VannDa Closes Out His Defining Trilogy with a Cultural Epic: Treyvisai III – Return to Sovannaphum

Ben Madilynn May 20, 2025

VannDa, Cambodia’s most influential music artist, has unveiled the final chapter of his landmark trilogy with Treyvisai III: Return to Sovannaphum, now available on all platforms worldwide.

The Treyvisai trilogy chronicles VannDa’s personal and artistic evolution: from ambition and self-doubt (Treyvisai I: The Search for Light), to rage and its emotional fallout (Treyvisai II: Burn Like The Sun), and now to healing, purpose and cultural pride in Return to Sovannaphum.

“I made Return to Sovannaphum for my people. We’ve been through war, pain, and erasure – but we’ve never given up. That spirit is in me. Every time I rap or produce with our sounds and soul, it’s not just for me – it’s for every Khmer kid who never saw themselves reflected in the world. This album is our voice now.” — VannDa

The centerpiece of this release is “Golden Land”, VannDa’s most cinematic music video to-date, which premiered on May 13. The epic visual weaves together two tracks “Golden Land” and “Varman Blood”, capturing Cambodia’s strength, beauty, and vision in a single narrative. Watch here.

Building on the legacy of his 2021 breakout hit “Time to Rise”, VannDa is also fulfilling a promise he once made to fans – that when the video reached 100 million views, he would deliver a sequel. Rather than just one song, he has gifted an entire 10-track album rooted in Khmer identity and storytelling. Return to Sovannaphum is his offering to Cambodia and a bold proclamation to the world.

This trilogy marks VannDa’s first full-length release since the official announcement of his partnership with EMPIRE in March 2025, heralding a new era for both the artist and Cambodia’s creative voice on the global stage.

“This isn’t just an album – it’s a cultural milestone marking the beginning of a new renaissance era for Cambodia. Return to Sovannaphum is VannDa’s call-to-action, signaling that Cambodian voices are ready to take their place on the global stage.” — Laura Mam, CEO of Baramey Production

The trilogy began on March 14 with Treyvisai I: The Search for Light, anchored by the high-energy lead track “Smoke Up” featuring Thai rap icon YOUNGOHM. This milestone collaboration showcased the synergy between two of Southeast Asia’s biggest hip-hop powerhouses and reinforced VannDa’s trailblazing role in the region’s rap scene. Watch the official music video here.

Treyvisai II: Burn Like The Sun, released on March 21, explores themes of chaos, conflict and turbulence through aggressive rap tracks and emotional ballads. The focus track “NO DISRESPECT” channels raw, untamed energy into a high-octane fusion of rap, metal, and rage music crafted for stadiums and mosh pits. Fueled by relentless flows and VannDa’s signature electrifying production, it stands as a masterclass in controlled chaos – aggressive, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold. Watch the official music video here.

Stream Treyvisai III: Return to Sovannaphum HERE

Watch “Golden Land” official music video HERE

Treyvisai III: Return to Sovannaphum Tracklist