A guide to visiting Cambodia with kids
Cambodia is a captivating destination filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Famous for its ancient temples, vibrant cities, and friendly locals, it offers plenty of amazing cultural experiences for families. From exploring the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat to cruising on Tonle Sap Lake and enjoying bustling markets, Cambodia promises unforgettable adventures that will enchant kids and parents alike.
The best time to visit Cambodia with kids
Cambodia has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from November to May and the wet season from June to October.
- Dry season: The dry season is the easiest time to visit Cambodia with kids as the pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring temples.
- Wet season: On the other hand, the wet season is not without its own charm as the landscapes are lush and there are far fewer crowds. However, be prepared for short, heavy bursts of rainfall.
- Family-friendly events: The Khmer New Year in April and the Water Festival in November are fun celebrations to experience with kids in Cambodia.
Getting to Cambodia and getting around with kids
Getting to Cambodia:
- Flights: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are home to the main international airports. Search for a great deal on flights at either Flight Centre or Sky Scanner.
- Airport transfers: You can grab a taxi or Tuk Tuk when you arrive, but after a long flight with kids, it’s way more pleasant to have someone waiting for you to take you straight to your hotel. Private airport transfers can be booked on Klook.
How to get around Cambodia with kids:
- Tuk-tuks: A fun and kid-friendly way to explore cities and attractions. Just make sure to agree on a price first.
- Taxi: Download and use the Grab App to book a taxi in Cambodia. You’ll know in advance how much your fare is.
- Private driver: A private driver or mini-bus can sometimes be the easiest solution to covering longer distances in Cambodia with kids. Your driver will be able to stop for convenience brakes for you, something you can’t do on a bus. This is a popular option (and one we have done ourselves) for travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Regardless of how you choose to get around, make sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat, as well as water, sunscreen and snacks. A hot, hungry and thirsty child is about as fun as stepping barefoot on a piece of Lego.
Things to do in Cambodia with Kids
Cambodia offers an amazing mix of cultural, historical, and nature-based activities. The majority of families will want to visit the incredible Angkor Wat and the mysterious Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider) temple, but there is a lot more to Cambodia than just the famous Angkor Archaeological Park. Other highlights include taking a boat ride to explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap, strolling the night markets in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, visiting the interactive Cambodia Landmine Museum to learn about the country’s history and relaxing on the sandy beaches of Sihanoukville or nearby islands.
Here are some more things you can do in Cambodia with kids!
Family-friendly accommodation
Cambodia offers a range of accommodations suitable for families, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. We stayed at the following hotels and resorts in Cambodia with kids and found them to be family-friendly:
- VMansion Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh – a lovely, clean boutique hotel with spacious rooms, lovely staff, and hand-painted wall art. I would stay here again in a heartbeat!
- The Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh – The Raffles isn’t to everyone’s budget. But if you’re after luxury, this Raffles is particularly family-friendly with everything you expect from Raffles amenities and service.
- Ibis Styles Hotel (Family Suite) in Siem Reap – This hotel is great value for money. The family suite features an indoor swing chair, a second TV for the kids, and it’s quite spacious. There is an international standard restaurant downstairs, and the night market is directly across the road.
- Sok San Beach Resort on Koh Rong Island – The resort has beautiful, roomy family chalets, and the staff did a great job keeping the grounds and the bungalows clean. However, there were a few things that weren’t so ‘wow’ about this accommodation, such as extremely slow restaurant service and rubbish on the beach out front.
Read more about family-friendly accommodation in Cambodia with kids below:
Dining with kids in Cambodia
Cambodia’s cuisine is flavourful yet mild enough for younger palates, with plenty of options for fussy eaters. However, be mindful of eating at places that seem a little ‘dodgy’ as gastro in any country is not fun, particularly Cambodia. I know this from experience! We had no problems eating at the hotel restaurants mentioned above in Cambodia with kids. It’s important to note that, like most Asian countries, you cannot drink tap water in Cambodia and must purchase bottled water.
If you’re looking to experience some traditional Khmer meals and don’t mind splurging on an evening out, Restaurant Le Royal at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh offers traditional recipes from the Cambodian royal family alongside modern Khmer gastronomy and superb tableside service. You’ll need to dress up a bit, though!
Itineraries and day trips
Make the most of your time in Cambodia with your kids with these sample itineraries:
- 1-Day: Explore Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm in Siem Reap.
- 3-Day: Combine temple visits with a Tonle Sap Lake tour and ziplining adventures in Siem Reap.
- 7-Day: After exploring the temples and Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap, head to Phnom Penh to experience the Royal Palace and other cultural delights of the capital.
- More than a week: After the above, head to the beaches and islands to finish off your adventure with a relaxing beachside getaway.
Stay tuned for some detailed itineraries coming soon!
Budgeting for your trip
It would be a mistake to think that Cambodia is a budget destination with kids, but that doesn’t mean it has to be all doom and gloom. Here’s how you can reduce your costs in Cambodia with kids.
- Use tuk-tuks for short trips instead of private cars.
- Stock up on fruit for snacks from local shops.
- Visit temples with multi-day passes for better value.
- Do your research on travel booking sites and seek out boutique hotels like the VMansion in Phnom Penh or budget chains like the Ibis Styles in Siem Reap.
YouTube – Cambodia with kids
Additional resources
- Official Tourism Cambodia Website
- Online e-visa for Cambodia
- Smart Traveller information on Cambodia
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, Cambodia is an exceptional family holiday destination, offering a great mix of history, culture, and fun. After all, it’s not every holiday you get the opportunity to tick one of the great wonders of the world off your bucket list!
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