Bangkok is large and modern, and yet somehow shabby in its modernity. It feels different from everything we’ve seen so far in Southeast Asia. It feels like it could be anyplace, anywhere in the world. But we haven’t been here long, and haven’t really moved far enough from the hotel to make a fair judgement.

There are about 9 million people living in Bangkok: more than twice the population of British Columbia. Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, but it didn’t feel as much like a big city. There are fewer motor scooters and tuk-tuks, more cars, vans and trucks. There are people who are apparently homeless — something we hadn’t really seen in Vietnam or Cambodia.

I was sad to leave Siem Reap this morning. And sad to say goodbye to some of our fellow travellers, who had other destinations to move on to. Not to mention Yang, our “chief experience officer,” who did such an excellent job with us all.

What I didn’t feel was the familiar sense of anticipation that I had upon leaving Hanoi, Hué, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh. Overall, it felt more like an ending than a transition when we boarded the plane.

We have no real plans here in Bangkok, other than to see some sights, do a little shopping, and eat some good food. We won’t be here for long, either. Just a couple of days, then we’re flying back home.

But I don’t want to jump ahead too much. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.