I arrived in Siem Reap at around 6am on my fourth day of traveling. I felt a bit rested after taking the midnight bus, which was quite an experience. Upon entering the bus, we were given plastic bags to put our shoes in because they're not allowed inside. Instead of normal seats, the midnight bus had actual beds with a pillow and a blanket provided. I got a top bunk bed, which I didn't like, but it didn't really matter anyway because I just stayed in my bed for the entire duration of the trip. The bed was okay, not comfy; but it was okay for me because I had enough wiggle room and leg room. I wish I could say the same for people taller than me (lol).

From the bus terminal in Siem Reap, I rode a tuk-tuk on the way to Central Hostel. When I got there, I was told that it was closed for renovation, which was surprising because I have a confirmation and all. I didn't panic because I chose the pay-at-the-hotel option when I made that booking. The guy at the reception told me that he will contact the manager because they have another branch in the area, but I ended up booking at another hostel for pretty much the same rate. I booked at The White Rabbit Hostel.

The White Rabbit Hostel was a good ten-minute walk from Central Hostel. When I got there, I was extremely pleased with the friendly atmosphere coming from the staff and fellow guests. It is a party hostel, after all.
The White Rabbit

Check in was around 2pm, so I left my things in the storage room, took a quick shower, and went out to have breakfast and tour the area.
 Wat Damnak
 Siem Reap River
Wat Preah Promrath

After hours of walking around, I had lunch and then walked back to the hostel to check in and get some rest. I spent a good part of the afternoon lounging around the pool area and swimming, and talking to the other guests. When it was around 6pm, I went out again to check out the Siem Reap market and do some souvenir shopping.
Siem Reap Night Market

That night, we had a "family" dinner at the hostel where we paid 5USD each for soup, tacos, quesadillas, bread, and onion rings. It was worth it because the food just kept on coming. There was free beer as well, and lots of drinking games. At 11pm, we went out for drinks at Pub Street. I really had a great time mingling and making friends with the other guests. Eventually I had to leave early, around 1am, because I had an early morning Angkor Wat tour.

So that's it for my first day in Siem Reap. 'Til the next post!