Things to Do in Cambodia with Family: Your Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Cambodia, the magnificent Kingdom of Wonder, has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting family destinations, offering the perfect blend of ancient history, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and tropical relaxation. Cambodia has become increasingly popular among families, with many parents finding it a rewarding destination to explore with children of different ages, I can confidently say there are incredible things to do in Cambodia with family that create unforgettable memories while educating and entertaining travelers of all ages. From exploring mystical temple ruins to splashing in pristine waters, this remarkable country welcomes families with open arms and genuine smiles.

The beauty of family travel in Cambodia lies in its diversity. Whether you have toddlers who need gentle activities, school-age children eager to learn about history, or teenagers seeking adventure, the things to do in Cambodia with family cater to every age group and interest. Let me take you on a journey through this extraordinary destination and share the experiences that make Cambodia perfect for creating cherished family memories.

Things to Do in Cambodia with Family

Exploring the Magnificent Temples of Angkor

Angkor Wat: A Living History Lesson

Entering the Angkor Wat complex and seeing the lost city and the temple ruins for the very first time is an experience that you and your children will remember for a lifetime. Magnificent Angkor temples, monasteries and different capitals from the once-thriving Khmer Empire surround you.

Visiting Angkor Wat represents one of the most educational and awe-inspiring things to do in Cambodia with family. The Temples of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat, offer a fascinating historical and cultural experience. Exploring these ancient temples together with your family will be like stepping back in time. Kids will be amazed by the grandeur and intricate architecture, making it a great opportunity for them to learn about history and different civilizations.

To make the temple experience engaging for children:

Make It Interactive: Turn temple exploration into a treasure hunt. Create a checklist of carvings for kids to find, such as apsara dancers, Garuda birds, or specific Hindu mythology scenes. This transforms what could be a boring history lesson into an exciting adventure.

Hire a Family-Friendly Guide: At Angkor Wat with our amazing guide! At $30 for the day he blew our socks off! A knowledgeable guide who can tell engaging stories and answer children's questions brings the temples to life in ways guidebooks cannot.

Plan for Shorter Visits: With kids you don't want them trailing round after you getting bored with all the history, so we like to spread it out. See sunrise at Angkor, then once things start to get hotter you go back to the hotel, lounge around the pool, go to the market for lunch, then go back later on in the day when most of the crowds have gone.

Visit During Cooler Times: Early morning visits provide cooler temperatures, softer lighting for photography, and fewer crowds. The magical atmosphere as mist rises around ancient stones captivates children and adults alike.

Ta Prohm: The Tomb Raider Temple

Out of all the Cambodian Temples, Ta Prohm is the one that your kids will probably want to see most of all because it was made famous by the 2001 action-adventure movie, 'Tomb Raider', starring Angelina Jolie.

Unlike many of the world's historical monuments, Cambodia's temples are there to be discovered physically – Children can enjoy carefully exploring the temple pathways, discovering hidden corners, and spotting ancient carvings under adult supervision, which still creates a strong sense of adventure without compromising safety or preservation.

Ta Prohm's dramatic setting, where massive tree roots embrace ancient stones, creates a jungle adventure atmosphere that sparks children's imaginations. The relatively unrestored state allows kids to feel like explorers discovering ancient ruins, making it one of the most engaging things to do in Cambodia with family.

Beng Mealea: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

Beng Mealea, located about 40 kilometers from the main Angkor temple complex, is a hidden gem that provides a more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience.

The Beng Mealea Jungle Temple is something I wouldn't have done if it were not for the advice of our excellent hostel host. The drive is 2 hours each way by tuk-tuk. This may sound imposing, but the truth is the drive alone was one of the highlights of our Cambodian trip. You will be taken through the backcountry and the villages, it is a spectacular journey.

Beng Mealea is best suited for families with older children or teenagers, as exploring the ruins requires careful footing and close adult supervision, and navigate through collapsed galleries, creating an Indiana Jones-style adventure that older children especially appreciate.

Exploring the Magnificent Temples of Angkor

Family-Friendly Cultural Experiences

Phare: The Cambodian Circus

Cambodia's answer to Cirque du Soleil, Phare − the Cambodian Circus − is so much more than a conventional circus. This social enterprise located in Siem Reap, with its nonprofit school, Phare Ponleu Selpak, based in Battambang, has transformed the lives of hundreds of local children.

Phare shows are unlike any in the world: dance, theater, original live music, juggling, gymnastics, and breath-taking circus arts are used to tell uniquely Cambodian stories from folklore, recent history, and modern society. You will see everything in just one show: energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.

