Your dream family vacation would be to go to Cambodia with your kids and learn new things at the same time. But planning a trip to a place you’ve never been can be overwhelming. Where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to plan the ultimate Cambodia family tours guide. From choosing the best destinations to see based on your kids’ ages to picking accommodations and transportation, to figuring out the visa situation, we’ll share all our insider tips to make this dream trip a reality. With this complete guide, you can be sure that you and your kids will have a magical time exploring Cambodia’s temples, culture, beaches, and more.
Why Cambodia Is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination
Safe and Secure
Cambodia is an incredibly safe country for families to visit. Violent crime is rare, and the government takes tourism security very seriously. As in any foreign country, exercise normal precautions like not displaying valuables, but you can feel secure exploring Cambodia’s cities and countryside. The people are also famously friendly, peaceful and welcoming to visitors.
Affordable and Budget-Friendly
Your dollar will go a long way in Cambodia. Everything from food to hotels to activities is extremely affordable. You can get a good meal for a few dollars and nice hotel rooms for around $30-50/night. Tours and entrance fees to attractions are also very reasonably priced. This makes Cambodia an ideal budget-friendly destination if you’re traveling with kids.
Fascinating Culture and History
Cambodia has a rich culture and history that will spark your kids’ curiosity. Explore the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that will ignite their sense of adventure. Visit cultural villages to learn traditional crafts like silk weaving, pottery making or rice paper production. Experience a traditional Apsara dance performance. Cambodia’s culture is vibrant and accessible for families.
![cambodiaruintemplestockpackpixabay arisecambodiacom cambodia ruin templeCambodia Family Tour Guide](https://arisecambodia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cambodia-ruin-temple-stockpack-pixabay-300x225.jpg)
Delicious Food
Cambodian cuisine is flavorful, fresh and kid-friendly. Staples like noodles, rice, fresh mango and coconut milk shakes will please even picky palates. Take a cooking class to learn how to make spring rolls, green curry or fish amok. The food is simply delicious, and mealtimes will be a fun cultural learning experience for the whole family.
With adventures, learning opportunities and budget-friendly prices around every corner, Cambodia has everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation. The people are welcoming, the activities are fun and the culture is rich. Discover the beauty of Cambodia with your kids—the memories you make will last forever.
![afamilyoffouronabeachstockpackunsplash arisecambodiacom a family of four on a beachCambodia Family Tour Guide](https://arisecambodia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/a-family-of-four-on-a-beach-stockpack-unsplash-200x300.jpg)
Planning Your Ultimate Cambodia Family Tour
To have an amazing family adventure in Cambodia, advance planning is key. Decide how long you want to stay—at least 10 to 14 days is ideal to see the major highlights at a relaxed pace. Next, make a rough plan for your trip and book your hotels ahead of time, especially if you are going during the busy dry season, which runs from December to February.
Choose a tour operator
For a stress-free family trip, consider booking a private tour with a reputable company like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures. Their kid-friendly tours offer a great combination of must-see spots and free time, with experiences geared toward different ages. They can also recommend family-friendly hotels and help with logistics. If you want full flexibility, hire a private driver to take you around.
Don’t miss Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
No Cambodia trip is complete without visiting the Angkor temple complex near Siem Reap. Spend at least three to four days riding a bike between the huge Angkor Wat, Bayon temple, Ta Prohm, and other ruins to see them all. Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat—it’s a magical experience for all ages. Siem Reap also has fun activities like circus shows, horseback riding, and cultural villages to keep kids entertained.
Experience Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh offers an intriguing mix of history and culture. Go to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia’s history. After that, see the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. For a fun cultural experience, take a Khmer cooking class or shop at the sprawling Central Market.
Relax at a beach
After sightseeing, head to the southern coast to relax. Otres Beach and Kep are family-friendly, with beach activities, swimming, and fresh seafood. Or try an eco-tour of Koh Rong Samloem, with jungle treks, snorkeling, and bioluminescent plankton that glow at night.
With the right planning and balance of activities, Cambodia can be an rewarding adventure for the whole family. Have a great trip!
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Cambodia
Visit Angkor Wat
No trip to Cambodia is complete without exploring the famed Angkor Wat temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will enchant both kids and adults with its ancient Khmer architecture and ornate stone carvings. Rent bikes to ride around the grounds and see massive temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom. Climbing the steps of Angkor Wat and seeing the sunrise is a magical experience for all ages.
See Monkeys at Phnom Kulen National Park
About an hour from Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is a jungle playground for kids. They can spot monkeys swinging in the trees, exotic birds and butterflies, and go swimming in jungle pools and waterfalls. Pack a picnic and hiking shoes to explore the park’s mountain trails and temple ruins. The park is also home to the ‘River of a Thousand Lingas’, an ancient Hindu carving site.
