Traveling to Cambodge with children might seem challenging at first glance. Yet the country offers a wealth of attractions for young and old alike, promising a unique family getaway. The key is to plan your trip well to enjoy unforgettable holidays in this destination that ranks among the essential stops on a Southeast Asia tour. Throughout this article, discover the joy of traveling as a family to Cambodge.

Why choose Cambodge for a family trip?

Visiting Cambodge with children is often considered more challenging than traveling with family to Thailand or Laos. Yet this country proves to be exceptionally welcoming. Once you connect with Cambodians, you'll quickly adjust to the country's atmosphere and environment. On one hand, locals are warm toward foreigners, especially their children. On the other hand, attractions abound in Cambodge. Spend unforgettable moments with your family at the country's tourist sites, starting with Angkor temples and Phnom Penh's water park. Don't worry about expenses for your Cambodge trip, which ranks among the most affordable countries on the planet. Entrance fees for attractions and transportation costs (buses, tuk-tuks, etc.) are reasonable. Accommodations across all categories offer a wide range of family-friendly prices, regardless of family size.

What are the best things to do in Cambodge when traveling with children?

Cambodge offers families a wide choice of activities. Discover below the most popular pastimes during a family trip to Cambodge.

Visit the temples of Angkor

A tour through Cambodge inevitably includes a visit to the spectacular Angkor temples located in Siem Reap. Nestled within wild jungle, these monuments paint a unique portrait, much like the King Louie's temple, reimagined in the animated adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Choose a three-day pass to cover the closest temples. Some structures buried deep in the jungle are difficult to access. You can vary the experiences with bike rides, tuk-tuk journeys, or car tours. The temples will captivate both young and old who may find themselves dreaming of adventures. Large natural spaces allow younger ones to run and play freely. On-site, you'll find numerous stands for breaks, fresh fruit treats, and refreshments. Quick tip: While Angkor temples are typically visited early in the morning, it's advisable to visit around noon to avoid crowds.

Have fun at Kids City

Kids City is described as a large educational play center based in Phnom Penh. Your little ones won't get bored in this vast facility. Several fun and educational activities for children of all ages await, including the famous Laser Tag. The venue also offers parent-child workshops to strengthen family bonds. Kids City also allows your youngsters to interact with Cambodian children to foster their openness to the world.

A family day at the beach

As we mentioned in a previous article on Cambodge's most beautiful beaches, the Khmer nation boasts an abundance of fine-sand beaches, ideal for relaxation. The clear blue waters that border them are perfect for safe family swimming. Let children wade in the water or try building sand and temple castles. Many water activities are also available, such as jet-skiing or tubing, keeping the kids entertained with enthusiasm.

Spot Gibbons

Gibbon Spotting is an official trek organized in the Veun Sai Siem Pang region, a lush forest in northeastern Ratanakiri. Through the species inhabiting this forest, this part of Cambodge has become a natural conservation zone for endangered primates. Searching for gibbons in the jungle is a rare opportunity to observe unique species and ignite the imagination of the youngest travelers.

Admire the beauty of Tonlé Sap Lake from a boat

A family boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake is among the experiences not to miss during a trip to Cambodge. This vast lake offers unparalleled scenic beauty, with floating markets and small fishing villages around it. It is home to many varieties of white fish (such as Trey pra ke) and black fish (such as sand gobies), as well as small-sized fish. Quick tip: Some families arrive at the lake around 5 a.m. to watch the sunrise. Simply magnificent, this spectacle will leave you with unforgettable memories of Cambodge.

Observe the Mekong dolphins

What could be more exciting than taking a boat to observe the rare Mekong dolphins? The Irrawaddy dolphin is considered the most famous animal of the Mekong and also a sacred animal in Cambodge. This pleasant boat ride will take you to small waterside villages and offer you the incredible chance to observe rare dolphins, threatened with extinction.

Attend the Cambodian circus show in Siem Reap

In Siem Reap, under the Phare tent, an incredible show is performed daily. Through various acrobatics, dances, mime, music and other spectacular feats, young artists skillfully and humorously tell their story, their beliefs, and the wars of the past. A magical show that promises a wonderful evening with your family. For more information about this show, visit our detailed page on the Cambodian circus show.