Wander Together, Laugh Forever: Veer’s Fun-Filled Family Trip to Cambodia
They say, "A family that travels together, stays together," and our Cambodian adventure proved it right in every sense!
From the ancient stone carvings whispering tales of centuries to the lively markets buzzing with the present, Cambodia swept us off our feet and stitched us closer as a family.
Whispers of Time
It all began with Angkor Wat, and wow, what a start!
Sunrise at the temple felt like walking into a fantasy—golden rays danced over the intricate carvings, turning them into pure magic. The kind of magic that makes you feel like an adventurer in a lost kingdom.
Exploring the corridors was like a history lesson disguised as leg day. But hey, if 12th-century monks could climb them, so could we (with a lot more huffing, of course).
But the library was the real jackpot for me and my mom (the bookworms as our dad liked to call us.)
It had this mysterious, "treasure chest of knowledge" vibe that practically begged for a secret scroll or two. Walking through, it was easy to picture some ancient scholar—or maybe even Harry Potter—tucking away magical tomes in its shadowy corners.
By the time we left, Angkor Wat had worked its charm. It was an adventure full of wonder, stories, and just a hint of muscle soreness. But, totally worth it!
Punjabi Taste Buds, Khmer Flavors
If you think food doesn’t create memories, you haven’t eaten with my family, yet.
As a Punjabi family, food is our love language, and tasting new kinds of food is the highlight of any trip. Cambodia didn’t disappoint. Every bite we had was an adventure, be it from the sizzling street stalls to tucked-away cosy restaurants.
Our first taste of amok—a creamy, coconut-based fish curry—was like a warm hug after a long day. My brother, the self-proclaimed food critic, nodded approvingly, saying, “This is officially my favourite dish.”
But the street food of Cambodia? That’s where the real fun began. Dad decided to try fried crickets. “Protein-packed and crunchy,” he said with a grin while we squealed in mock horror. Mom played it safer with nom banh chok—Khmer noodles in a light fish broth—which she claimed was the perfect comfort food.
Evenings, for us, were reserved for local desserts. Sweet sticky rice with mango quickly became a family favourite. One night, we stumbled upon a street-side café with twinkling lights and live traditional music. Sharing dessert, my mom smiled and said, “This is what we’ll remember—us, together, over food and laughter.”
Of course, no meal was complete without a round of Punjabi-style teasing. My brother’s habit of taking the largest portion didn’t go unnoticed. “You’re eating like we’ve skipped lunch for days!” my dad joked, setting off another round of laughter.
The Market Shenanigans
No family trip is complete without some shopping drama, right? The bustling markets of Siem Reap were like stepping into a kaleidoscope. My sister wanted a scarf from every stall, while my dad turned into a pro negotiator. “This is the final price,” he said for the fifth time. The vendor just smiled and said, “But not yet, my friend.”
At one point, my mom found a gorgeous handmade vase. “How are we getting this home?” Dad asked. She waved him off, saying, “That’s tomorrow’s problem.” Spoiler alert: The vase made it home in one piece, wrapped in about ten layers of scarves.
We also explored the night markets, and they were a sensory overload—in the best way! From neon-lit food stalls to performers juggling flames, the energy was contagious. My brother joined a drumming circle while we cheered him on. He left with sore hands and a beaming smile.
More Than Just Temples
Cambodia isn’t just about temples and markets—it’s a canvas of breathtaking landscapes. And our trip to Tonle Sap Lake was a revelation in itself.
Floating villages, with homes on stilts and boats doubling as shops, felt like stepping into a different world. The serenity of the lake was a stark contrast to the vibrant city markets. A local boatman shared stories of life on the lake, his voice calm and steady. “The lake is our life,” he said, his words lingering with us.
One of our favourite days was spent at Phnom Kulen National Park. The waterfalls there were straight out of a dream. My sister and I couldn’t resist jumping into the crystal-clear water, splashing like kids while dad captured every moment on his camera. “This is Instagram gold,” he declared. Meanwhile, mom found a quiet corner to soak in the view, her face glowing with peace.
The drive back from the park gave us an unexpected gift. We stopped at a roadside stall for fresh sugarcane juice, and a group of local kids invited us to play chol chhoung—a traditional Khmer game involving throwing a scarf back and forth.
We didn’t understand all the rules, but that didn’t matter. Their laughter, our clumsy attempts, and the setting sun made it a moment we’d talk about long after.
Why Cambodia Stole Our Hearts
Our trip to Cambodia was a story—one filled with laughter, awe, and memories we’ll cherish forever. The warmth of the locals made us feel at home, the history made us reflect, and the experiences made us grow closer as a family.
To anyone thinking about visiting, I’ll say this: Go. Go for the majestic temples, the flavorful food, the vibrant markets, and the scenic wonders. But most of all, go for the magic that happens when you least expect it.
As my mom wisely said during the trip, “Travel isn’t about ticking off places; it’s about creating moments that make your heart full.”
And that’s exactly what Cambodia did for us.
Read more: Thrillophilia Cambodia Reviews