Cambodia with Kids – 19 Smart Tips for an Epic Family Trip

Travelling to Cambodia with kids? Good news – it’s way easier (and way more fun) than you might think. Yes, the temples are epic, but that’s just the start.

Between tuk-tuk rides, stretchy street doughnuts and enough Indiana Jones vibes to thrill even the grumpiest tween, Cambodia is an underrated family travel gem. Here’s what you need to know before you go – plus 19 tips to make your trip unforgettable.

WHY CAMBODIA IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES

As far as family destinations go it might not be at the top of the travel charts, but Cambodia is the stuff of kids’ Indiana Jones and Lara Croft-infused fantasies and should definitely be high on your family holiday hit list.

Not only are the people welcoming and the resorts kid-friendly, it’s easy and fun to get around (travel by Tuk Tuk is a hoot) and there are more than a few things for families to do and see, besides the epic temples in Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park.

But, as with travelling anywhere with kids, it’s important to be respectful and take appropriate precautions before you go. And, given the country’s traumatic past and its current political and economic challenges, it is also best to be educated when travelling in Cambodia with kids.

20 VITAL TIPS FOR TRAVELLING CAMBODIA WITH KIDS

1. Travel Health in Cambodia ]

As we haven’t spent four years studying medicine at university, we’re not the best people to dispense medical advice. Instead we suggest families visiting Cambodia, or anywhere in Asia, seek their GP’s advice on recommended immunisations at least six weeks before travel as those dudes know their shiz. You can also check out The Travel Doctor for up to date information.

2. Street Food safety in Cambodia 

We’ll eat pretty much anything but still take precautions. While the food in Cambodia is delicious it pays to take special care with food and water to beat bacteria and avoid upset tummies. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid street food, we love the stuff, especially the fabulously stretchy doughnuts, but it is best to avoid anything raw, including peeled fruits and vegetables, as well as anything reheated. The best bet to avoid vom-inducing bacteria is to choose fresh cooked, still hot foods. You can read our top tips for safe street eats with kids here.

3. Staying Hydrated, Safely

While it goes without saying to drink only bottled water, don’t forget to avoid ice too. It’s made of the stuff, you know. And while you don’t want to be carrying a heavy back pack, you will need to carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration. And if you’re travelling with kids in Cambodia please BYO paper straws to drink from cans and bottles that have been floating in ice, as the plastic ones they tend to supply are disastrous for the environment.

4. Sun Protection for Kids in Cambodia

Don’t barbecue your kids. Apply sunscreen and then add more sunscreen. This one is a no brainer for people travelling with kids, but you’d be amazed at how many parents we meet on our travels who ask to borrow ours or don’t use it at all. Pack it. Lots of it. And use it. Oh, and ensure the kids wear hats in the sun and cover them up with long loose, light  clothes.

5. Tuk Tuk Tactics 

One of our top tips for travelling with kids in Cambodia is to hire a Tuk Tuk and driver for the day. It’s cheap and much easier to explore the temples. Just negotiate a rate before you hop in or organise a reliable driver through your accommodation, they’ll know the reputable ones. You can expect to pay between $15 and $30 USD per day, depending on factors such as location, duration and the specific itinerary. It’s important to note that prices can fluctuate based on factors such as the time of yea

Riding in a Tuk Tuk is loads of fun and you’ll be hard pressed to find a kid that doesn’t love it, but do make sure they hold on and stay alert becasue there are no seat belts and those things zip around at speed through the chaotic traffic.

6. Stop Mozzies Before They Bite

When traveling in Cambodia with kids, remember that mosquito borne illnesses including malaria and zika virus are a risk, though less so in Siem Reap than more rural areas. As malaria is not the kind of souvenir you’ll be wanting to bring home, dress the kids (and yourselves) in light, loose, long clothes and apply a child-friendly insect repellent (with not more than a 20% concentration of DEET) at recommended intervals.

7. Navigating Squat Toilets with Kids

Outside of your plush hotel, the squat toilet is bog standard (if you’ll pardonthe pun) in Cambodia. Given that your little prince or princess will want to empty their hummingbird size bladders at the most inconvenient times, you’ll need to be prepared to enter some seriously gross throne rooms. You can read our tips for mastering squat toilets with kids here.

8. Money in Cambodia

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, but in practice most transactions are done in US dollars. Smaller purchases, like street food or market snacks, are usually given in Riel as change, so it’s smart to carry  a little of both. Stick to clean, undamaged USD bills, ideally in small denominations for easy spending. ATMs typically dispense dollars, but check your bank’s fees before you travel. Having a mix of Riel and dollars keeps things simple, especially for families navigating tuk-tuks, snacks and souvenirs while exploring Cambodia.

