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Cambodia may be one of the best backpacker trails and the ultimate destination for temple explorers, but it is also a great destination for families with kids. And Cambodia is very popular with families as there are so many things to do. And don’t think the kids will get bored with Angkor Wat; they are more likely to outlast the parents as they play Tomb Raider around Ta Prohm. And with a host of other things to try out and explore, you can be sure the kids will have a great time too.
Is Cambodia a good destination for Family Travel?
Cambodia is one of the best destinations for family travel in Indochina, as the entire country’s tourism industry is geared to accommodate families and kids as well as singles and groups. And one of the biggest draws for kids is the mysterious Khmer culture, which ruled an empire for hundreds of years, then died out and vanished into the jungles.
Another main attraction for families visiting Cambodia is that everywhere you go in Cambodia is close to nature. Kids love to get out in the woods and explore, and there are plenty of things to do in the natural locations in Cambodia that can be a great bonding and fun times for families. From zip-lining or temple exploring to riding a bamboo train, exploring stone animals, visiting the circus, or quad biking around the natural landscapes.
Top 10 Family-friendly Things to Do in Cambodia
1. Explore the Temples of Angkor in Siem Reap
The main reason people come to Cambodia is to explore the vast Angkor temple complex at Siem Reap, and you should not miss out on this as it is a spectacular experience. There are hundreds of temples to visit, but you can choose just to visit the main ones and get a tuk-tuk to take you around for a half day. And if you start early, you get to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Explore the vast Angkor temple complex at Siem Reap.
2. Visit the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
Lying on the shores of the vast Tonle Sap Lake in the middle of Cambodia are the unique stilt villages. All the houses and walkways of the village on Tonle Sap Lake are set on eight-foot-high stilts above the water. Even the food market is on stilts, and when the water is high, you can take a boat and explore between the stilts.
3. Help the Animals in Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park near Phnom Penh
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park is the leading zoo/safari park in Cambodia, and you can spend the entire day here helping to care for the bears and other animals in the sanctuary, all of which were rescued from poachers or abusive owners. The Bear Care Program also helps to look after rescued Sun and Moon bears, Cambodia’s native species.
4. Experience the Bamboo Train at Battambang
Although it is not really a proper “train”, the bamboo train at Battambang, which is a bamboo platform set on two sets of train wheels and powered by a motorbike engine, is an awesome experience for kids and parents alike, as you whiz along the tracks with the wind in your hair.
Experience the Bamboo Train is awesome experience for kids.
5. Enjoy the Islands off Sihanoukville
Just off the coast of Sihanoukville lies Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, two of Cambodia’s most stunning islands with the best beaches in the country. You can stay in luxury hotels and enjoy all the best mod-cons, or you can camp in bamboo huts on stilts and live like Robinson Crusoe. Pleasures here are simple and are mostly found in the stunning crystal turquoise waters and white-sanded palm-fringed beaches.
6. See the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie
Kratie is a small town on the banks of the Mekong River and is the best place to see the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming and playing in the stretches of the river nearby. You might even see a few of Cantor’s giant soft-shell turtles as well.
7. Get Close to Nature in the Kulen National Park
The Kulen National Park is a great opportunity for families to get up close and personal with nature. This unique location is perfect for a quiet day out with nature, and you can follow the rainforest trails to see wild monkeys, tropical birds, huge butterflies, and much more.
8. Take a Cambodia Cooking class
Cambodia has a unique local cuisine, known as Khmer cuisine, and you can make your Cambodian experience better by joining a cooking class and learning to cook some of these delicious Khmer dishes with your kids. And once you are done, you all get to eat the fruits of your labor.
Learn how to cook Cambodia dishes
9. Cycle around with Your Family
Taking a day out cycling means you can get out and explore the countryside without the constraints of a car, can stop where you like, and go where you want. And with a family bicycle outing, there is nowhere you can’t go. And the islands around Phnom Penh are the perfect location for this, as they are flat and many are linked with small bridges.
10. Sailing the Mekong River with Family
One of the best ways to end a Cambodia tour is with a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River with your family. There are a variety of tours that offer 2-5 day trips along the Mekong, stopping at night to moor up and enjoy dinner with the beautiful sunset across the Mekong.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia with Family
Cambodia has just two very distinct seasons, wet and dry. The whole country is subject to the same weather patterns throughout due to the uniformity of the land from north to south.
The best time for a Cambodia family tour is in the dry season, from October to April, when the country reveals its real wonders. The cooler temperatures and milder weather allow for better travel, and you can explore the ancient ruins of Angkor without being knee-deep in mud. It is also the best time to head to the remarkable Tonle Sap Lake or enjoy the sights of the amazing Phnom Penh.
Accommodation Options for Family Tour in Cambodia
There are a large number of kid-friendly hotels and resorts in Cambodia. Obviously, backpacker hostels are not going to be family-suitable, but there are plenty of other accommodations that are more than suitable for family travel.
There are many kid friendly hotels in Cambodia.
Most hotels and resorts with 2 or more stars are usually able to cater to families, although you will find that the better quality you go for the better the services for kids, such as interconnecting rooms, child-minding services, kids’ dinner menus, etc.
And you can also try the Cambodian homestay, where your family will spend a night, and usually just one, with a local family in their typical Cambodian home. The family welcomes you into their home for the evening and to stay and sleep overnight, in a separate private room, so that you can truly experience what life is like for normal Cambodians.
How to Keep Safe when Travel to Cambodia with Family
Staying safe when traveling as a family in Cambodia is important, and you need to make sure that you have covered all eventualities to keep you and your family safe.
First and foremost, pay attention to the COVID-19 requirements and yourselves, and stay away from areas tagged as high risk.
Don’t drink tap water in Cambodia, it is not as filtered and clean as is found in first-world countries, and may contain bacteria that would be harmful if drunk. Bottled water is available everywhere you go for drinking, and you should also use it to brush your teeth.
Take care when outdoors, and make sure to prepare sun protection such as sun cream and hats, as the Cambodian sun can be extremely hot.
And make sure to bring some insect repellent, as mosquitoes are common in tropical countries.
You should also make sure you have any medication that you may need for yourself or a family member, and bring some common medications for fevers, etc.
It is also recommended to book a Cambodia tour with a reputable travel agency that has a good reputation and good history. Your travel agency runs the whole trip, booking your hotels and car hires and making sure your transfers are scheduled correctly. The last thing you need is for something to go wrong in a foreign country halfway around the world.
Conclusion
Traveling in Cambodia with the family is not just possible, it is essential. Cambodia is an ideal country to take kids to, so that they can explore new cultures and new ways of life, and learn about the different country and its history. And have a lot of fun exploring the temples and other amazing attractions Cambodia has to offer. So if you are thinking of planning an Asian tour, why not visit Cambodia and enjoy one of Indochina’s most stunning destinations.
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