The Epic Family Adventure: Veer’s Family Trip to Cambodia with Thrillophilia
The way Veer tells it, their family trip to Cambodia was less of a vacation and more of an epic story starring ancient temples, busy markets, and a surprising number of jokes about paneer.
Travelling with his parents and his ever-curious sister, Veer’s journey was a delightful mix of history, culture, and food (of course, it had to be about food—they’re Punjabis after all).
Temples That Whisper Secrets of the Past
It all began with Angkor Wat. The sight of the sun rising behind the ancient temple complex was one of those rare moments where everyone went quiet.
The family wandered through the maze of carvings, each corner revealing stories etched in stone. “I think this was the original history book,” Veer’s sister quipped, snapping pictures of the intricate apsara dancers on the temple walls.
Their guide explained tales of gods and kings with such passion that even Veer’s mom, who usually preferred Bollywood to history, was enthralled.
By mid-afternoon, Veer’s dad had already christened Angkor Wat as “the greatest workout of all time.” His mom, fanning herself dramatically, declared that she deserved an extra mango shake for her suffering. Drama aside, the family agreed the place was magical.
Punjabis vs. the Cambodian Cuisine
As Punjabis, food wasn’t just fuel—it was a full-blown affair. Cambodian cuisine, though delicious, took some getting used to for Veer’s dad, whose idea of a great meal started and ended with butter chicken.
On the first evening, they ventured into a local eatery, encouraged by their guide to try amok, a fragrant fish curry. Veer’s mom gave it a shot and loved it, but his dad’s reaction was the stuff family legends are made of. “It’s nice,” he said cautiously, “but where’s the masala? And naan?”
Their culinary adventures became a running joke. From slurping up steaming bowls of Khmer noodles in the markets to sampling sugar-palm desserts, each meal became an experiment. But nothing topped the moment Veer’s sister, a devoted paneer enthusiast, exclaimed, “Guys, I think I found a replacement for paneer!” while biting into a juicy piece of grilled tofu.
The ultimate foodie adventure was a surprise cooking class where everyone became chefs for the day, stirring, chopping, and maybe over-seasoning their way through traditional Cambodian dishes—it was delicious chaos!
Watching Veer’s dad chop lemongrass with great concentration, his mom expertly folding banana leaves and his sister mixing spices like a pro was a sight to behold for Veer. “Who knew we’d all survive without parathas?” Veer joked as they sat down to enjoy their creations.
Tuktuks, Markets, and Million-Dollar Smiles
Exploring Cambodia’s vibrant streets felt like stepping into a colourful whirlwind. The family travelled through the city in tuk-tuks, their favourite mode of transport, weaving past rows of street vendors and catching glimpses of daily life in motion.
The bustling markets were another level of excitement—chaotic, lively, and overflowing with treasures. From vibrant silk scarves to quirky souvenirs, the family’s bags kept piling up with every stop. Veer fondly remembers how his mom, nicknamed the “Queen of Haggling” by the family, bargained her way to the best deals with a triumphant grin.
But what truly made the trip memorable were the locals. Veer still smiles when recalling a vendor who handed them fresh coconut water with the kindest words, “You family, you happy,” refusing payment with a warmth that was simply priceless.
As if the day couldn’t get any better, an evening stroll led them to a lively street performance. Traditional Cambodian dancers, with their graceful movements and hypnotic beats, stole the show. Veer’s mom couldn’t resist tapping her feet along, much to the family’s delight. In that moment, surrounded by music, laughter, and the energy of Cambodia, it was moments like these that made their journey unforgettable—vivid, heartwarming, and full of life.
Sunsets, Smiles, and Stories to Remember
One of the most unexpected highlights of their trip was a sunset boat ride along Tonlé Sap Lake. The stillness of the water, dotted with floating villages, was a stark contrast to the buzzing streets they’d explored earlier.
As the sun set, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the family sat in serene silence, taking it all in.
It was a perfect moment of reflection—travel had a way of putting everything into perspective.
The adventure wrapped up with a cheerful toast at a cosy rooftop café, where mocktails were raised to the memories they’d created. As they looked back on the journey, Veer’s sister captured it perfectly: "We came here for temples and adventure, but we’re leaving with stories that’ll make us laugh forever."
The Takeaway
As they boarded their flight back home, Veer reflected on how the trip had been more than just a vacation. “Our family trip to Cambodia was incredible! We loved exploring the majestic Angkor Wat and discovering its rich history. The locals were warm and welcoming, and the food was delicious. From scenic landscapes to vibrant markets, every moment was filled with excitement. A perfect destination for family fun”, Veer summed it up.
Veer couldn’t help but smile as he overheard his mom promising to replicate Cambodian recipes back home and his dad proclaiming himself a tuk-tuk aficionado.
Their Cambodian adventure wasn’t just about the places they visited—it was about the bond they shared along the way.
And isn’t what every family trip is all about?
Read more: Thrillophilia Cambodia Reviews