Visit the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
In Cambodia’s capital city, the Silver Pagoda complex within the Royal Palace grounds captivates kids with its glittering silver tiles and golden Buddha statues. The pagoda houses many cultural artifacts and treasures, including a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha studded with diamonds. The palace grounds also feature beautiful Khmer architecture, with gardens, pavilions and murals to explore.
See Dolphins in Kratie
Take a boat tour in Kratie to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins playing in the Mekong River. Seeing these cute animals in their natural environment is a thrilling adventure for kids and families. The dolphins can be spotted year-round, but the best time is during the dry season from December to May. Kratie also has scenic riverfront attractions like Wat Neakvoan temple and cultural performances.
Learn Circus Skills in Battambang
In the riverside town of Battambang, Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school teaches free circus skills and acrobatics to disadvantaged youth. Families can watch an exciting circus show, then enroll their kids in a circus workshop to learn juggling, acrobatics, tightrope walking and clowning. The classes are highly engaging for kids of all ages and skill levels. Proceeds from the shows and workshops fund the school.
Choosing the Best Cambodia Family Tour Itinerary
When planning your family adventure to Cambodia, the itinerary you choose will make a huge impact on your experience. There are many options to suit different interests, budgets, and time constraints. Consider the following to find an itinerary that’s just right for your family.
Focus on your family’s interests
Think about what you and your kids enjoy doing on vacation. Do you prefer cultural activities, interacting with wildlife, beach time, or a combination? Cambodia offers all of these and more. If culture and history are priorities, focus on tours that spend more time in Siem Reap exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. For nature and wildlife, look for tours that visit destinations like Koh Kong, home to lush rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries. Beach lovers should opt for a tour with extra time in Sihanoukville or Koh Rong.
Determine your budget
Cambodia family tours range from budget-friendly to luxury. Budget tours typically use basic accommodations, public transit and fewer activities. Mid-range tours provide comfortable hotels, a mix of public and private transit, and a variety of activities. Luxury tours feature high-end boutique hotels, private transit, and VIP access to major attractions. Figure out how much you can spend on a trip and then look for tours that fit that budget.
Choose the right pace
The pace of your tour will significantly impact your family’s enjoyment. Very fast-paced tours that try to pack too much into a short time can feel exhausting, especially for kids. Slower tours with more free time give you a chance to recharge and do your own thing. For most families, a moderately-paced tour with a balance of scheduled activities and downtime works well. Look for tours that spend at least two to three nights in each destinati
![maninwhitedressshirtcarryingbabyinwhitedressstockpackunsplash arisecambodiacom man in white dress shirt carrying baby in white dressCambodia Family Tour Guide](https://arisecambodia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/man-in-white-dress-shirt-carrying-baby-in-white-dress-stockpack-unsplash-200x300.jpg)
on.
Choosing a kid-friendly Cambodia tour itinerary tailored to your family’s interests and needs will help ensure you have an amazing vacation filled with memories that will last a lifetime. With the right pace and budget, your family adventure in Cambodia will be the perfect combination of fun and rejuvenating.
FAQs on Cambodia Family Tours: Answering All Your Questions
How safe is Cambodia for families with kids?
Cambodia is generally a safe destination for families with children. Violent crime is rare, and Cambodians love kids. As in any foreign country, exercise normal precautions. Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas and only take licensed taxis or tuk-tuks. The main risks to watch out for are traffic accidents and stomach bugs. Make sure your kids wash hands frequently and drink bottled water. With some safety precautions, Cambodia can be an incredibly rewarding place to experience with your kids.
What are the best kid-friendly attractions in Cambodia?
Cambodia is filled with activities for curious kids. Some top recommendations:
-Angkor Wat: No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. Kids will love exploring the ruins and spotting monkeys. Go early to avoid crowds.
-Phnom Penh Water Park: On a hot day, kids will enjoy swimming in the pools and going down the waterslides at this water park located on the Mekong River.
-Mekong River Cruise: A boat ride on the Mekong River offers a fun look at life along the riverbanks. Kids can spot water buffalo, fishing boats and silk weaving villages. Sunset cruises are particularly scenic.
-Royal Palace: The golden spires of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh sparkle in the sun. While the architecture is stunning, most kids will be more excited to spot the palace elephants and peacocks roaming the grounds.
-Beaches: Head to the southern coast of Cambodia to relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville or Kep. Kids can splash in the surf, go boating or spot monkeys on the forested hillsides.
-Bamboo Train: For a uniquely Cambodian experience, hop on a bamboo train ride. These quirky little bamboo carts putter down abandoned rail tracks in Battambang Province. Kids will love this bumpy jungle adventure.
With kid-friendly activities, welcoming locals and natural wonders around every turn, Cambodia offers amazing experiences for the whole family. By taking it slow and following recommended health and safety tips, you’ll be creating cherished memories of exploring this special place together.
You might also want to read:
Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Tour: Travel Guide Through Southeast Asia
Cambodian Street Food: A Guide for Tourists and Expats
Phnom Penh City Tour: Exploring Cambodia’s Charming Capital