Siem Reap with kids

Complete guide for a visit to Angkor Wat

Are you planning to visit Siem Reap with kids soon? And is a visit to the Angkor Wat temple complex high on your wishlist? Then read on! In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for a visit to Siem Reap (and Angkor Wat) with children.

Siem Reap, a charming town in northern Cambodia, is often known as the gateway to the impressive Angkor Wat temple complex. However, this place has much more to offer than that. From the authentic countryside to the vibrant center around Pub Street. Our trip to Siem Reap took place in June during the rainy season, which is usually the low season in Cambodia. It was surprisingly quiet; we were even the only guests at our hotel. The city itself was also not very busy. This gave us a feeling of stepping back in time. Buffaloes were in the ditches, many roads were still unpaved, and many locals still rode scooters with carts attached. We’ll tell you all about it in this blog!

We visited Siem Reap during our trip through neighboring Thailand.

Siem Reap with kids - the complete guide for your visit to Angkor Wat

♥ Things to do in Siem Reap
♥ How to get there?
♥ Child-friendly hotels
♥ Is Siem Reap with kids recommended?

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Things to do in Siem Reap with kids

The sunrise at the Reflecting Pond at Angkor Wat

A trip to Siem Reap with kids is not complete without a visit to Angkor Wat. This immense ancient temple city, the largest religious monument in the world, is a true adventure for young explorers. But it’s even more special to be there during sunrise.

You have to get up early, but it’s worth it! Our alarm went off at 3:45 AM. In moments like these, I always wonder why I’m doing this. Am I a bad parent for waking my kids? As soon as they realize we’re getting up, they jump out of bed immediately. They’re excited. At 4:30 in the dark, we’re in a tuk-tuk. We encounter some runners (exercising during the day is really not feasible in the humid heat!) and see the eyes of buffaloes reflecting as they work in the fields.

Bring some entertainment for the kids

We are dropped off at the entrance just before five. From here, it’s about a kilometer walk to the Reflecting Pond (fairly accessible for a stroller), where you have the best view of the largest temple of Angkor Wat. Make sure to arrive well before sunrise, as it can get crowded, and you’ll want a spot at the front. Bring plenty of snacks and distractions for the kids. We hadn’t considered that staring at the sunrise for an hour would be less exciting for (young) children than for us. We mainly kept the kids occupied with snacks and by looking at photos from our trip on our phones. If we had known this in advance, we would have brought some toys or coloring supplies.

Also, check out our blog: 12x the best toys for the airplane. You can also use these toys well here.

A magical sunrise

It’s a magical place. You arrive in the dark and stand waiting with a group of tourists, but you don’t know what’s going to happen. You feel the tension, the excitement. Will it be a beautiful sunrise? At first, the temple and the pond glow cool blue, but as time passes, the light becomes warmer and redder. What a special way to start the day. Full of energy, we walk towards the temple to explore it from the inside. The fun for the kids can begin—climbing and scrambling after sitting still for an hour!

Important tip!”

Tip: Buy your tickets the day before your visit. This way, you can stay in bed for at least half an hour longer. Tickets can be purchased at the Angkor Park Pass Ticket Counters, 6 kilometers from the temple complex. You can buy a one-day ticket, a three-day ticket, or a weekly ticket. We chose a three-day ticket.

Visit other temples around Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk

The Angkor Archaeological Park consists of much more than just Angkor Wat. There are countless other temples and ruins to explore.

Rent a tuk-tuk

The park is vast, which is why we hired a tuk-tuk to cover the distances. Tuk-tuk drivers can be found everywhere in Siem Reap who are willing to drive you around. Negotiate the price before getting in (we paid about 20 euros per day) and agree on a route to visit the temples you want to see. Our kids loved the rides! Especially the monkeys at Tonle Om Gate and the Monkey Trees were a favorite. They enjoyed connecting with the locals from the tuk-tuk. They waved to everyone (almost everyone waved back), but they also looked in wonder at what they saw along the way: buffaloes in the ditches, scooters loaded with goods, and four people on one scooter. But also the poverty, and as the kids put it: ‘sad little children.

The most beautiful temples of Angkor Wat

We went out for three mornings with a tuk-tuk and, in addition to the famous Angkor Wat temple, we also visited the following temples:

Ta Prohm

Known as the ‘Tomb Raider temple,’ Ta Prohm has an adventurous and mysterious atmosphere due to the jungle vegetation surrounding the temple. It was great for us, but actually too hot for the kids. We placed them in the shade with snacks and took turns exploring the temple complex.

