7-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Cambodia
Cambodia is a treasure trove of wonder for families, offering a blend of mystical ancient ruins and warm, welcoming culture. This itinerary is specifically designed for families, prioritizing comfort, shorter transit times, and activities that will captivate both toddlers and teenagers alike.
Focusing on the two main hubs—Siem Reap and Phnom Penh—this route avoids exhausting overland journeys while ensuring you see the highlights. With accessible temple paths and plenty of green spaces, you will discover that the Kingdom of Wonder is surprisingly easy to navigate with little ones in tow.
Day 1: Siem Reap, Cambodia - Arrival and Pub Street Evening
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. Meet your pre-arranged driver for a smooth 1-hour transfer to your hotel. Staying near the French Quarter offers easier access to paved sidewalks for strollers.
Apoo Park & Royal Independence Gardens
Enjoy a gentle stroll through these manicured gardens. It's a great spot for kids to run around and see the thousands of fruit bats hanging from the trees overhead.
Exploring Pub Street & Night Market
While known for nightlife, the early evening is family-friendly. The area is pedestrianized, making it safe for children to walk and explore the colorful stalls selling crafts and fruit shakes.
Dinner at Marum
Dine at this hospitality training restaurant located in a traditional wooden house with a beautiful garden. They have a great children's menu and a playground on-site.
Day 2: Siem Reap, Cambodia - The Wonders of Angkor
Angkor Wat Early Exploration
Start early to beat the heat. Focus on the ground levels of the main temple, which are the most accessible. The causeway and exterior galleries are flat and easy for children to navigate.
Ta Prohm (The Tomb Raider Temple)
Kids love the giant tree roots growing over the ruins. Much of the temple has wooden boardwalks, which are stroller-compatible and provide a safe path through the jungle atmosphere.
Pool Break at Hotel
The Cambodian sun can be intense. Head back to your hotel for a midday swim and a nap to keep the children refreshed for the evening.
Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom
Visit the 'Face Temple' in the late afternoon. The wide stone pathways around the Bayon are easy to traverse, and the giant carved faces are fascinating for all ages.
Day 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia - Culture and Circus
Angkor Silk Farm
A short drive from the center, this farm offers free guided tours showing the entire silk-making process. It is educational, tactile, and largely accessible for strollers.
Lunch at Haven
Another excellent social enterprise restaurant with a relaxed garden setting and high-quality local and international food that appeals to picky eaters.
Floating Village Tour (Kompong Phluk)
Take a boat ride to see the stilted houses and the flooded forest. It's a relaxed way to see a different side of life without much walking involved.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
This is a must-see for families. It features acrobats, theater, and music without any animals. The high-energy performance is mesmerizing for children.
Day 4: Travel Day, Cambodia - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Luxury Bus Transfer
Board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the journey to the capital. The route is paved and offers views of the Cambodian countryside and local villages.
Check-in and Riverside Walk
Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into a hotel near the Sisowath Quay. The riverside promenade is wide, paved, and perfect for a stroller walk with views of the Mekong River.
Wat Phnom
Visit this hilltop temple located in a park. It’s a gentle climb, and the surrounding grounds are full of monkeys and local families enjoying the afternoon breeze.
Dinner at Friends the Restaurant
Enjoy delicious tapas-style dining in a vibrant atmosphere. This restaurant supports local youth and is very welcoming to families with small children.
Day 5: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Royal History
The Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Explore the stunning grounds and golden spires. The open courtyards are easy to walk through, though note that shoulders and knees must be covered.
National Museum of Cambodia
Located right next to the palace, the museum houses incredible Khmer art. The central courtyard is a peaceful, shaded spot for kids to sit by the ponds.
Lunch at the FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club)
A historic spot with great views of the river and a menu that includes many Western favorites for children who might need a break from local flavors.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Visit this iconic Art Deco building. The wide aisles inside make it one of the few markets in the city that is relatively easy to navigate with a stroller.
Day 6: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Wildlife Adventure
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
A bit of a drive outside the city, but worth it. This is not a zoo, but a sanctuary for rescued animals including elephants, tigers, and bears. It is a highlight for kids.
Relax at Hotel Pool
After the dusty wildlife center, spend the afternoon cooling off in the hotel pool to recharge before the final day.
Sunset Cruise on the Mekong
Board a wooden boat for a sunset cruise. It’s a very relaxing way to see the city skyline and the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.
Dinner at Romdeng
Set in a beautiful colonial villa with a pool, this restaurant serves traditional Khmer food. Brave kids can even try the famous crispy tarantulas!
Day 7: Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Souvenirs and Departure
Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
A great place to pick up last-minute souvenirs, wooden toys, and cheap clothing. It’s narrower than Central Market, so a baby carrier is recommended over a stroller here.
Silk Island (Koh Dach)
If time permits before your flight, take a short ferry ride to this island. It’s rural, quiet, and perfect for a final authentic look at Cambodian village life.
Final Cambodian Feast
Enjoy a final lunch of Fish Amok or Lok Lak before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
Transfer to Airport
Head to Phnom Penh International Airport. Ensure you leave at least 3 hours before your flight as city traffic can be unpredictable.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia with a family is during the dry season from November to February. During these months, the weather is warm but not oppressive, and the humidity is lower, making temple exploration much more comfortable for children. The 'shoulder' months of March and October can also be good, though temperatures begin to rise significantly in April. The rainy season (June to September) brings lush green landscapes and lower prices, but the heavy afternoon downpours can make stroller navigation and outdoor activities more challenging.
Currency & Money
Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system using both the US Dollar (USD) and the Cambodian Riel (KHR). For tourists, USD is the primary currency. ATMs dispense USD, and most prices are quoted in it. However, change for anything less than $1 is usually given in Riel. It is vital to ensure your USD bills are pristine; even a small tear or significant ink mark may cause them to be rejected. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, but cash is king in markets and for transport. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated—around 10% or rounding up the bill is standard for good service.
Getting Around Cambodia
For intercity travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the most comfortable family option is a private car or a luxury bus service like Giant Ibis, which offers seatbelts and Wi-Fi. The journey takes about 5-6 hours. Domestic flights are also available and take only 45 minutes. Within cities, the 'Remork' (the Cambodian tuk-tuk) is the most popular way to get around. They are open-air and can easily fit two adults and two children. For families with very young children or those who prefer air-conditioning, using the Grab app to call a private car is an affordable and reliable alternative to the open-air Remorks.
