Visiting Siem Reap With Kids
Lets face it. You’re probably only visiting Siem Reap with kids to experience the Angkor Temples right? The Angkor temples are amazing and I promise you won’t be disappointed. At the ages of four (just turned) and six, my kids enjoyed walking around and exploring the ruins.
Siem Reap has a lot more to offer than just the temples though! It’s fairly modern, less hectic than Phnom Penh and there’s a lot to do within a short tuk-tuk ride of the town itself.
Keep reading below for more information on visiting the Angkor Temples, other things to do in Siem Reap with kids, where to stay, how to get there and ‘need to know before you go’ information.
The Angkor Temples in Siem Reap With Kids
The Angkor Temples are really amazing and I don’t see how any kid would be bored exploring dimly lit hallways, clambering over ruins, climbing stairs and spotting monkeys.
Visiting the Angkor Temples can be tiring, and kids will get tired and overheated long before you do. With this in mind, don’t expect young kids to spend a whole day exploring ruins or expect they will want to do it for three days straight. Being honest, I didn’t even want to do that!
You can easily visit three of the major temples in a day and head back another day for a sunset or sunrise viewing.
Due to myself coming down ill and not much time to spare in Siem Reap, we only visited Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple). It was disappointing we didn’t make it to Bayon Temple and Beng Mealea but I have plans to come back!
Ta Prohm With Kids
Ta Prohm was made famous by the original Tomb Raider movie starring Angelina Jolie. It is here that you will witness nature growing in, around and through the ruins. This temple is amazing for kids as although some sections are off limits, you are still able to walk through the corridors at your own pace. It’s a real adventure for them!
My best tip for visiting Ta Prohm With Kids is to have your Tuk-Tuk driver drop you at the East Entrance and pick you up on the other side on the Western side of the temple. This will minimise walking for the kids by avoiding backtracking.
We had fun getting lost somewhere in the middle of Ta Prohm and finding the iconic trees enveloping the building.
Check out our YouTube clip of Ta Prohm in 60 seconds!
Angkor Wat With Kids
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building! Built in the first half of the 12th century, it’s amazing that its still standing today.
If exploring Angkor Wat with younger kids, I recommend visiting in the earlier part of the day when they still have plenty of energy as there is a lot of walking involved at Angkor Wat.
We had a great time here as well, particularly once we made it to the middle section and had some shade. However, both kids were tired by the time we walked back and we ended up having to carry them.
Check out our YouTube Clip of Angkor Wat in 60 seconds!
How to Visit the Angkor Temples With Kids
A tuk-tuk driver is the easiest way to get to the temples from Siem Reap. I highly recommend our tuk-tuk driver, Sareth, for visiting the temples and any other sight seeing. Sareth can be contacted on (+855) 1222 4121. He speaks excellent English and has kids of his own, so he understands the little things that make getting around with kids a bit easier.
Be prepared to carry the kids when they get tired as the temples were obviously not designed with strollers in mind. I particularly love the Piggy Back Rider for older little ones and the Ergo Carrier for younger little ones.
Make sure to slap on sunscreen, insect repellent and bring plenty of water and snacks. Modest dress is expected with no singlets and skirts/shorts must go past the knee.
Your tuk-tuk driver will bring you to the official ticket center to get your Angkor Pass before heading to the temples. Children under 12 are free and will be included in your photograph printed on the ticket, making the ticket itself a great memento afterwards. Tickets cost USD $37 for 1 day, USD $62 for 3 days and USD $72 for 7 days.
Things to do in Siem Reap With Kids Besides Temples
Phare, the Cambodian Circus
Phare, the Cambodian Circus is purely acrobatic and artistry with no animals involved. This is a must see in Siem Reap! My kids sat still for the whole hour and were just in awe of the acrobatics.
Buy your tickets here in advance to secure the best seat!
Ziplining in the Jungle
Angkor Zipline is located in the Angkor Temples complex and kids must be over 100 cm in height and aged 5 years and over.
A choice is available between the full zipline course or a custom one and will have you zipping between around 21 platforms high up in the treetops. Of course, this is under the guidance of staff who know what they are doing!
Book your tickers to Angkor Zipline here!
Tonle Sap Lake
Take a tour out onto Tonle Sap lake, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. In rainy season from June to October, the mighty Mekong River fills it, reaching depths of up to 14 metres. In the dry season from November to May, the water actually flows from the lake to the Mekong River.
You will get to visit a Crocodile and Fish Farm (my kids loved this, I didn’t so much), the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary and Kampong Phluk Floating Village. Tickets include hotel pick up and can be booked here.