Bayon

This temple is known for its towers with giant faces rising from the stones. Outside the temple walls, smaller temples can also be found that are still in use, where monks relax in the shade. It’s nice to light an incense stick here. At every temple in Cambodia, Lizzy wanted to light an incense stick herself. So, we did this every time. Lizzy loves to connect with the monks and especially enjoys seeing the beauty and splendor.

Other temples that are definitely worth visiting: Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, and Phnom Bakheng.

Other fun excursions in Siem Reap with children

Besides the temples, there are many more fun excursions to enjoy in Siem Reap with children. Here are a few more great activities to add to your adventurous trip.

Tour of the authentic countryside of Siem Reap – our favorite.

A highlight of our stay in Siem Reap was the countryside tour by jeep. Our adventure began when we were picked up at our resort. Within five minutes, we already saw the first water buffalo standing in the water! This, for us, is the real Asia. We drove through deserted streets, past bustling markets, and right across the countryside. Along the way, we stopped at a lotus farm, where we got to taste the lotus fruit (the kids loved it so much they ate three flowers!). The tour ended with a visit to the only hill in the otherwise flat area: Phnom Krom. We were lucky; it was Saturday, which meant that the locals were gathering there with their family and friends to eat and drink. We were truly immersed in local life, and we were the only tourists.

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Tip: We started very early in the morning by watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then took an afternoon nap, and participated in a sunset tour of the authentic countryside of Siem Reap. Although we thought this would be a good idea beforehand, it turned out to be a bit too much for the kids. Nevertheless, the tour was amazing and definitely recommended! So, don’t plan these two activities on the same day.

We booked our tour via GetYourGuide: Siem Reap guided sunset tour through the countryside by jeep.

APOPO

Visit APOPO, a special organization in Siem Reap that uses the extraordinary sense of smell of African giant pouched rats in a unique way to detect and remove landmines. In addition to watching demonstrations of these clever rodents in action, you can learn more about their lifesaving work and its impact on local communities. It’s an educational and inspiring experience for the whole family.

Old Market Bridge & the Night Market

Spend a relaxing afternoon on the Old Market Bridge, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Siem Reap River. Dive into the vibrant hustle and bustle of the Night Market, where you can find local crafts, art, clothing, and souvenirs. Let your children negotiate prices and enjoy a delicious local meal together at one of the many street stalls.

Pub Street and surrounding streets

For a lively evening out with the family, head to Pub Street and the surrounding streets. Despite the name, these areas are family-friendly and offer a variety of dining options and shops. Try local delicacies like fried insects (an adventure for the brave!) or enjoy Western dishes at one of the international restaurants. Stroll along the streets, listen to live music, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that will entertain both young and old.

The Circus

Surprise your children with a visit to Phare, the Cambodian circus that offers impressive performances of art and acrobatics. The talented young artists take you on a journey filled with imagination, colorful costumes, and breathtaking stunts. The proceeds from the circus go to an educational program that supports youth in the arts, so you’re also contributing to a good cause while enjoying a magical show.

Butterfly Paradise

Visit Butterfly Paradise, an enchanting place where your children can learn about the life cycle of butterflies. Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with flowers and discover an abundance of colorful butterflies flying freely.

Siem Reap with kids - how to get there?

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and borders Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Cambodia. The most common route is to fly to Bangkok and then take a 30-minute flight to Siem Reap from there. Another option is to travel by bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a distance of about 400 kilometers. Make sure to arrange a visa on-site at the border.

Child-friendly hotel in Siem Reap

We stayed at the beautiful BB Angkor Green Resort, about a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Angkor Wat. This green resort, set amidst the countryside and among the water buffaloes, provided us with a relaxed and serene atmosphere. Our family bungalow was perfect for the whole family, and the pool and kids’ club were big favorites with our children. The food was also delicious.

We easily booked this hotel through Booking.com

Is Siem Reap with kids recommended?

Absolutely! Siem Reap is an excellent choice for families with young children. The locals in Cambodia are exceptionally friendly and welcoming towards children. Traveling by tuk-tuk is easy and comfortable, and in general, Cambodia is quieter than neighboring touristy Thailand. It offers a wonderful opportunity to give your children a more authentic experience of Asia. Additionally, there are plenty of Western amenities, such as nice hotels and excellent restaurants, that make the stay enjoyable for families.

Our experience in Siem Reap was one full of adventure, rich culture, and hospitality. It was an unforgettable travel experience in Cambodia!

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