Cambodia for Families
Less obvious than other Asian countries for family travel, there are many perks to a family holiday in Cambodia. It’s a country oozing with charm, culture, history and striking landscapes. From the patchwork of paddy fields to the world-famous temples of Angkor, Cambodia offers everything for an exotic out-of-the-box family adventure.
Seriously Special
Travelling with your family to Cambodia may seem a little daunting, but at Scott Dunn we know how to make sure it's seamless. Our experts have travelled all over the country and know the best resorts to stay in, guides to use and experiences to have. We choose accommodations that will best suit the needs of your family, whether that’s a top-notch kids programme, to get away from it all or to completely immerse yourselves in culture. We can create a spectacular and completely bespoke tour to Cambodia based on your family’s time and interests. Try gourmet temple breakfasts, experience kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake or even helicopter to remote and rarely seen temples. No matter if you’re travelling with a 7, 17 or 70 year old, we’re here to help you have the most amazing family trip in Cambodia.
One-of-a-kind experiences
Cambodia is a hidden gem. There are so many exciting options for every member of the family here. One of the most special things about the temples in Cambodia is that they are not just for looking at. Hidden in lush jungles, overgrown with massive tree roots and encroaching greenery, these temples are meant to be explored. Your kids can pretend they’re Indiana Jones with adventures through the jungle and play hide-and-seek among the statues and ruins. It’s a fun way to get your kids involved in the culture.
Another way to expand the minds and palates of little ones is through the thriving, colourful markets of Phom Penh or the floating markets of the Mekong and Sangker River. Children and adults alike will be intrigued by the vibrant fruits and veggies, fragrant spices, bright fabrics and hand carved statues. Visiting the markets is a great way for your children to interact with the locals and get out of their comfort zones.
For older children, examining Cambodia’s tragic history is educationally enriching and will surely spark an impactful family dialogue. For this we recommend a stop at the Landmine Museum, sure to be an inspiring experience for the entire family.
Don’t let Cambodia’s small size fool you, it’s big on excitement. A family holiday to Cambodia should be on every family’s bucket list.
At a Glance
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Dig into Cambodia's tragic, fascinating and sobering history at numerous museums.
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Tour colonial towns, rural villages, jungles and paddy fields.
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Visit some of the world's most famous temples like Angkor Wat.
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Spend time relaxing on stunning unspoilt and undeveloped beaches.
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Cambodia's flag is the only one in the world to feature a building, Angkor Wat.
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When visiting Angkor Wat, head there early to beat the crowds and heat, you'll also witness the most unbelievable sunrise.
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Cambodians love celebrating and have more public holidays than most countries.
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If you're an active family, take in the temples and villages on a cycling tour instead of by car. It's an amazing way to get a new perspective on the region.
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Cambodia hosts many festivals throughout the year. Two can't miss festivals are the Khmer New Year (April 14th-16th) & The Water Festival (October & November).
Younger Kids
Don’t be scared off by the idea of taking young children to Cambodia. There are many lovely resorts and hotels that offer excellent kids programmes and activities, specialised menus, adjoining rooms and babysitting. The temples in Cambodia are a surprisingly fun experience for younger members of the family. This isn’t your classic tour or historical sites. Many remote temples are so ruined that it’s acceptable to climb on them and turn them into an adventurous nature jungle gym. And while in Siem Reap, a tuk-tuk ride will surely be a highlight of your kid’s trip. They’ll excitedly hang their heads out the window like a curious puppy, taking in all the sights and sounds whizzing past them. A family trip to Cambodia will be remembered for years to come.
Inspired by traditional Khmer houses, Phum Baitang is an elegant, calming, beautifully decorated property that sits within acres of verdant gardens and paddy fields. This hotel boasts fantastic dining options ranging from traditional Cambodian fare to fresh seafood and steaks. There is also a yoga pavilion, fitness room, infinity pool, sauna, and an impressive and soothing temple inspired spa. And while you’re indulging in some downtime, your children will be thoroughly entertained at the onsite kids' club. Both educational about Cambodia’s rich culture and highly enjoyable and energetic, this kids club will be something truly original that will remain in your child’s memory when they think of this amazing place.
The Victoria Angkor is designed to be in total harmony with its natural surroundings, and is ideally located for enjoying Angkor Temples, as well as the nearby beautiful villages and countryside. The hotel also offers a Khmer cooking class which includes a tour of the local market with a chef to source the produce and an 18 hole golf course is just a short drive away. The youngest members of the family are made to feel very welcome at the Victoria Angkor Hotel, where interconnecting rooms are available and extra beds and cots can be arranged. Children will also enjoy the kids club, children’s pool and the library with books, movies and board games. For parents wanting an evening to themselves, babysitting is also available.
Older Kids
Older kids are even more able to appreciate all that Cambodia has to offer. Many will find learning about the country’s tragic and fascinating history a highlight. Teens will also gain so much from temple visits, wandering around colonial towns and cycling tours through villages and along the countryside. Make sure to finish off your idyllic Cambodian family holiday with a little relaxing beach time. Your teenagers will have the perfect adventure that they’ll be dying to tell all their friends about when returning home.