9. Get an Angkor Pass

To see the gobsmackingly gorgeous temples of Siem Reap, you’ll need an Angkor Pass for admission to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days, with a 3-day pass usually the best choice for families. Only buy Angkor passes at the official ticket office located a few miles outside the temple complex or online through the official system managed by Angkor Enterprise, the Cambodian government’s authorised ticketing body. The e-ticket includes a QR code that can be printed or stored on your phone for entry. Children under 12 enter for free, however they must show a valid passport at the official ticket office to receive their free entry. The offical ticket office operates from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily as at September 2025.

While self-service kiosks exist at places like the Heritage Walk Supermarket and Angkor Parvis, these are primarily for adult tickets.  Avoid unofficial guides and sellers at temple entrances and be sure to arrive nice and early because the queues at the ticket office are not one of Siem Reap’s more kid friendly attractions. 

10. Hire a Temple Guide

It is absolutely worth hiring a guide (ask at your hotel, never on the street) to explore the temples as they aren’t clearly marked inside or out. The kids will love learning about the fascinating history and culture of the temples, which can’t be acquired simply by watching Tomb Raider, and it will add more significance to your family’s explorations.

11. Start your day early

When touring Siem Reap’s temples with kids, it is wise to stick to just a couple a day to avoid temple fatigue. It’s also a good idea to visit the more popular temples as early as possible. This is the best way to avoid the maddening crowds, and they can be maddening. At popular Ta Prohm, better known as the Tomb Raider Temple, the crowds are so thick and the heat so unbearable by lunchtime that you’ll be wanting to practise your own Lara Croft style roundhouse manoeuvres on some of the selfie obsessed posers holding up the queues.

Finishing your temple adventures before lunch also means beating the heat and you’ll be able to have the kids fed and swanning about in your hotel pool before the sun starts resembling a blast furnace.

12. Dressing for Cambodia’s Temples

Regardless of your personal beliefs, Angkor’s temples are sacred sites with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Both adults and children should dress modestly, ensuring knees and shoulders are covered, out of respect for local customs and the reverence of the space. Loose, lightweight clothing works best in the heat while keeping everyone comfortable. Save your bikinis, skimpy crop tops and butt-baring shorts for the pool or beach, these aren’t the kind of outfits that belong wandering among ancient stone carvings and centuries-old religious rituals. Teaching kids the importance of dressing appropriately also turns it into a lesson in cultural awareness, helping them understand that travel isn’t just about taking photos, it’s about participating respectfully in a different culture.

13. Taking Temple Photos with Kids

I need to break some news to you.  You are NOT Angelina Jolie (unless you actually are Ange…  in which case, I loved your latest flick on Cambodia and will you adopt me?). And unless you are actually Harrison Ford, you are not Indiana Jones. There’s also a fairly good chance you are not a super model. So please don;t be an Insta douche.

While we all want to get that great shot, the temples are not your personal movie or photo set. Take your pics and move along. IAnd snap natural reactions rather than contrived and performative pap.  But if you really must spend an hour and a half pouting and flouncing to get that perfect Instagram shot, at least consider the other three gazillion people who paid the same park fee and came just as far (or further) to snap a pretty pic of the temples, without them being photo bombed by your duck face. Equally, if someone is already trying to snap a pic, have a little patience and give them enough time to actually press the shutter release before you go barging in front of their shots.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, after your eleventy millionth completely contrived yet oh-so-casually sexy change of expression, you really just look like a bit of an arse.

14. Teach Kids the Sampeah

It’s not hard to be polite. Use the traditional Cambodian greeting, the Sampeah, as a gesture of respect, by placing your two hands placed flat together with fingertips near the chin and a slight bow of the head when saying hi or bye.

15. Teaching Kids Respect Around Monks

No means no. Please don’t grope the monks. Keep your hands to yourselves as it is considered offensive, especially for a woman, to touch a monk. And always ask first before snapping a photo. Even then keep a little space. In the photo above the monk asked Raffles for a photo first, and was happy to reciprocate.

16. Respect Local Kids in Cambodia

Even if parents say yes, avoid photographing local children. The power imbalance between visitors and locals makes these images ethically tricky, and it can feel exploitative. Sharing photos online can also expose kids to danger. So focus on capturing the experiences, landscapes, and teaching your own kids respect rather than turning other people’s children into photo props.

