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, only joining a short one-hour guided tour at Angkor Wat itself, which made the experience much more relaxed and easier for the kids to enjoy.

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 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, pool time, Pub Street & night market.
Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. Afternoon relaxation.
Day 3: Morning at Ta Prohm and nearby temples. Afternoon at Angkor Zipline.
Day 4: Morning at Preah Khan and another favourite temple. Afternoon stroll through Siem Reap's markets and Old Town before 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.

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.