Cambodia with kids: what to expect

Safe, culturally rich, affordable, and packed with diverse experiences that appeal to kids of all ages, Cambodia is a fantastic family destination, but one that might not be on your radar. To put that right, read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting Cambodia with kids, from the best time to visit and how to get around, to how to enjoy a 7-night Cambodia itinerary that covers stacks of incredible experiences for all ages.

Cambodia with kids: what to expect

Warm, welcoming and loaded with opportunities for risk-free adventure, Cambodia is filled with fascinating culture, ancient temples, and beautiful natural landscapes — all of which can be enjoyed by families. 

In terms of attractions, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy, from exploring the world-famous Angkor Wat and taking boat rides on Tonlé Sap Lake, to spotting wildlife in scenic national parks.

Cambodia is also budget-friendly, with English widely spoken in tourist areas and a growing range of family-friendly accommodation.

Add to that plenty of fresh, mild food even picky eaters will enjoy, and you’re looking at a vacation that satisfies on all fronts. 

With a little planning (and if you follow the advice shared below!), it really is a supremely rewarding destination for families with kids of all ages.

10 tips for traveling to Cambodia with kids 

From figuring out when’s the best time for you to visit with your kids, to how to get around and stay safe while exploring the great outdoors, here are our top ten tips for traveling to Cambodia with kids.

1. Best time to visit Cambodia with kids

The best time to visit Cambodia with kids (or otherwise, for that matter) is during the November to March/April dry season, when temperatures are slightly cooler and there's minimal rain.

Such conditions are ideal for enjoying the broadest range of experiences — visiting temples and towns, chilling out on beaches, and enjoying boat trips that are packed with nature and culture.

Conversely, the May to October wet season is best avoided. It’s very hot and humid, and heavy downpours are likely to have significant impact on your plans.

2. How to get around Cambodia with kids

While getting around Cambodia has become easier, it’s true to say it’s still something of an adventure! 

Here’s an overview of transport options, and recommendations for how to make traveling around Cambodia with kids a smoother process.

Travel between cities

• Private transfers: for comfort, safety and convenience, private car hires with drivers are highly recommended for families, especially when traveling between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot/Kep. Many companies offer air-conditioned vans with seatbelts, and you can request booster or car seats in advance, though availability is limited.
• Shared minivans: though common and inexpensive, shared minivans aren’t the best choice for younger kids due to cramped seating, bumpy roads, and unpredictable stops. That said, some premium companies are more comfortable and have wi-fi and on-board snacks.
• Domestic flights: if you want to avoid long drives, short flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (40 mins) are available with Cambodia Angkor Air or Lanmei Airlines. 

Getting around cities and towns

• Tuk-tuks: fun and easy for short distances in cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. If the latter is on tour radar, read up on things to do in Phnom Penh. Be sure to ask drivers to drive slowly, and always hold onto little ones.
• Bikes and e-bikes: in Siem Reap or Kampot, family bike rides along quiet roads or rice fields are a lovely activity. Some rentals offer child seats or trailers, while older kids could ride their own bikes or e-bikes

3. Health, safety and comfort tips for visiting Cambodia with kids

Ahead of your trip, consult a doctor about vaccinations — it’s likely you and your kids will need to be covered for typhoid, hepatitis A, and Japanese encephalitis (for longer stays).

Take care to only drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid tap water, including for brushing teeth and washing fruit. 

While pharmacies are common, bring essential medication, insect repellent and motion sickness remedies (roads can be bumpy).

4. Focus on family-friendly accommodation

When researching accommodation in Cambodia, don’t take anything for granted. That is to say, if you really need specific facilities, double-check places have them. By which we mean the likes of family suites, cribs, high chairs, pools and child-friendly menus.

In general, boutique hotels and eco-lodges often cater to families, with space to run around and very child-friendly staff. 

Also, some Siem Reap resorts offer cultural workshops and cookery classes children can get involved in.

5. Consider visiting for special festivals and events

Here are some special festivals to consider timing your visit around. Just note that big events mean bigger crowds, so they might not be ideal for very young kids — you'll know best!

• Khmer New Year, April: water fights, music and games = great fun for families.
• Pchum Ben, Sept/Oct: a cultural festival of ceremonies and food offerings.
• Bon Om Touk Water Festival, November: think boat races and celebrations on rivers.

6. Food tips and local dishes to try

It’s best to avoid street food unless you’re sure it’s freshly made.

In terms of what to expect of eating and drinking in Cambodia, local cuisine is mild and flavorful — ideal for kids! — though if yours are particularly averse to the unknown, familiar foods like fries, pizza, pasta and burgers are widely available in tourist areas.

Some dishes to try include ai sach chrouk (grilled pork with rice), lok lak (stir-fried beef) and fresh spring rolls.

7. Tips for staying safe in the great outdoors

First up, only engage the services of well-reviewed tour operators for treks and outdoor activities, and make sure they know the ages of your kids, so you stick to age-appropriate trails.

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and bug spray, and ensure children wear proper footwear.

Also, avoid jungle treks altogether during rainy season — there’s a lot of mud, and a chance of leeches.

8. Packing tips

If needed, bring your own diapers and wipes — they’re not always widely available.

It’s also a good idea to come armed with reusable water bottles for everyone, child-safe insect repellent sun screen and hand sanitizer.

