Cambodia is one of the quieter, less visited countries in Southeast Asia. It’s a country with a deep and complicated history. There is a lot to learn and see in Cambodia. Its breathtaking ancient temples and wild, untouched countryside strike a wonderful harmony between manmade and natural beauty. This balance makes Cambodia the perfect place to explore with kids.
Here are five of our favorite things to do when visiting Cambodia with kids on your family vacation!
Tonle Sap Lake
Part of what makes Cambodia so exciting is the natural wonders it’s home to. One of those wonders, Tonle Sap Lake is a great place for an outdoor adventure. Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. What is more interesting is that its size changes depending on the time of year. During the wet season it grows four times its size! You can kayak through sunken fields and floating forests as part of your exploration. There is even a small floating village you can visit to meet locals and have a tasty countryside meal.
Angkor Wat
The stature, grandeur and wonderment of Angkor Wat can only be matched by the likes of Machu Picchu and Petra. Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world. In 1992 it earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. While everyone should visit the main temples, it’s the smaller temples hidden and scattered throughout the complex that inspire true adventure. Some have been overgrown by forest, where giant trees have snaked around sculptures and through corridors. The large tree roots have become an integral and fascinating part of each building. There is no shortage of corners, temples and structures to explore like a modern-day Indiana Jones!
Angkor Thom
Also constructed in the late 12th century, Angkor Thom was a city built by King Jayavarman VII. This main temple was his prized possession and one of his most iconic contributions to Cambodia. There is an inscription in the city that refers to King Jayvarman VII as a groom and the city as his bride. It was the final, and longest serving, capital of the ancient Khmer Empire. Your family can make a full adventure of exploring Angkor Thom. You can ride bikes through the mountain jungles, past ancient reservoirs and temples, to Victory Gate, the entryway to Angkor Thom. This is a fun way to take in this wonderful site.
Siem Reap Night Markets
Like much of Southeast Asia, night markets are the life and soul of several communities. Siem Reap is no different! The Angkor Market on Pub Street is one of the most colorful and exciting night markets in the country. You can find shop fronts and stalls selling delicious snacks, paintings, jewelry, clothes and fabrics. Kids always have fun seeing the bright colors and coming away with souvenirs. Keep an eye out for the works of silver, especially the silver jewelry. Cambodia is famous for its silver and it makes for a great keepsake to remember your family vacation! If you’re visiting Cambodia with kids, this is a must.
See the Phare Circus
The Phare Circus is not the same as a traditional Western circus. It’s a circus of acrobatics and impressive acts performed by human performers only. The Phare Circus is also more than just a circus. It is an NGO that provides training and support to refugee children. During the Cambodian civil war and genocide, many of the nation’s children were left without family. The Phare Circus works to give these kids, now adults, and kids like them a sense of purpose. They are skilled performers who use dance, music, theater and circus arts to tell the stories of Cambodian culture.
