Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Exploring Cambodia with Kids: The Magic of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was one of those places that completely exceeded our expectations. We expected impressive temples, but what we found was one of the most magical family adventures we have ever had.

Siem Reap is a clean, welcoming city filled with fantastic food, colourful markets, and some of the kindest people we have met on our travels. Getting around is easy and affordable by tuk-tuk, and every driver seems to know the temple complex like the back of their hand.

For families, I highly recommend the 3-day Angkor Pass. Instead of rushing through the temples, we spent our mornings exploring and our afternoons enjoying some of the many family-friendly activities around Siem Reap. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort, which was a wonderful base with a beautiful pool to cool off in after a morning in the heat.

The temples themselves were simply breathtaking. Walking through ancient stone corridors, discovering hidden corners, and watching giant trees grow through centuries-old ruins felt like stepping into another world. It was one of those rare places that left both us and the children completely in awe. We chose to explore the temples at our own pace without a guide for most of the trip, only joining a short one-hour guided tour at Angkor Wat itself on our final temple day.

One of our favourite experiences was the Angkor Zipline, where we flew through the jungle canopy right next to the temple complex. It was an unforgettable adventure and a huge hit with the kids.

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, pool time, a walking tour of Siem Reap, dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, back to the hotel for breakfast and pool time, then two temples in the afternoon including Bayon and Ta Prohm — the "Tomb Raider temple," famous for its giant tree roots swallowing the ruins, and our family favourite — followed by dinner on Pub Street.

Day 3: Temples after breakfast, afternoon by the pool, then dinner on Pub Street — where several massage parlors have fish tanks out front, so don't be surprised if the kids end up with tiny fish nibbling the dead skin off their feet — and a wander through the night market.

Day 4: By this point the kids were done with temples, so we kept it light: a one-hour guided tour of Angkor Wat (guides waiting at temple entrance) in the morning, then the Angkor Zipline through the jungle canopy right next to the temple complex, followed by an Apsara dance show with dinner in the evening.

Day 5: Departure.

Evenings were spent wandering the markets, enjoying incredible food, and soaking up the lively atmosphere around Pub Street, which is surprisingly family-friendly in the early evening.

FAQ

Is Angkor Wat suitable for young children?
Yes, especially if you pace it like we did — mornings for temples while it's cooler, afternoons for pool or downtime. Trying to do too many temples in one day is what makes it hard for kids, not the temples themselves.

How many days do you need at Angkor Wat with kids?
We'd recommend 4-5 days minimum if you want a relaxed pace with pool breaks built in. The 3-day Angkor Pass covers temple entry across a wider window so you're not rushing.

Is the Angkor Zipline suitable for kids?
Yes — it was one of the highlights of our trip. Angkor Zipline requires a minimum height of around 1 meter to fit the safety harness rather than a strict age cutoff — our daughter did it at age 4 once she cleared that height. We'd recommend booking your slot in advance, especially in peak season, to guarantee your preferred time.

Angkor Wat is more than just a sightseeing destination. It is a place of wonder, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Between the breathtaking temples, the welcoming people, the fantastic food, and the perfect mix of culture and adventure, it is a trip we will treasure for a very long time.

We combined this trip with a week in Phuket, Thailand — read about that leg of the trip here