Cambodia, an often-overlooked gem for family holidays, promises a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, making it ideal for creating unforgettable family memories.
Most travellers associate Cambodia with the iconic Angkor Wat, and for good reason- these ancient temples offer families a captivating mix of history and exploration. From zip-lining above the jungle canopy to cycling through remote villages, the activities around the temples are endless. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, provides a family-friendly base, with top-notch accommodations and restaurants catering to all tastes.
But Cambodia is more than just temples. Beyond Angkor, the country unfolds a rich and varied landscape. Families can enjoy up-close encounters with unique wildlife in the Cardamom Mountains, spend time in rural homestays where children can experience authentic village life or relax on the country’s uncrowded, pristine beaches.
With a high level of English spoken, warm hospitality and a diverse array of family-friendly hotels and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, Cambodia offers all the essentials for a memorable family holiday.
Read on to discover how a family trip to Cambodia can delight both kids and adults alike.
Siem Reap for families
Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, is an ideal base for a 3-6 night family holiday. This compact town offers an abundance of kid-friendly hotels, restaurants, and a wide range of activities, creating a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
The temples themselves deserve a few days of discovery. EXO recommends exploring by remork (a local tuk tuk) for a unique perspective, and for active families, a half-day bike ride through the backroads is an ideal way to immerse in the surroundings. Our Angkor Thom scavenger hunt offers an engaging and interactive way to explore the temples while uncovering their hidden stories.
Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers various activities to introduce local culture, from insightful community walks to lively acrobatic performances. Families will also enjoy unique museums like APOPO, home to mine-detecting rats, the fascinating Siem Reap Aquarium and the poignant Landmine Museum.
Family adventures beyond Siem Reap
For families with an extended holiday, Cambodia offers even more to explore! EXO recommends beginning in Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital, to delve into historic sites that provide insight into the country’s rich past and help contextualise its present.
For a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, EXO suggests an overnight stay at Smiling Gecko Resort or a visit to Battambang. Both locations offer a chance to experience the rhythms of daily life in the countryside, gaining a deeper understanding of authentic Khmer culture.
After this cultural journey- including time at the must-see temples of Angkor- EXO recommends rounding out the Cambodia family holiday with some relaxation. Adventurous families can explore the southeastern Cardamom Mountains, a remote yet accessible wilderness with comfortable accommodations like 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. Alternatively, head to Cambodia’s southern coast, where white sandy beaches and serene islands offer a peaceful retreat.
Calling all Indiana Jones fans! This fun, family-focused photography scavenger hunt requires a sense of adventure and curiosity. Grab a map and a set of clues to uncover mysteries within ancient Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once-mighty Khmer Empire.
Offering a different perspective on the tragic history and current status of landmines in Cambodia, the APOPO visitors centre provides an opportunity to meet giant African rats who have been trained to find explosives for the benefit of many rural communities.
See Battambang through the eyes of a local with a guided bicycle tour of the town and its surroundings. Capture the essence of daily life while riding past cottage industries, busy markets and vibrant fields. Stop often to meet with the locals and soak-in the beauty of the countryside.
Be enchanted by a different side of Cambodian culture. Attend an evening at Phare, a circus-like show combining modern and traditional Khmer theatre. Learn about daily life and customs through the graceful movements of the performers and chat with them afterwards.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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