Day 26-28 Way to Chiang Mai

Day 26. Should be a quiet day, had no further plans. So had laundry done one last time, bought some daily necessities, didn't neglect personal hygiene, booked hostels for the next few days and planned the rest of the trip (as far as possible). But it was also time for Netflix and a nap.
So it wouldn't be too lazy of a day, I went out to a pagoda, Wat Thmei, with a local Killing Field around noon. I've already written enough about the Khmer Rouge.
Regarding the bus ticket to Bangkok, I asked the hostel operator, an older Indian. He said no problem, we would meet in the morning and he would give it to me. I ran into him at 5 pm. He said it would cost $25, but I knew it should only be $18. The day before, he even said it would be $18 +/-1. He also told me something about a religious festival, a typical scam story that you find in all the books. The next morning I wanted to go to Bangkok, so it was a kind of extortion, cleverly arranged by him. Long story short, I don't let myself be fooled, 15 minutes later I was in a TukTuk to the hostel of the previous days. He tried it, but this time it didn't work. With Couchsurfing, I will pay more attention to whether it's really with locals and whether it's worth it or if it's better to take a cheap hostel.
The TukTuk driver I had ordered through the app was a complete idiot. His phone showed him the way, but he still couldn't figure it out. I had to show him with my hands where to go because he didn't understand 'right' and 'left'. And all this in pouring rain, my nerves were a bit tense, but I could control myself. Within 5 minutes of arriving at the hostel, I had my bus ticket to Bangkok for the next day for $18. I spent the evening relaxed and invested the last dollars in beer. Also, it started raining reliably again from 4 pm.

Day 27 (Monday). Bus ride to Bangkok, it was okay. The border station on the Cambodian side is simply catastrophic. There is no system and the bus driver lets you out and points to a hut. There is a dense and unpleasant crowd there, after a certain time you get the exit stamp. Then it's unclear how to proceed, but I teamed up with a Brit. We roughly know the direction, we have to go 200 meters towards Thailand through a crowd of strange people and casinos. No signs, we could have just walked back to Cambodia, but nobody wants that. So Cambodia says goodbye to its guests, I won't be back that quickly.
The situation improves on the Thai side. Here too, you fill out meaningless forms that no one cares about. Except for the passport data, I made up some information. As I said, no one cares. At least the luggage was roughly screened. The difference to Cambodia is huge, just the streets alone are fantastic. By the way, they drive on the left here. And I learned something else, our bus had to wait another 45 minutes for 2 Chinese people, they are not very popular here because of their politics and are being harassed.
Arrived quite late, got stuck in the evening traffic for the last few kilometers. But luckily I didn't have to go far from the hostel. First, I got some money again, and then I went to the hostel, which is okay for €3 per night. Later on, I went to the Khao San Road not far away for tourists. There you can find the usual: bars, food, junk, and suits (and if you like, drugs and women too). I had Pad Thai and another good beer (here in 620 ml bottles, also good).

Day 28. Short day in Bangkok. First, booked the train to Chiang Mai and got a SIM card, then explored the city center. Everything is clean and tidy, you can use the sidewalks normally and there are very well-maintained parks where you can take a break. I'm honestly impressed. There's also a lot to see. Took the ferry to Wat Arun, worth it (white temple made of ceramic tiles), only saw the Grand Palace from the outside, admission is 500 Baht (€15), while the other attractions only cost 50 Baht for admission. Besides, there are hordes of Chinese people lining up. Later went to the Golden Mount, a huge pagoda on a rock, definitely worth it. Great view.
Back at the hostel, picked up my backpack and then ordered a motorbike to the train station with the Grab app. The boy was a good driver, but because of driving on the left, I got startled more often, which in turn made him insecure. You think all the time, why is he turning into oncoming traffic. At the train station, I had Pad Thai again and then got on the train. Exciting, everything is a bit old, a bit shaky, and tight. But I think I'll survive the night, as a reassurance, I have a beer. Although I don't know what it was like in the 70s, but I imagine it was something like this. Honestly, I quite like it, it costs €25. There are also a few foreigners on board, Jerry from the USA adds a bit of variety to the conversation. 14 days without a cigarette and no craving for it. Let's see how it goes when I'm back home.