Top 8 Things To Do In Cambodia with Kids

Cambodia is a fascinating country in South-east Asia, with many family friendly things to see and do. While Cambodia is world renowned for the majestic temples of Angkor, the country has far more to offer besides, thus making it easy to combine a cultural visit with fun, family friendly activities. We spent almost two weeks in the country as part of our world trip. Here we share the best things to do in Cambodia with kids.

FAMILY FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN CAMBODIA 

1. VISIT THE FAMOUS TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

No visit to Cambodia would be complete without visiting the famous Angkor temples. Built between the 9th and 14th centuries by the Khmer civilisation, Angkor rates among the foremost architectural wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is the most well known and largest of the temples, but there are many more structures to explore that once made up the ancient city of Angkor.

To unleash your inner Indiana Jones head to Ta Phrom. This temple has been swallowed up by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. The walls are crumbling, everything is covered with moss, and tall trees tower above, some of them have even taken root in the walls!

For more on visiting the Temples of Angkor read: Exploring the Temples of Angkor With Kids

2. QUAD BIKING IN THE CAMBODIAN COUNTRYSIDE

Our quad bike adventure with Quad Adventure Cambodia took us into the countryside around Siem Reap, through rice fields and local villages, as well as to a local crocodile farm. With two people per quad, an adult and child on each, the tracks are muddy, bumpy and wet, providing a truly adventurous time. Everybody absolutely loved it.

3. EXPLORING THE WATERS OF TONLE SAP LAKE BY AIRBOAT

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in South-east Asia, 250 kilometres long towards Phnom Penh and 200 kilometres wide. It was here that we took a Komnob Airboat Tour. Riding an airboat is a unique experience, something very different. It’s a thrilling experience, so different from a boat ride. It’s very stable and the sensation of floating over water, grasses, and reeds at high speed, with lots of noise, is quite something.

The tour stops at two floating villages and you get a real insight into life on the lake. Dinner can also be taken on the lake in a local restaurant, while the sun sets across the lake. A truly unique experience.

To discover more about the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake read: The Floating Villages of Tonle Sap Lake

4. TAKE A COOKING CLASS

There are many cooking classes on offer in Cambodia. We chose the Countryside Cooking Class, near Siem Reap. The day starts early with a  trip to a proper local market and then it’s on to an outdoor kitchen, deep in the countryside, for a morning of cooking, before lunch and the chance to eat everything you’ve cooked.

We enjoyed every minute of our course – it was all well explained, very hands on, and the end product super tasty. Our menu consisted of fried spring rolls, fish amok and banana rice cakes. The children were all kept engaged throughout and had loads of fun.

5. TAKE TO THE AIR ZIP-LINING!

The only zip-line within the Angkor Park, Angkor Zipline is a fun family friendly activity. This is something we really wanted to do in Siem Reap. Unfortunately the zip-lines were undergoing maintenance while we were there, so it wasn’t possible. We did however, do something similar in Chiang Mai and we can thoroughly recommend. The view from the canopy is superb and zip lining across the jungle is really exciting. The guides are excellent and safety is always the top consideration. Children have to be a minimum height of one metre to take part.

For more on family friendly activities in and around Siem Reap read: Best Things To Do In Siem Reap with Kids

6. FREE THE BEARS AT PHNOM TAMAO WILDLIFE PARK

Phnom Tamao is Cambodia’s leading zoo, come safari park, about an hours drive from Phnom Penh. We spent the day with Free the Bears on their Bear Care Day. The Bear Care Programme looks after rescued Sun and Moon bears, native species to Cambodia. Our day involved food preparation, making enrichment toys for the bears, feeding the bears and a tour of the park.

For animal lovers, this is definitely a wonderful way of interacting with wildlife and helping out a worthy cause. All the animals in the sanctuary were rescued from poachers or abusive owners and have received a second chance at a better life.

7. EXPERIENCE THE BIG TOP

Cambodia’s answer to Cirque du Soleil, Phare the Cambodian Circus is so much more than a conventional circus. With an emphasis on performance art everyone will delight at the music, dance, theatre and modern circus arts involved. The acts tell uniquely Cambodian stories. This big top opened for nightly shows in 2013 and should be considered unmissable when staying in Siem Reap.

8. HIT THE BEACH AT OTRES

If you’re looking for a few days of relaxation on the beach after exploring other parts of Cambodia then Otres is the place to head. Situated on Cambodia’s west coast facing the Gulf of Thailand, Otres Beach is a beachside town. Lined with bungalows, bars and restaurants this is where you’ll find the majority of affordable beach-front accommodation. Otres has so far managed to escape the mass development that affects so many coastal towns in South East Asia. Don’t miss it before its too late!

READ ALSO:

A Perfect 10 Day Cambodia Itinerary With Kids

Explore Phnom Penh with Kids

Have you been to Cambodia? Do you have any recommendations of things to do in Cambodia with kids?