This is a must see in Siem Reap!
Angkor Wat Putt
Angkor Wat Putt is a mini golf course in Siem Reap that has 9 replicas of the Angkor Temples, which itself is pretty awesome. Mini golf is suitable for all members of the family (even if the youngest sometimes kicks the ball in).
Angkor Wat Putt organise hotel pick up. Find more information on their website here.
Quad Bike Tour
The Siem Reap quad bike tour has you exploring the countryside on a fully automatic bike, passing by local villages, Buddhist monasteries and lesser visited temples. Kids must be five years and older to join in and will ride double on your bike.
Book your family quad bike adventure here!
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
The Banteay Srey Butterfly centre is the largest butterfly exhibit in South East Asia. It has netted gardens and thousands of free-flying butterflies, all of which are native to Cambodia.
Honestly, who doesn’t love butterflies? Find more information on the Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre website here.
Night Markets
Similar to other markets in South East Asia, the Siem Reap night markets are crowded, hot and fun. There is plenty of opportunity to buy shirts, nick-nacks and even stick your feet into a tank full of nibbling fish.
Walking the Streets and Cafes
This is just fun! Have a day off and spend the morning strolling around at your leisure. Stop in for ice-cream at one of the many cafes and find the cute little street lined with umbrellas close to Pub St.
Accommodation in Siem Reap With Kids
We stayed at the new Ibis Styles Hotel in a family suite. This hotel is great value for money! The room featured a swing chair hanging from the ceiling, a second TV for the kids and is pretty spacious. There is an international standard restaurant downstairs and the night market is directly across the road. I will stay here again next time we visit Siem Reap.
Unless I can afford the Raffles Hotel d’Angkor! After experiencing the legendary Raffles hospitality in the Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, I’ve made it my bucket list to stay in them all.
Need to Know Before you go to Siem Reap With Kids
What to Expect
Cambodians love children and welcome them everywhere. However, if you’re the type of traveller that needs dedicated change tables, high chairs and can’t do without a stroller, Siem Reap (and Cambodia in general) is probably not for you.
Supermarkets stock all the necessities required for kids in Siem Reap.
Visas and Passports
Like most countries, you will need a passport valid for at least six months. A one month tourist visa is required, which can be obtained upon arrival but you will need to supply a passport sized photo. You can also apply for the visa in advance online via the Cambodian Government E-Visa website. We used the E-Visa website and had zero problems.
Health
The Smart Traveller website has updated advice for health considerations when travelling to Cambodia.
Like most Asian countries (Singapore excluded), don’t drink the tap water under any circumstances and follow the safe eating practice of “cook it, peel it or forget it.”
General Information on Visiting Siem Reap With Kids
Weather: November to February is high season with cooler and windier conditions. May – September is the rainy low season. April and October are shoulder season. April and May is hot and this is particularly felt when strolling around the temples.
Language: Khmer, English and French.
Currency: Cambodian Riel and US Dollar. The USD is accepted everywhere. ATMs give USD to those with foreign cards, but you will most likely get a mix of USD and Riel when receiving change at the shops.
Power: The two-prong round sockets were the most popular outlets here therefore you will need to bring a converter plug with you. The standard voltage is 230 V so if coming from Australia (which has the same) you shouldn’t need a voltage converter.
Getting to Siem Reap With Kids
International flights are available into Siem Reap from some countries but Phnom Penh is the main international airport. Its easy to find transport between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Check out skyscanner to find a flight to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Coming from Australia, I found flying into Phnom Penh a lot cheaper so we headed there first!
If heading to Phnom Penh first, there are plenty of options for making your way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap after you have spent a few days sightseeing. Book your public transport here, or organise a private driver here. We used a private driver so that we could request to stop for a toilet when needed.
Although its possible, I have no experience crossing any land borders from neighbouring countries into Cambodia so I can’t offer any advice.
Looking for More Awesome Family Holiday Destinations?
For more information on visiting Cambodia, head on over to our Cambodia page. For other destinations both in Australia and worldwide, head on back to the home page.
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Resources for Booking a Family Holiday to Cambodia
Flights
Most international flights will land in Phnom Penh although you may get one to Siem Reap. Try searching on Trip.com for a great deal on flights.
Activities and Tours
Viator is a trusted source when it comes to booking activities and tours. Alternatively, your hotel will be able to help you out.
Accommodation
- VMansion Boutique Hotel – Phnom Penh
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal – Phnom Penh
- Ibis Styles Hotel – Siem Reap
- Raffles Hotel d’Angkore – Siem Ream
- Sok San Beach Resort – Koh Rong Island
Let me know what you think!