Siem Reap With Kids

Siem Reap is a wonderful family destination with plenty of attractions and activities to keep both parents and kids entertained. It’s a must-visit if you’re going to Cambodia with kids. There are plenty of things to do, from exploring the ancient temples of Angkor to visiting museums and cultural centers, biking through rural villages, taking a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, and enjoying delicious Cambodian cuisine. Here’s a comprehensive guide to traveling to Siem Reap with kids.

Things to Do in Siem Reap With Kids

1. Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park to explore ancient temples and ruins.
2. Take a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages and glimpse rural Cambodian life.
3. Visit the Angkor National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Cambodia.
4. Explore the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center to understand the impact of landmines on the country.
5. Ride a bike through the countryside and rural villages to experience the local way of life.
6. Visit the Angkor Night Market for shopping and cultural performances.
7. Take a cooking class to learn how to make delicious Cambodian dishes.
8. Visit the Phare, The Cambodian Circus, for a thrilling acrobatics, dance, and music performance.
9. Learn about traditional Cambodian dance and music at the Apsara Theatre.
10. Cool off at the Kulen Waterfall, located about an hour’s drive from Siem Reap.

Where to Go in Siem Reap With Kids

1. Angkor Archaeological Park – explore the ancient temples and ruins, an incredible experience for adults and kids.
2. Tonle Sap Lake – take a boat ride to see the floating villages, a unique and memorable experience for kids.
3. Angkor National Museum – learn about the history and culture of Cambodia, which can be both educational and interesting for kids.
4. Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center – understand the impact of landmines on the country, which can be an eye-opening experience for kids.
5. Angkor Night Market – experience local shopping and cultural performances, which can be a fun and exciting experience for kids.
6. Countryside and rural villages – go on a bike ride and experience the local way of life, which can be a great way for kids to learn and experience different cultures.
7. Cooking classes – learn how to make delicious Cambodian dishes, which can be a fun and interactive experience for kids.
8. Phare, The Cambodian Circus – see a thrilling performance of acrobatics, dance, and music, which can be a mesmerizing experience for kids.
9. Apsara Theatre – learn about traditional Cambodian dance and music, which can be a cultural and educational experience for kids.
10. Kulen Waterfall – cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of Cambodia, which can be a fun and adventurous experience for kids.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap With Kids

There are many family-friendly accommodation options in Siem Reap to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

1. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – located near the Angkor Archaeological Park, this luxurious resort offers family suites and a range of amenities, including a swimming pool and kid’s club.
2. Tara Angkor Hotel – located in the city center, this hotel offers family suites, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club.
3. Le Meridien Angkor – near the Angkor Archaeological Park, Le Meridien Angkor offers family-friendly amenities such as a swimming pool, a kid’s club, and family suites.
4. Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa – located in the city center, this resort offers family rooms, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club.
5. Park Hyatt Siem Reap – this hotel, near the city center, offers family suites, a swimming pool, and kids’ activities.
6. Jaya House River Park – located near the riverfront, this boutique hotel offers family suites, a swimming pool, and a range of activities for kids.
7. Shinta Mani Shack – located in the city center, this hotel offers family rooms, a swimming pool, and kids’ activities.

These are just a few of the many family-friendly accommodation options in Siem Reap that offer comfortable and convenient stays for families traveling with kids.

Where to Eat in Siem Reap With Kids

Siem Reap offers a wide range of dining options, from local street food to upscale restaurants. Here are some suggestions on where to eat in Siem Reap with kids:

1. Cuisine Wat Damnak – serves modern Cambodian cuisine and offers a children’s menu.
2. Marum – serves creative Cambodian dishes and offers cooking classes for kids.
3. The Square 24 – offers Cambodian and international cuisine and has a kid’s menu.
4. The Sugar Palm serves traditional Khmer dishes and offers a kid’s menu.
5. Bugs Cafe – offers a unique dining experience focusing on insect-based cuisine and has a kid’s menu.
6. Fresh Fruit Factory – serves various fresh fruit dishes and smoothies, which kids are sure to love.
7. Red Angkor – offers a range of Khmer and international dishes and has a kid’s menu.
8. Haven – this restaurant serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine and offers cooking classes for kids

What to Wear in Siem Reap

The weather in Siem Reap is generally warm and humid throughout the year, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the climate. Here are some suggestions on what to wear in Siem Reap:

1. Lightweight and breathable clothing – cotton and linen materials are ideal for staying cool and comfortable in the heat.
2. Modest clothing – as Siem Reap is a predominantly Buddhist city, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites.
3. Sun protection – bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.
4. Comfortable shoes – as you will likely be doing a lot of walking, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that can handle uneven terrain.
5. Rain gear – Siem Reap experiences a rainy season from May to October, so it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella.
6. Swimwear – if you plan on visiting waterfalls, swimming pools, or the Tonle Sap Lake, don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

Overall, dressing comfortably and respectfully will ensure you have an enjoyable and culturally appropriate experience in Siem Reap.