It’s also important not to offer local kids sweets as some tourist do, thinking of it is as a kind gesture. But in Cambodia, where dental hygiene and access to healthcare are limited, giving sugar can actually do more harm than good. Tooth decay can be painful, expensive to treat, and a long-term problem for children who already face many challenges.

17. Explaining Cambodia’s History to Kids

While Cambodia has stepped cautiously out of the shadow of its traumatic past and is moving forward in leaps and bounds, the country remains visibly poor in many areas. If you are visiting with kids in tow, it is vital to prepare them for what they will see. Talk to them before you go about the history, the struggles and the resilience of the Cambodian people. Explain that some people live with horrific injuries and disabilities that they rarely experience at home. During your visit, guide them through what they encounter, from the crowded markets, the children playing in dusty streets, people begging and even the humble homes, so you can help them see without judgement. After your trip, debrief your children about what they saw, felt and learned. This ongoing conversation helps them gain perspective, develop empathy and understand that travel is not just fun and adventure, but a window into real lives and experiences far different from their own.

18. The Right Way to Handle Street Begging in Cambodia

It can be confronting travelling in Cambodia with kids, as poverty is widespread and visible on almost every street corner. For families, seeing children begging or working can be difficult, and it’s natural for kids to ask if they can give money or treats. While it might seem heartless to walk past, handing money directly to children is not a good short- or long-term solution. It can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and encourage parents (and duplicitous individuals) to keep kids out of school for the business of begging. The safest and most responsible approach is to say NO, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Instead support reputable charities that provide education, meals and medical care.

Teaching your children this approach while travelling in Cambodia helps them understand sustainable ways to help others, the importance of fairness and how small actions can have a bigger impact when directed wisely. This is a crucial lesson for families navigating Cambodia with kids, it’s about making ethical choices that respect local communities while still fostering compassion and empathy.

It’s also important not to offer local kids sweets as some tourist do, thinking of it is as a kind gesture. But in Cambodia, where dental hygiene and access to healthcare are limited, giving sugar can actually do more harm than good. Tooth decay can be painful, expensive to treat, and a long-term problem for children who already face many challenges.

19. Ensure Wildlife Experiences are Ethical 

Say no to riding in elephants in Cambodia. Every freaking time. No matter what you’re told, there is no such thing as a cruelty-free elephant ride. Not only does it cause immediate harm to an elephant’s spine (which is not designed to carry heavy weights) but the excessive cruelty hidden from view causes a lifetime of misery for the animals. And no, don’t “accidentally” do it and then post a cute elephant selfie on Instagram with a token note saying how wrong it is.  Don’t do it. Don’t promote it. Don’t encourage  it. Ever. Got it?

SIEM REAP WITH KIDS – NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

When to visit
November to March is the most popular time to travel with little rain and less humidity.
Language
Kmher, though French and English are widely spoken
Currency
Cambodian Riel (US dollars are also widely used and accepted)
Power
30V AC electricity. Power outlets are two-prong round sockets.
Visa & Passport Requirements
A 30-day tourist visa is required for all visitors entering Cambodia, including kids. This can be obtained online via the official e-Visa system or on arrival at major airports and border crossings..The e-Visa allows a single entry stay of up to 30 days and is usually approved within a few days. Visitors also require a passport valid for at least six (6) months and have at least one blank page. Planning ahead ensures smooth entry, letting families focus on exploring temples, tuk tuk rides, and other adventures without stress. There is an option of visas on arrival, which costs around USD $30 at the time of writing, but you will need two recent passport-sized photo photo to ensure compliance with entry requirements.
Health
Mosquito borne diseases are a risk in Cambodia. When travelling with children prevention is best so apply child-safe insect repellent (with no more 20% DEET) at regular intervals and make sure they are dressed in long but light clothing at all times. While there are no essential vaccinations for travellers to Cambodia, we suggest visiting your family GP at least six weeks before travel for up to date advice on immunisations.
Food Safety
Avoid tap water, raw foods and food stalls with dubious hygiene standards, and avoid tummy bugs by following our safe eating mantra of “cook it, peel it or forget it.

 

For more Cambodia inspiration, travel guide, tips and recipes, try these…

The best Siem Reap temples with kids
Things to in Siem Reap with kids
Siem Reap with kids, by kids
Review: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort with kids
What to expect from Cambodian Cuisine
Street food safety in Asia with kids
Review: Bug’s Cafe, Siem Reap
Noum Kong Cambodian Doughnuts
Cambodian inspired Lemongrass and Lime Fish Larb
Cambodian stuffed barbecued squid recipe

 

NOTE: This post was updated on 12 September 2025

An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow.