Are you looking for the best things to do in Siem Reap with kids?
Encapsulating a vast range of ancient temples waiting to be explored; Siem Reap is a must-see destination of Cambodia. The land and structures surrounding the city are drenched with a fascinating history, dating back beyond the late 12th century, which families can explore and marvel for themselves.
Siem Reap is located in north-western Cambodia, spanning over 10,200 square kilometres and housing a population of about 139,450. Home to a collection of nearby points of interest, including the ruins of Angkor, Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon, and more, the city encapsulates a range of cultural experiences that make a journey throughout Cambodia an adventure to remember.
Looking for some exciting things to do with kids in Siem Reap? Here are a few attractions scattered throughout the city to experience for yourself.
Phare Cambodia Circus
Weaving inspirational tales into a performance that the entire family can effortlessly enjoy; a visit to Phare Cambodia Circus is an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. With juggling, colourful costumes, impressive choreography, music, comedic elements and so much more, there’s a little something to suit the entire family. To top it off, animal enthusiasts will be pleased to note that animals aren’t used in any of the acts.
The Phare Cambodia Circus is simple to reach, located only 6 minutes from the Angkor Night Markets.
Get your Klook ticket to the Phare Cambodian Circus here
Price: KHR 72,270
Address: Phare Circus Ring Road, south of the Intersection, Sok San Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: Click here
Angkor Wat
Known as one of the biggest religious monuments on earth; Angkor Wat is an unmissable icon of Cambodia. The majestic temples span over 160 hectares and are used by Buddhists as a place of worship. However, the structure was initially under the Hindu faith and was initially constructed to worship the god Vishnu. Angkor Wat slowly became a Buddhist temple as the 12th century drew to a close.
When planning a visit to Angkor Wat, prepare for crowds. The temple is one of the most popular attractions of Cambodia after all. Even at sunrise, many eager travellers make their way to the temple for some impressive photos. That being said, it’s popular at this time for a reason. The views are astonishing, plus it’s much cooler than the middle of the day.
It’s also important to note that Angkor Wat has a dress code that should be followed. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees are required. As the heat can be intensive, lightweight clothing is recommended.
Angkor Wat is located in Angkor Archaeological Park and is effortlessly close to Siem Reap – only 20 minutes from the city.
Get your Klook tour to Angkor Wat here.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (5 am to 6 pm)
Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Artisans
Offering visitors an insight into the various crafting techniques of Cambodia; Angkor Artisans delivers an educational experience the entire family can enjoy. The workshops offer tourists the opportunity to admire the traditional Khmer techniques of carving by engaging guests through entertaining workshops.
Artisans Angkor initially came together in 1999 to help younger artisans find work. The company has created over 1,000 jobs in rural Cambodia in the form of village workshops. These workshops include wood carving, stone carving, silk, and more. For those needing a moment to rest and recharge, the Angkor Cafe is available, located next to Angkor Wat. The facility is simple to reach, conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7:30 am to 6:30 pm)
Address: Chantiers-Ecoles Stung Thmey, Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: Click here
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, delivering families the perfect opportunity to escape the city and enjoy a natural getaway. The lake is known for a collection of elements, including its abundance of fish, floating villages, and incredibly entertaining boat tours for tourists. To top it off, Tonle Sap Lake is home to a large number of fascinating creatures, including turtles, otters, crocodiles, snakes, storks, pelicans, and more.
A day trip to Tonle Sap Lake proves to be an entertaining natural escape from Siem Reap, with sunset dinner cruises and day tours available. The lake is located about 15 km south of the city.
Get your Klook Tonle Sap Lake tour here
Prasat Bayon
Also located within the Angkor Archeological Park, Bayon is another beautiful temple for families to admire. Initially built in the late 12th century, the structure falls in the centre of Angkor Thom. The temple was dedicated to Buddha by the king at the time: King Jayavarman VII.
The Bayon Temple is well known due to a variety of distinct features, one of which is the iconic stone faces. As well as these, the temple also houses a collection of bas relief carvings, which incorporates a unique combination of mythology and history.