When it comes to clothing, everyone will need light cotton gear and hats for sun protection.

As sidewalks can be rough or non-existent, bring a baby carrier or light travel stroller.

Also pack any favorite comfort items and snacks from home, and toys and books for long travel days.
 

Convinced to visit Cambodia with your kids? You’ll find more tips in our guide to how to plan a trip to Cambodia.

Things to do in Cambodia with kids 

Covering culture, wildlife, and a few special adventure experiences, here are some of the best things to do in Cambodia with kids.

Best experiences for all-out fun!

• Angkor Zipline: located in Angkor Park, this exciting and safe zipline also offers nature walks 
• Phare Circus, Siem Reap: a Cirque-du-Soleil-style performance with acrobats, storytelling and music.

Best nature, adventure and wildlife experiences

• Tonlé Sap Lake boat trips: these rides past floating villages sometimes include stops at floating schools or fish farms.
• Kulen Mountain National Park: with short hikes, jungle waterfalls, safe swimming, and a giant reclining Buddha, this is a great place for kids 6+.
• Ream National Park: near Sihanoukville, this place of mangrove forests, beaches and boat tours is pretty much perfect for families who love nature.
• Rice paddy bike rides: In rural areas or around Siem Reap, guided family bike tours 
• Kampot river kayaking and paddle-boarding: great for adventure-loving tweens and teens.
• Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center: a large, ethical sanctuary for elephants, gibbons and sun bears.

Best kid-friendly cultural activities

• Discover Angkor Wat with a twist: take a sunrise tuk-tuk ride, and climb tree-covered temples, like Ta Prohm.
• Apsara dance shows: these colorful, kid-friendly performances can be paired with dinner.
• Hands-on arts: when in Siem Reap or Battambang, look to book a pottery workshop or shadow puppet-making class.

Cambodia itinerary with kids

This 7-night family-friendly Cambodia itinerary keeps travel minimal and includes both iconic sites and family downtime. As such, it might prove useful as you plan your own trip, 

Looking to visit for longer? Take inspiration from our 10 day Cambodia itinerary and 14 day Cambodia itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and chill

On arrival in Siem Reap, settle into your hotel.

If you picked one with a pool, either spend the afternoon chilling around it while the kids have fun playing, or else stretch your post-flight legs with a stroll along the river.

Whatever you do, take it easy, soak up the vibe, and enjoy a leisurely dinner before resting up for the night. 

Day 2: Explore Angkor's temples

On the morning of day two, take an early tuk-tuk tour of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon. If your kids are young, ask about a shorter option tours for kids.

Come the afternoon, relax at your hotel to reflect on your morning sightseeing adventures.

Day 3: Adventures in nature, plus a circus show!

Start your day early with a scenic drive (best to book a private transfer through your hotel) to Phnom Kulen Mountain, which is about 1.5 hours away.

This sacred site serves a fabulous mix of nature, spirituality, and gentle adventure, starting out at the top with a visit to the reclining Buddha carved directly into a sandstone rock.

Next, head to the waterfall area, where kids can splash and swim in natural pools ahead of enjoying lunch at one of the local food stalls.

As you make you way back to Siem Reap, stop off at Butterfly Paradise, where kids will love seeing hundreds of native butterflies fluttering freely in a tropical garden, 

Return to your hotel for a short rest ahead of enjoying a fun and thrilling Phare circus show in the evening.

Day 4: Lake boat trip and zip-lining adventures

Day four delivers an exhilarating family-friendly experience of Cambodia’s natural beauty when you’ll take a morning boat tour on Tonlé Sap Lake, located just outside Siem Reap.

During the tour, you’ll explore the floating villages of Kampong Phluk, glide past houses on stilts, floating schools, and local markets.

After returning to town for lunch, head to the Angkor Zipline adventure park. 

Scenically-sited in the forest near Angkor Wat, older kids will have a ball soaring through treetops on a series of ziplines, sky bridges and canopy walks, while guided by instructors.

Day 5: Transfer to Kampot for a lush riverside stay

Day five will see you travel to Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia that’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, French colonial architecture and natural beauty. 

The transfer takes 3–4 hrs by road (again, it’s best to book a private transfer). After arriving, settle into your accommodation and chill for a while.

In good news, the town has a growing number of eco-resorts and riverside bungalows that offer access to gentle activities like kayaking, river cruises, cycling and countryside tours. So, look to book someplace pretty nestled along the quiet banks of the Kampot River for you and your family.

On that subject, come the late afternoon, head out for a sunset walk along the river. Older kids might want to try paddle-boarding the calm waters.

Day 6: Countryside adventures around Kampot

Start your day with a visit to La Plantation, a working pepper farm that shows how Cambodia’s famous Kampot pepper is grown. 

Alongside enjoying a fun, informative tour, families can take an ox cart ride through the fields for a touch of rural tradition. 

Afterward, enjoy a picnic by Secret Lake or go for a gentle countryside bike ride along red dirt roads and rice paddies.

Come the evening, join a tranquil sunset river cruise, where kids can spot fireflies glowing in the trees.

Day 7: Relax and soak up your sublime surroundings

Keep your final day in Cambodia slow and flexible. 

For example, you could enjoy time at your bungalow pool, take a short nature walk, or kayak along the river, ahead of transferring to Phnom Penh airport (2.5–3 hours) on the following morning.