Cambodia is a destination that offers families an extraordinary blend of rich culture, ancient ruins, friendly villages, remote jungles, and stunning palm-fringed beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia with your kids, here are the top 12 things to do and the best places to visit.
1. Explore the Temples of Angkor
Entering the majestic Angkor Wat complex and witnessing the magnificent temple ruins will create lifelong memories for you and your children. As you explore the temples, monasteries, and ancient capitals of the Khmer Empire, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. There’s no better way to teach your kids about this incredible place than to let them experience it firsthand.
2. Unleash your inner Lara Croft at Ta Prohm
Among all the Cambodian Temples, Ta Prohm is a favorite among kids due to its fame in the movie “Tomb Raider” starring Angelina Jolie. The temple ruins are engulfed by the surrounding tropical jungle, giving it a mystical and adventurous atmosphere. Your kids will be amazed by the crumbling buildings, the lush moss-covered structures, and the ancient trees that have taken root within the temple walls.
3. Go ziplining in the jungle!
Experience a thrilling adventure in the jungle near Angkor Wat at a zip-line eco park. Soar through the forest canopy and enjoy breathtaking views of the lush jungle landscape. It’s an exhilarating way to bond with your kids and create lasting memories.
4. Visit a stilt village on Tonlé Sap Lake
Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, is home to several stilt villages. Take a boat trip with your kids to explore these unique communities, where all the houses are suspended on eight-foot stilts. If the water level is high, you’ll have the opportunity to weave in and out of the stilts, creating a memorable adventure for the whole family.
5. Free the bears at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park
Spend a day with the rescued Sun and Moon bears at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park, Cambodia’s leading zoo and safari park. Engage in the Bear Care Program, where you and your kids will be involved in food preparation, making enrichment toys for the bears, and feeding them. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with wildlife and contribute to a worthy cause.
6. Take the Bamboo Train at Battambang
Visit Battambang, Cambodia’s second most populous city, and hop on the famous Bamboo Train, locally known as “Norrie”. This unique and eccentric tourist attraction was once a lifeline for villages transporting goods across the country. Enjoy the experience of riding on a bamboo platform powered by a motorbike engine, while exploring the charming streets filled with French colonial architecture.
7. Enjoy the tropical islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
Escape to the paradise islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, located off the coast of Sihanoukville. Stay in charming beach huts and indulge in the simple pleasures of turquoise waters and palm-fringed white sandy beaches. Relax, unwind, and create unforgettable beach memories with your kids.
8. Get close to nature in the Kulen National Park
Escape the bustling cities and enjoy a day in nature at Phnom Kulen in the Kulen National Park. Explore quiet rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and marvel at the beauty of monkeys, tropical birds, and butterflies. Take a walk through the jungle, go kayaking, or enjoy a boat ride during sunset. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim in a refreshing pool at the base of a stunning waterfall.
9. Watch circus skills and acrobatics!
Experience the enchantment of Phare – the Cambodian Circus, Cambodia’s answer to Cirque du Soleil. This social enterprise has transformed the lives of local children through their circus and dance classes. Witness their captivating performances, combining dance, theater, live music, juggling, gymnastics, and circus arts. Prepare to be amazed by the energy, talent, and unique Cambodian stories portrayed in their shows.
10. Visit Kep and Kampot
Discover the charming towns of Kep and Kampot in the south of Cambodia. Embark on a boat ride to Rabbit Island, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, visit a butterfly farm, explore the national park, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Treat your taste buds to freshly cooked seafood at the vibrant crab market. Marvel at the colonial architecture and enjoy the unique flavors of Kampot pepper, famous for its distinct taste.
11. See the Irrawaddy dolphins
Venture to Kratie, a small town along the Mekong River, and witness the rare Irrawaddy dolphins swimming in the river. Explore the central marketplace, surrounded by old French colonial buildings, and visit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center to see Cantor’s giant softshell turtles. This remote province offers unique wildlife encounters that will fascinate both kids and adults.
12. Visit the Mondulkiri Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mondulkiri Province and visit the Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary. Encounter Asian elephants roaming freely in the fields and bushlands, observe water buffalo and timber longhouses by the wetlands, and admire the forest-clad rock peaks near the Vietnam border. This sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional elephant conservation efforts. You can also engage with the indigenous Bunong tribespeople and experience their vibrant culture.
Embark on an amazing family adventure in Cambodia and create lifelong memories with your kids. Visit the stunning temples, experience thrilling activities, explore charming towns, and immerse yourselves in Cambodia’s diverse natural landscapes. Discover the warmth of Cambodian hospitality and the wonders that this beautiful country has to offer.