Located in the leafy French Quarter near both the Old Market and Royal Gardens, this boutique property is the perfect retreat. All the rooms are set in a courtyard style around the beautiful swimming pool. Service at the hotel is exceptional and the staff are always on hand with a bottle of water, ice cream, refreshing cold towels, mosquito spray and anything else you may need to make your stay comfortable. A huge perk of this hotel is how well located it is to easily explore Siem Reap’s historical sites, markets and restaurants.
Shinta Mani Angkor is a sleek and chic boutique hotel located in the old quarter of Siem Reap. The property feels intimate, yet there is a good range of facilities with a soothing spa and cool pool located within a gorgeous tropical courtyard. Shinta’s close proximity to shops, restaurants, and the night market makes it a safe and convenient place for teens to venture out on their own and explore the neighbourhood on foot or bike. One of the nicest things about staying in Shinta Mani Angkor is that you are supporting a wide range of responsible tourism initiatives and outreach programmes for disadvantaged children.
Multi-generational Families
Cambodia is perfect for multiple generations of the family to travel together because it offers something to suit every member. From temples and beaches to paddy fields and charming towns and markets, Cambodia has it all. And many luxurious and chic villas can be taken exclusively, which ensures a private hub to reconvene and bond in after a day spent enjoying various activities.
Every member of the family will be well catered to at Amansara. Just 10 minutes from Angkor, this ultra-modern, hotel is one of the most exclusive in Siem Reap. The original slate swimming pool offers respite from the heat and for total immersion into relaxation, a treatment at the tranquil spa specializing in traditional Cambodian massage and beauty techniques is a must. Children are treated extremely well here. The hotel provides welcome packs for babies and can tailor the daily excursions to suit families with children. Special meals can be prepared and nannies are available. There is also a library with books and board games, a gallery, a roof terrace perfect for meals and drinks. Excursions once a day with a private guide and driver are included in your stay and these focus on the local points of interest especially the Angkor complex. Your family may also like to explore the fishing villages of Tonle Sap, take a helicopter tour, or a cooking class.
This stunning luxury retreat pays homage to Khmer architecture and the property is built in natural woods with soothing décor throughout. There is a lovely saltwater pool in the peaceful, lush gardens that is an ideal place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. For younger members of your family, children’s menus are available and babysitting can be arranged. While your little ones are being well cared for, rent a bicycle and see the local villages and countryside at your own pace with a delicious gourmet picnic or take a private cruse on Tonle Sap Lake.
Sala Lodges are a fantastic option for those families looking for something discrete, serene and authentic, without compromising comfort. There are 11 houses in total, ideal for accommodating families. We recommend House Pi and Bei and House Boun for multi-gen families. This property boasts a stylish bar and alfresco restaurant that serves Khmer classics such as fish-amok as well as western staples such as burgers and sandwiches – idea if you’re travelling with kids. At the heart of the hotel is the most beautiful glassy pool, perfect for a dip in the heat of the afternoon.
Active Families
Cambodia is an unbelievable, off-the-beaten-track destination for adventurous and active families. There’s trekking to remote hill tribes, kayaking, cycling, quad biking, zip lining, cooking classes and nature hikes through jungles and paddy fields to picturesque waterfalls. There are all sorts of exciting activities to fill your family’s time with.
Mayura Hill Resort is a small and simple boutique retreat that acts as a base for an area that’s brimming with activities and full of dramatic scenery. At the heart of the property is a cool crisp pool, gardens and a children’s play area. For families we recommend staying in the Deluxe Villa or the Family Suite Villa, which provide more space. But you don’t stay here for the accommodation, it’s all about the experiences. The area is renowned for its hills and valleys shrouded in greenery, making this a fantastic location for trekking and visiting minority tribes. Nearby you’ll find the Elephant Valley Project, the dramatic Bousra Waterfalls, zip lining and quad biking.
Time to unwind
Set in a gorgeous location, Cambodia is the perfect place for your family to unwind. The coastline offers something different from the more built-up beaches found in neighbouring countries, providing an ideal locale for respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There are also many luxurious, private resorts that offer a range of services to pamper yourself like butlers, chefs and nannies. Many of these accommodations also have award-winning spas providing indulgent holistic treatments. It’s the ideal place to get away from it all.
Be at one with nature at Alila Villas Koh Russey, the ‘jewel of the sea’. With a lush green oasis as its backdrop, the resort has been created in keeping with its environment, and makes for a private, luxurious, idyllic stay. Enjoy some pampering at the Alila Spa. A truly invigorating journey of holistic wellbeing, you can regain your inner chi here. The dining options are second to none, with the Beachside Grill providing fabulous fresh seafood dishes. Not forgetting your little ones, Alila’s expert team of childcare staff will keep children entertained in the kids club. Moreover, with a chef and butler service at your fingertips, you needn’t worry about a thing.
Song Saa is the first every luxury island development in Cambodia, setting a new standard in environmentally sensitive luxurious accommodation. The facilities on Song Saa’s two islands include an overwater restaurant and cocktail lounge with 360-degree ocean views, an infinity edge swimming pool, a water sports centre, a beachside bar and a spa offering luxurious treatments. For underwater enthusiasts Song Saa is a paradise. It sits amidst a pristine marine reserve, home to an abundance of fascinating sea life. The resort also has a playhouse, with lots of games and toys for children, and babysitting service is available, so you can enjoy some relaxing alone time.
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