movies, books, and music. A divider between seats created a cocoon of comfort. Champagne or orange juice was offered before takeoff —sparkling wine for me, a small celebratory toast to calm nerves and mark the beginning of something special.

The kindness of the ANA flight attendants stood out immediately. Dressed in cheerful blue and pink aprons adorned with a whimsical character, they moved through the cabin constantly checking in, always smiling, and somehow keeping the bathrooms immaculate, complete with neatly folded toilet paper every single time. I slept in short stretches, watched a couple of movies (the original Freaky Friday and its sequel), read my Kindle, and enjoyed a light breakfast as the cabin lights came back on. After traveling 6,305 miles, we touched down in Tokyo.

Tokyo’s airport was immense and buzzing even late at night. A 15-minute bus ride took us from our arrival terminal to Terminal 2. We didn’t linger long, grabbing ice cream, resting our legs, and soaking in the energy before boarding our next flight.

The second leg carried us from Tokyo to Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok’s airport proved confusing at first, but we eventually found our lounge, where coffee, food, and a much-needed pause helped us regain some energy. With nearly three hours before departure, we felt human again fueled by caffeine and a milky tea that felt like a small miracle.Though the plane was smaller, it was still comfortable. I slept a bit, read, and ate (again) while we crossed more time zones.

Our final flight, just one-hour long on Thai Airways, brought us at last to Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap and having quickly navigated customs, we were warmly greeted by our tour guide and driver, who picked us up in a white van for the hour-long drive to our hotel. Along the way, Cambodia unfolded before us: skinny cows grazing near the road, fields of rice and cassava, countless motorcycles weaving through traffic that seemed to follow its own unspoken rhythm. Villages lined the road, dotted with roadside stands selling everything imaginable.

Our guide shared pieces of his life — growing up an orphan after the war, losing his parents to disease, and eventually earning a tourism certificate that led him to this work. His story added depth and humanity to the landscape rolling past our windows.

We arrived at the Shinta Mani Angkor, a beautiful locally run five-star hotel connected to a foundation that supports the surrounding community through training and opportunity. Despite it being only 10 a.m., our room was ready, a gift we were deeply grateful for. After showers and a brief rest, we ventured out to explore.

Siem Reap immediately came alive around us. Rickshaw drivers on scooters cheerfully offered tours for a dollar or two an hour, but we chose to wander on foot. We explored the hotel grounds, the pool, an art shop across the street, and eventually made our way toward the river district, where boats bobbed gently in the water. We knew it would be stunning after dark.

Exhaustion finally caught up with us. After a short nap, we canceled dinner reservations and opted for something simple. Chris picked up Indian butter chicken with naan from a street vendor. One accidental bite of a fiery pepper reminded us we were very far from home. Water helped, eventually.

By early evening, sleep won. Netflix never stood a chance. We were out before 7 p.m., finally letting our bodies surrender to rest.

This was only the beginning, an opening chapter to three unforgettable weeks across Cambodia and Vietnam, with temples, rivers, stories, and friendships ahead. And knowing that at the end of these three weeks we’ll be celebrating our dear friend Nhi and her wedding to Duc makes the miles traveled feel even more meaningful. This trip isn’t just about where we are — it’s about connection, friendship, and the joy of sharing life across cultures. So thankful to be here.

Here's a look at DAY ONE photos.