This spectacular evening performance represents one of the most entertaining family things to do in Cambodia, combining acrobatics, storytelling, and traditional culture in a way that captivates children while supporting social development programs. Shows typically last 90 minutes, perfect for family attention spans.

The Bamboo Train Adventure

The bamboo train near Battambang is amazing for children. It's an old, French railway which is no longer used by trains. The locals use what they call a bamboo train: two sets of wheels with a bamboo platform on top. You sit on the platform, gliding through the countryside at a moderate speed, fast enough to feel exciting but generally safe when operated responsibly, but because it's single gauge, if there's anyone coming in the opposite direction you stop, and whoever has less stuff on top of their platform has to unload it, take the bamboo platform off then take their wheels off so the other one can go past.

Today, with the roads much improved, Norrie has become an eccentric tourist attraction. This unique experience combines adventure, engineering fascination, and cultural insight, making it unforgettable for families. Children find the improvised system fascinating and the ride exhilarating.

Cambodian Cooking Classes

In this 3 hour tour you'll visit with a local family within a village and learn how to make a traditional meal. It's another great family activity and way to have an authentic experience.

Family cooking classes provide hands-on cultural education that engages all senses. Children love mixing ingredients, rolling rice paper, and creating dishes they've never tried before. Classes typically include market visits where kids experience the vibrant colors, sounds, and aromas of Cambodian daily life.

Family-Friendly Cultural Experiences

Adventure Activities for Active Families

Angkor Zipline: Flying Through the Forest

Located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Zipline offers an exhilarating experience for the whole family. Soar through the jungle canopy and enjoy a bird's eye view of the lush surroundings. With safety a top priority and built to western standards the zipline adventure is suitable for children and provides an exciting break from temple touring.

Angkor Zipline is the only zipline inside the UNESCO World Heritage designated Angkor Archaeological Park and the only world-class eco-canopy tour in Cambodia. This thrilling activity allows families to experience the ancient forest from a completely different perspective while getting their adrenaline pumping.

Cycling Through the Countryside

Rent bikes and take a leisurely ride through the Cambodian countryside. Pedal through rice fields, past traditional villages, and alongside rivers. This is a fantastic way to see the rural life of Cambodia up close, and there are plenty of routes that are easy and safe for kids.

Grasshopper Adventures provides tours all through South East Asia although here in Cambodia they offer great options for families traveling with small children by providing tag along bikes, kids bikes, and infant seats.

Cycling adventures represent wonderful things to do in Cambodia with family, offering exercise, fresh air, cultural encounters, and flexibility to stop whenever interesting discoveries arise. The flat terrain around Siem Reap and countryside routes make cycling accessible even for younger children.

Kayaking and Water Activities

Kampot invites families to meander through lush pepper plantations like La Plantation, where the interactive tours are both educational and engaging. The nearby Bokor National Park is a treasure trove of exploration, with its abandoned French colonial buildings providing a backdrop for imagination and its cool climate a refreshing change from the Cambodian heat. Whether it's kayaking down the tranquil waters of the Praek Tuek Chhu River or indulging in the local cuisine, Kep and Kampot are sure to leave lasting memories.

Gentle river kayaking allows families to explore at their own pace while observing traditional fishing villages, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The calm waters around Kampot and Kep provide perfect conditions for families with younger children.

Adventure Activities for Active Families

Beach and Island Escapes

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

If your family loves the beach, head to Sihanoukville to catch a ferry to the nearby islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. The clear waters and white sandy beaches provide a perfect setting for relaxation and fun. Build sandcastles, snorkel in the clear waters, or just enjoy the sun. There are various family-friendly resorts and bungalows that cater to those traveling with children.

Just off the coast of Sihanoukville are the paradise isles of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, where you can stay in Robinson-Crusoe-style beach huts. Pleasures here are of the simple kind but you and your kids will love the laid-back nature of the turquoise waters and the white-sanded, palm fringed isles.

These pristine islands offer the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, with opportunities for snorkeling, beach games, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The bioluminescent plankton that lights up the water at night creates magical experiences children never forget.

Kep and Kampot Coastal Towns

Venturing to Kep and Kampot offers a delightful escape for families exploring Cambodia with kids. These charming coastal towns are brimming with activities that cater to young adventurers. In Kep, children can revel in the sun at the sandy Kep Beach or explore the famous Crab Market, where the day's fresh catch becomes a delicious meal.

In the south of Cambodia, near the Vietnamese border, lie the attractive twin towns of Kep and Kampot. These laid-back destinations provide respite from busier tourist areas while offering unique experiences like pepper plantation tours, crab market visits, and exploration of Bokor National Park's abandoned buildings.

