Thrillophilia Review: Anjali’s Year-End Rewind with Sunsets & Surprises in Thailand
The final week of the year has always held a strange kind of magic for me. It is when the world slows down collectively and calendars are near full, but hearts are wide open. That marginal space between Christmas and New Year’s is reflective, nostalgic, and deeply alive. That is when my younger sister and I decided to do something we had never done before: pack light and travel heavy.
So we booked a year-end escape to Bangkok with Thrillophilia, a decision that felt impulsive and perfect at the same time.
In December 2024, we flew out. Two sisters. No expectations. Just wide eyes and open hearts.
Tigers, Chill Vibes, and Christmas Without Chaos
While the world was waking up to Christmas trees and presents, we woke up in Bangkok - sunny, loud, and gloriously alive. A friendly driver took us to Pattaya, and despite the jet lag, we could not stop smiling.
Our first real stop? Tiger Park.
Now, nothing prepares you for standing 3 feet away from a tiger. I thought I would be scared, maybe even sad. But the atmosphere was surprisingly serene. The tigers were not agitated or forced into tricks. Just resting like royalty.
A trainer guided us into a fenced area where the tigers lay lazily, with their golden eyes half-closed. One of them looked up as we approached. I hesitated as my heart pounded, but my sister nudged me forward.
"They are just big cats," she laughed nervously.
I knelt beside one and felt both terrified and mesmerised. The moment was surreal. I placed a hand gently on its back and felt that it was warm, breathing, and real. We snapped pictures, of course, but more than that, we stood there for long moments, just being in awe.
There was something humbling about that experience. It set the perfect tone for the trip ahead.
Where Laughter Was Louder Than the Waves
On Day 2, we headed to Coral Island, and the sea greeted us with its waves. We hopped onto a speedboat, hair all over the place, and shouting like teenagers.
The water was every shade of blue that Instagram filters try to mimic. We parasailed for the first time. My legs were shaking before takeoff, but once we were in the air, suspended over the ocean, I yelled, “We are actually doing this!” My sister yelled back, “We are insane and I love it!”
We sunbathed, shared a pineapple smoothie, and took the kind of silly photos only true sisters can take of each other. Somewhere between sunscreen re-applications and sandy feet, I realised this was not just a holiday, but a healing.
Moonlight & Pad Thai
Bangkok welcomed us back the next day with warm lights and cooler air. After settling into our hotel, we dressed up and made our way to the dinner cruise.
Gliding on the Chao Phraya River, with city lights flickering like sequins on water, was nothing short of magical. The music, the soft wind, and the aroma of spicy stir-fries felt like a scene out of a film.
We clinked glasses filled with lemongrass mocktails, toasted to 2024, and talked about everything and nothing. At one point, my sister said, “If this is what growing up feels like, I think we are doing okay.”
And I could not agree more.
Roars, Giggles & Unexpected Lessons at Safari World
Day 4 was a surprise hit. I had assumed Safari World would be more for families with toddlers. But honestly? It turned out to be the most fun we have had.
From watching a dolphin show that made us both teary-eyed to giggling at orangutans pulling off better comedy than any Netflix special, we were in it.
During the safari drive, our vehicle came to a stop because of a group of zebras that decided to cross the road. No rush, no honks. Just striped traffic at its best. My sister laughed and said, “This is the kind of jam I could sit in for hours.”
Later, over a quiet lunch under leafy trees, we sat in contented silence.
"This is the wild I have been missing," I said.
Not the animals. The freedom!
The Grand Finale
The last day rolled around quietly. Just one final breakfast and a slow check-out.
In the cab to the airport, we did not speak much. But we did not need to.
"Same time next year?" she asked.
"Absolutely," I replied.
And just like that, a new tradition was born.
Heartfelt Thanks & New Beginnings
Thrillophilia, you legends - thank you for a beautiful vacation. Everything was on point. The pickups, the experiences, the guides - your planning gave us the space to be spontaneous, be present, and most importantly, just be us.
This was not just a trip to end the year. It was a reminder that endings can be gentle, joyful, and full of beginnings.
Here is to chasing sunsets.
Here is to Bangkok, and to being young, wild, and alive.
We will be back. With even more stories to tell.
Read More: Thrillophilia Thailand Reviews