Aditya's Thrillophilia Review of a Historic Getaway to Cambodia
After a long search for their next adventure, Aditya and his partner decided Cambodia was the place to go. They wanted something offbeat and filled with history. While scrolling online, they found Thrillophilia and loved how fun and customisable the itineraries looked.
Without a second thought, they booked their dream trip with Thrillophilia, ready for a journey filled with temples, lakes, and new experiences.
Floating Villages and Hidden Temples
The couple arrived in Siem Reap, eager to explore the ancient temples and unique landscapes that Cambodia is known for. On their first day, they visited the Preah Ang Chheck, one of the local shrines, which gave them an insight into the spirituality of the region. After that, they took a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia's largest freshwater lake. They absolutely loved the boat trip, as they got a chance to admire several floating villages.
The following day, the couple went on an adventure to Beng Melea, a temple hidden deep in the jungle. They felt like the 12th-century temple, built by King Suryavarman II, was something out of an ancient story. It was clear that the jungle had taken over the temple, with nature and history blending together. After exploring the temple, they visited Wat Damnak, a beautiful pagoda with French colonial influences. The couple also got the chance to participate in a traditional blessing ceremony with local monks. It was a unique experience for them to sit quietly as the monks chanted, and tied a sacred thread around their wrists, for protection and good fortune.
It was moments like these that made them feel connected to the culture and history of Cambodia in a special way.
The Lost World of Angkor
The third day of the trip was packed with more exploration, taking the couple to some of the lesser-known temples of Angkor. First, they visited the Rolous Group of temples, which included the ancient sites of Lo Lei, Preah Koh, and Bakhong. These temples were some of the earliest in the Angkor region, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The couple was impressed by the historic carvings and the peaceful surroundings, where the hustle and bustle of modern life seemed to fade out.
Afterwards, they travelled to Banteay Srei, a temple known for its stunning pink sandstone architecture. This temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, stood out for its finely detailed artwork, which was unlike anything they had seen before. They marvelled at the depictions of gods and goddesses, which seemed to come to life in the sunlight. They also visited the Banteay Samre temple, known for its impressive bas-reliefs, which spoke of stories from Hindu mythology.
The two of them were also fascinated by how each temple seemed to have its own unique personality. In the afternoon, they visited Ta Prohm, one of the most famous temples in the Angkor complex. The sight of massive trees growing through the temple's stone structures was truly incredible. The roots of the trees seemed to reach out, intertwining with the ruins, creating a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere.
The last stop of the day was Angkor Wat, often considered the 8th Wonder of the World. The couple spent a few hours wandering through its impressive halls and courtyards, admiring the detailed carvings and the sheer scale of the structure. It was symbolic of the power and majesty of the Khmer Empire. They also visited the Royal City of Angkor Thom, which was just as mind-blowing. The Bayon Temple, with its towering stone faces, was particularly charming.
History, Healing, and Harmony
On the fifth day, the couple explored Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, to experience a combination of contemporary life and historical landmarks. They started their tour by visiting the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which stood out for its beautiful architecture. Next up on their sightseeing tour was the National Museum, where they saw impressive collections of ancient Khmer art and artefacts. The highlight, however, was the visit to the Toul Sleng Museum, a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
The next morning, the couple visited the Killing Fields, a place of great historical significance. The memorial stood as a reminder of the killings that happened during the Khmer Rouge era. Walking around the site, they could not help but reflect on the difficult history of the country. Despite the sadness, it was important for them to learn about Cambodia’s past, and they felt it added depth to their understanding of the country.
In the afternoon, they boarded a boat to Chau Doc, a town located on the border of Cambodia and Vietnam. The boat ride was a peaceful way to end their journey through Cambodia, as they travelled along the calm waters, reflecting on the incredible experiences they had over the past few days. The journey had been a blend of history, culture, adventure, and a deep connection with the country’s heritage. From exploring ancient temples to drifting along calm lakes, the couple’s time in Cambodia was a memorable adventure.
Read More: Thrillophilia Cambodia Reviews