When to Go to Siem Reap

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for exploring the temples and outdoor activities.

Temperatures are at their coolest between November and February, with daytime temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and cooler evenings. From March to April, temperatures start to rise, with daytime temperatures averaging around 30-35°C (86-95°F).

Siem Reap experiences a rainy season from May to October, which can bring heavy rain and occasional flooding. While the temples and surrounding countryside can look beautiful in the rain, the wet conditions can make exploring more challenging and some sites may be inaccessible.

If you plan to visit during the rainy season, it’s recommended to come in the earlier months, from May to July, when the rainfall is typically less intense.

Overall, the best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, particularly between November and February, when the weather is mild and sunny.

How Long to Stay in Siem Reap

The amount of time to stay in Siem Reap can vary depending on your interests and travel style, but a recommended duration is around 3-4 days. This will allow you to explore the main attractions, including the Angkor temples, while also giving you time to experience the local culture and cuisine.

If you are interested in history and archaeology, you may want to stay longer to explore the lesser-known temples and learn more about Khmer civilization.

If you are traveling with kids, you may want to plan some downtime to relax by the pool or participate in kid-friendly activities like cooking classes or bike rides.

Overall, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in Siem Reap, but you can always extend your stay if you want to explore more of the city or surrounding areas.

3 Days Siem Reap Itinerary With Family

Here is a 3-day itinerary for Siem Reap with family:

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in Siem Reap and an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Lunch: Try some traditional Khmer cuisine at The Sugar Palm restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore Angkor Thom, including the Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
• Evening: Watch a traditional Apsara dance show at one of the local restaurants, such as Temple Balcony.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a cycling tour of the surrounding countryside and visit local villages to learn about Cambodian life and culture.
• Lunch: Enjoy some fresh fruit dishes and smoothies at the Fresh Fruit Factory.
• Afternoon: Visit Ta Prohm, the temple known for its jungle setting and appearances in movies like Tomb Raider.
• Evening: Head to the Night Market for some souvenir shopping and street food.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit Banteay Srei, a smaller temple known for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone.
• Lunch: Have a family cooking class at Marum restaurant to learn how to make traditional Cambodian dishes.
• Afternoon: Explore the floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake, where you can see floating houses, schools, and markets.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak, where you can enjoy modern Cambodian cuisine.

This itinerary allows for a good mix of exploring the temples, learning about Cambodian culture, and enjoying some family-friendly activities and meals. However, it can be adjusted based on your family’s interests and preferences.

How to Get Around Siem Reap

Here are some ways to get around Siem Reap:

1. Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Siem Reap and can be found throughout the city. They are relatively cheap and convenient, and many drivers can act as tour guides, providing information about the city and its attractions.
2. Bicycle: Many hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals, which can be a great way to explore the city and surrounding countryside. Siem Reap is relatively flat, so it’s a good option for families who enjoy cycling.
3. Motorbike: Motorbike rentals are available in Siem Reap, but they are not recommended for inexperienced riders or families with children.
4. Car rental: Car rentals are available in Siem Reap, but they are not a common mode of transportation for tourists. Driving in Siem Reap can be chaotic, and parking can be difficult.
5. Walking: Siem Reap is a relatively small city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking can be a great way to explore the city and get a feel for the local culture.

Overall, tuk-tuks and bicycles are the most popular ways to get around Siem Reap, providing a convenient and affordable way to explore the city and its surroundings.

How Much to Travel to Siem Reap

The cost of traveling to Siem Reap can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your travel style, accommodation preferences, and activities you plan to do. Here is a rough estimate of the costs for a budget-friendly trip to Siem Reap:

• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses can cost around $10-20 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around $30-50 per night. Luxury hotels can cost upwards of $100 per night.
• Transportation: Tuk-tuks can cost around $5-10 per trip, while bicycles can cost around $2-5 per day. Motorbikes and cars can be rented for around $10-20 per day.
• Food: Street food and local restaurants can cost around $2-5 per meal, while mid-range restaurants can cost around $10-20 per meal. Fine dining restaurants can cost upwards of $30 per meal.
• Activities: A one-day Angkor temple pass costs $37 per person, while other activities like cooking classes, cycling tours, and Apsara dance shows can cost around $20-30 per person.

Overall, a budget-friendly trip to Siem Reap can cost around $30-50 per day per person, while mid-range trips can cost around $50-100 per day per person. Luxury trips can cost upwards of $100 per day per person. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual costs may vary based on your travel style and preferences.