With its lush jungle, thousand-year-old temples and villages on the water, Cambodia has everything to please families in search of gentle adventure and cultural discovery. Travelling to Cambodia as a family means immersing yourself in a warm and welcoming country, where children are always welcome, whether in the remote countryside or in the heart of the big cities.
This Southeast Asian country has preserved its touching authenticity, while offering a wide variety of activities for young and old alike. From tuk-tuk rides to fabulous temple visits, nature hikes, peaceful cruises and exotic cooking classes, there are a thousand ways to discover the richness of Cambodian culture.
Here are some of the best family experiences to be had on a trip to Cambodia.
Angkor with children: an adventure to the heart of the temples
Angkor is without doubt one of our favorite sites in the world. We explored it for several days during our world tour, and never got tired of it. It’s a magical, fascinating place, one of the most incredible sites we’ve ever been lucky enough to discover.
Children will love wandering around: the temples buried in the jungle are reminiscent of the famous cartoon The Jungle Book. They’ll be able to wander between the centuries-old stones, discover the giant roots that entwine the walls, search for the sculpted faces… a real life-size adventure.
To make your visit even more fun, we recommend renting bicycles or a tuk-tuk to explore the site at a leisurely pace.
❤️ The temple of Ta Prohm is always a favorite, with its immense trees. And nothing beats a sunrise over Angkor Wat to start the day in a mystical mood.
Family cruises on the Mekong: adventure in comfort
Another not-to-be-missed activity is a cruise on the Mekong, for a complete change of scenery and a gentle continuation of the adventure. Departing from Phnom Penh, you’ll glide along the river to the rhythm of floating villages, local markets and scenes of traditional life.
For families, it’s a relaxing and enriching experience. Children will love observing life on the water, taking part in local workshops or simply letting themselves be lulled by navigation.
➡️ And for the ultimate in comfort, we highly recommend the best luxury cruise on the Mekongdesigned to combine cultural immersion and family well-being.
Floating villages on Lake Tonle Sap: an encounter with a different way of life
Near Siem Reap, the Tonlé Sap lake is another must-see. Aboard a pirogue, you’ll discover the floating villages where everything happens on the water: houses, schools, shops… a completely different way of life that fascinates young and old alike.
We loved this slow, peaceful stroll, punctuated by the smiles of children playing in the water and boats loaded with fruit and fish. A true moment of awakening to the diversity of the world, perfect for a gentle introduction to other cultures.
Phnom Penh with children: discoveries and the good life
Phnom Penh is a mix of bustle and tradition. With children, you’ll easily spend a pleasant day or two here. The Royal Palace with its golden roofs is always impressive, as is the National Museum, where ancient statues arouse curiosity.
At the end of the day, head to the Mekong quays for a leisurely stroll: entertainment, street vendors, a relaxed atmosphere… Children can run around, watch the boats, play with kites, while parents enjoy grilled kebabs or fresh fruit.
And there are plenty of kid-friendly cafés for refreshments and snacks.
Creative workshops and Khmer cuisine: learning while having fun
In both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, a number of workshops offer a fun way to delve into Cambodian craftsmanship. Traditional painting, kite-making, weaving or modeling… everything is designed with families in mind, and children often leave with their own creations.
We also have fond memories of a cooking workshop in Siem Reap. You’ll start by shopping, then learn how to make Amok or the delicious Nom Plae Ai, a Cambodian dessert made from coconut milk. Everyone pitches in, in good spirits. And, of course, you’ll end up eating it all together.
✅ A great way to prolong the flavours of the trip back home.
Farniente and nature activities in Kampot and Kep
Want to slow down the pace? Head for the south of Cambodia. Kampot and Kep, two charming towns, are ideal for enjoying nature and relaxing.
In Kampot, you can kayak on the river, cycle through the countryside or visit a pepper plantation. And don ‘t forget to try the local specialty: Kampot pepper crab. It’s delicious! In fact, this pepper is one of the most famous in the world. We strongly advise you to bring some back in your suitcases. We still have some from our trip and use it every day.
Kep’s small but pleasant beaches are perfect for a quiet afternoon with the family. Enjoy seafood with your feet in the sand.
Snorkeling and relaxation on Koh Rong: the island paradise
During our trip, we also explored the island of Koh Rong, off the coast of Sihanoukville, and we have some incredible memories of it. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, hammocks in the shade of palm trees… a real little paradise for families.
Here, days are punctuated by snorkeling, strolls along the beach, impromptu volleyball games with fellow travelers… and breathtaking sunsets. While some parts of the island are livelier, others are quieter, ideal for families in search of peace and quiet.
Cambodia, a playground of emotions for the whole family
Cambodia offered us a true interlude of discoveries, encounters and precious family moments. Whether through the immensity of Angkor, the gentleness of a cruise on the Mekong or the magic of the southern islands, each stage brought us a little closer to Khmer culture.
It’s a destination that touches, amazes and leaves a lasting impression. We encourage you to discover it at your own pace, with your family.
