Falling in Love with Cambodia: Veer’s Family Trip Review with Thrillophilia
Cambodia—it’s a name that stirs images of ancient temples, busy markets, and a history etched in stone. As I looked out the plane window, the sprawling green countryside of this stunning destination below seemed like a canvas waiting to be painted with our family adventures. Little did I know, this trip would be a blend of wonder, chaos, and moments we’d laugh about for years.
Lost in Time, Found in Awe
The first time I saw Angkor Wat, I was at a loss of words. Imagine standing before a temple that looks like it’s been pulled straight out of a history book. The towering spires, detailed carvings, and the sheer size of it made it feel like we’d stumbled into another world. My dad, usually the self-proclaimed tour guide, just stood there silent.
A rare moment indeed.
We wandered through the labyrinth of corridors, each stone seemingly whispering tales of the past. My younger sibling was convinced these carvings were secret messages from ancient times. “If I press this stone, maybe a hidden door will open,” he declared, pushing random spots on the wall. Spoiler alert: no secret door opened, but we did end up laughing until our stomachs hurt.
Even the early morning wake-up for the sunrise view of Angkor Wat was worth it. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the temple's moat. "This feels like a dream," my mom whispered, capturing the moment perfectly in one sentence. It was one of those moments when you realize you're witnessing something you’ll never forget.
Markets, Motorbikes, and Mayhem
If Angkor Wat was serene, the markets were the complete opposite. Stepping into a Cambodian market is like diving into a sea of colours, sounds, and smells. My dad haggled over souvenirs while my siblings and I tried every street snack they could find.
The air was filled with sizzling skewers, sweet mangoes, and the tang of something mysterious—probably durian, which my mom promptly declared off-limits after one sniff.
One hilarious moment was when we tried to cross a street. Motorbikes zipped by in every direction, and my dad, ever the cautious one, turned into a traffic conductor, waving at bikes and shouting, "Wait, wait! Go now!" Honestly, it felt like we were part of a live-action game.
The people, though, were the highlight. Warm smiles greeted us everywhere we went, and despite the language barrier, conversations flowed. A vendor, seeing our indecisiveness over buying scarves, offered to teach us a few Khmer words in exchange for a purchase. We left with scarves, new words, and a photo with her wide, toothy grin.
Food: A Journey of Its Own
I never thought I’d describe food as an adventure, but Cambodia proved me wrong. From fragrant amok curry to crispy spring rolls, every meal felt like a mini-celebration. Even my picky sibling couldn’t resist the banana pancakes from a street stall.
One night, we tried a family-style dinner at a local eatery. The food arrived, and my dad’s face lit up like a kid in a candy store. “Try this!” became his catchphrase for the evening, though he conveniently skipped the dish with fried insects.
My sibling dared me to try one, and well… let’s just say the crunchy surprise wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined. But would I eat it again? Probably not.
Cambodian desserts deserve a special mention. I’d never tasted anything like sweet sticky rice with mango. It was simple yet addictive. My mom couldn’t stop raving about the coconut milk soup, while my dad developed a strange obsession with coffee. “It’s the condensed milk,” he claimed as if he’d unlocked the secret to its deliciousness.
Landscapes to Remember, Stories to Share
Beyond the temples and markets, Cambodia’s natural beauty stole the show. One day, we took a boat ride through floating villages, where homes bobbed gently on the water and kids paddled tiny boats as though they were toys. It was humbling to see life lived so differently, yet so full of joy.
The countryside rides were equally mesmerising—fields of green stretched endlessly, interrupted only by water buffaloes lazing around. My sibling tried naming each one we passed until they ran out of ideas.
Even our driver joined in, suggesting names in Khmer, which made for a hilarious back-and-forth.
On our last evening, we visited a hilltop temple to watch the sunset. The horizon burned gold as the sun dipped, and for once, everyone was quiet. It felt like Cambodia itself was saying goodbye, wrapping us in a warm, golden glow.
A Journey to Remember
As the trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. From exploring the majestic Angkor Wat to navigating chaotic markets and savouring every bite of local cuisine, every moment was filled with excitement, just as Thrillophilia had promised.
The real magic, though, wasn’t just in the places we visited—it was in the memories we created together. My family often jokes that this trip deserves its own photo album, but for me, it’s the stories that matter. The ones we’ll tell over dinner, the ones that make us laugh years later.
Cambodia was a memory in the making, one we’ll cherish forever. As we boarded the flight back home, I realised that sometimes, the best souvenirs aren’t the ones you can hold—they’re the ones you carry in your heart.
Read more: Thrillophilia Cambodia Reviews