Beach and Island Escapes

Wildlife and Nature Encounters

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

A short drive from Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is more than a wildlife viewing opportunity; it's a beacon of hope for many endangered and rescued animals. With over 1,200 rescued animals from more than 100 species, this center plays a crucial role in the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife in Cambodia.

Phnom Tamao is Cambodia's leading zoo / safari park, about one hour's drive from Phnom Penh. Here, you and your kids can spend the day with Free the Bears on the zoo's Bear Care Day. The Bear Care Program looks after rescued Sun and Moon bears, native species to Cambodia. The day involves food preparation, making enrichment toys for the bears, feeding the bears and a tour of the park.

This conservation center provides educational opportunities that teach children about wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and animal rehabilitation. The hands-on Bear Care Day experience creates lasting impressions and fosters environmental awareness in young minds.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages

Finally the tour will end with a sunset boat cruise along the Tonle Sap, and a visit to a Vietnamese floating village. The group tour is a total of 5-6 hours and costs $35 for adults, and $25 for children under 12.

Exploring floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake represents one of the most eye-opening things to do in Cambodia with family. Children witness entirely different lifestyles where schools, homes, shops, and even basketball courts float on water. Opt for shorter tours (around 1-2 hours) suitable for younger children. Binoculars can add to the excitement as kids look out for birds and daily activities along the water, rather than wildlife sightings.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters

Educational Yet Fun Activities

Night Markets and Street Food Adventures

Enjoying the night markets in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with kids can be a delightful experience. The characters of the thriving markets are almost as colourful as the crazy fruit and veg. Show kids there's more to food shopping than sterile supermarkets with trips to the marketplaces of Phnom Penh or the floating markets of the Mekong and Sangker Rivers.

Night markets transform into family-friendly wonderlands with street performances, games, food stalls, and handicraft vendors. Children love trying new snacks, bargaining for souvenirs, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Cambodian evening culture.

Water Parks and Recreational Facilities

Cambodia offers several water parks and recreational facilities perfect for family fun days. These modern attractions provide respite from cultural touring and historical sites, allowing kids to simply play and cool off in tropical heat.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Cambodia with Family

Getting Around

Our recent trip to Southeast Asia was the first time we've used an e-hailing app in the region and it's been a revelation! Easy to book drivers, fixed fares, and a Google Map point stored as our destination. It solved most of our problems getting around and saved us a small fortune.

Transportation options include tuk-tuks (children love the open-air experience), private cars with drivers, domestic flights between major cities, and ferries to islands. Many families hire tuk-tuk drivers for full days at reasonable rates, creating continuity and eliminating transportation stress.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cambodia with children is during the dry season, which spans from November to April. This period offers sunny and dry weather with low humidity, ideal for exploring the country's outdoor attractions. Specifically, the months from November to February are considered peak tourist season due to milder temperatures, making it comfortable for family activities.

Preparing Children for the Visit

Before traveling, prepare children appropriately for cultural differences, climate, and historical contexts. Share age-appropriate books, documentaries, and photos about Cambodia. Discuss cultural etiquette like removing shoes at temples, dressing modestly, and respecting local customs.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Before embarking on your family adventure, ensure everyone has proper entry documentation. Cambodia Immigration Services provides comprehensive eVisa services that streamline visa processing for entire families. Their professional team assists with applications for all family members, ensuring smooth entry procedures that let you focus on creating memories rather than worrying about paperwork.

You can easily apply for a Cambodia visa online through their user-friendly platform, which offers family application assistance, document verification, and real-time updates. This convenience is invaluable when coordinating travel logistics for multiple family members of different ages.

Conclusion: Creating Unforgettable Family Memories

The incredible variety of things to do in Cambodia with family ensures that every family member, regardless of age or interests, finds experiences that captivate, educate, and inspire. From exploring ancient temples that spark historical curiosity to splashing in tropical waters that create pure joy, Cambodia offers the perfect balance of education and entertainment.

There's always a risk visiting a destination you've longed to see for years – can somewhere as iconic as Angkor Wat really live up to its reputation? Especially when you visit with a five-year-old! But as I discovered, Cambodia was all I'd hoped for and far more.

The warmth of Cambodian hospitality, the richness of cultural experiences, the diversity of landscapes, and the accessibility of adventures make this Kingdom of Wonder an exceptional family destination. Children return home with expanded worldviews, deepened cultural understanding, and memories that shape their perspectives for life.

Whether you're planning family things to do in Cambodia for toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, this remarkable country delivers experiences that strengthen family bonds while creating stories you'll share for generations. Start planning your Cambodian family adventure today and discover why this magical destination captures the hearts of families from around the world!