Price: KHR 148555
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7:30 am to 5:30 pm)
Address: Angkor Thom Angkor Archeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, 17000, Cambodia
Ta Prohm Temple
The final temple of 3 unmissable sites within Angkor Archeological Park is the peaceful Ta Prohm Temple. Initially constructed in the late 12th century, this temple is surrounded by dense plant-life, including the enormous Bayan tree and kapok tree roots spread over the structure in a diverse array of configurations.
It’s due to Ta Prohm Temple’s untouched beauty that it draws in various travellers. Ultimately, the appearance of the structure resembles how the other temples would have initially been discovered by explorers when they were first uncovered.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (5 am to 6 pm)
Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: Click here
Phnom Kulen National Park
Located about 1 hour north of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is the perfect natural getaway for the entire family. The parkland stretches over 370 square kilometres, incorporating temple ruins, sculptures, dense jungle, rushing rivers, towering waterfalls, and virtually untouched landscapes.
Many travellers are drawn to the national park to visit Kbal Spean – a sandstone riverbed, carved with multiple sculptures as old as the 11th century. These works depict the Hindu Trinity Gods: Lord Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. As well as this, many tourists are fascinated by Preah Ang Thom – a temple with a 17 metre long Buddha statue that had been covered in lava for thousands of years.
Phnom Kulen National Park is simple to reach and can be accessed by car. Although public transport options aren’t available, plenty of day tours are on offer departing from Siem Reap. As the park is located only 1 hour from Angkor Wat, these attractions could potentially be coupled together.
Terrace Of The Elephants
Stretching over 350 metres and standing at 2.5 metres in height; The Terrace of Elephants is a remarkable structure of Angkor Thom. The wall was originally constructed in the late 12th century and was used by King Jayavarman as a platform to view his army as they returned from victory.
As the name implies, the wall is decorated with carvings of elephants. As well as these carvings, the terrace also features a 5 headed horse, warriors, dancers, and garudas.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7 am to 5:30 pm)
Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Night Market
For those eager to admire the energetic nightlife of Siem Reap with kids, the Angkor Night Markets are the perfect place to do so. Home to more than 200 stalls selling clothing, handcrafted goods, paintings, carvings, and so much more, there’s easily something for everyone at these outdoor markets. Anyone in the mood to try some delicious local treats also have plenty of places to choose from. Not to mention, with regular live performances on offer, these markets are the perfect place to admire the cultural side of the city.
The Angkor Night Markets are easy to access, conveniently located in the heart of the city and among the vibrant gardens of downtown Siem Reap. The markets are also only 6 minutes away from Phare Cambodia Circus.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (5 pm to 12 am)
Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Website: Click here
Psah Chas
Psah Chas, otherwise known as the Old Market, is another popular shopping hub of Siem Reap. The markets are much more energetic in the earlier hours of the morning, home to fresh produce, seafood, meats and other household items for locals to purchase. Travellers are drawn to the markets for cheap shoes, clothes, jewellery, and more. These stalls are located towards the entrance of the market. Although to snag a real bargain, be sure to practice bartering for a reasonable price.
Psah Chas also offers tourists the chance to try some of Siem Reap’s delicious street foods, including Cambodian soups, rice dishes, baguettes, noodles, frogs, and more.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7 am to 9 pm)
Address: Street 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Embark on a tour to Chansor Village
Those eager to venture outside Siem Reap and admire the quieter side of Cambodia can head out on a day trip to the peaceful Chansor Village. Located about 40 kilometres from the city, tourists are offered a glimpse at a much more traditional way of living. Tourists can enjoy a scenic journey among the stretching countryside before arriving at the small village. Once arrived, travellers have plenty of activities to choose from, whether it’s exploring the landscape via an ox-cart ride, getting to know the locals with a craft-making session, or simply admiring the atmosphere and architecture of this quiet destination.
Places to eat in Siem Reap
DINNER AND A SHOW! After a long day of exploring Siem Reap, it’s time for some dinner, here, we’ve found a restaurant that not only serves food from a buffet, but provides you hotel pickup, and a show too.
You can book in for the restaurant here.
Address: Sivatha Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, oppostite Lucky Mall (near National Road Number 6)
Airport transfers
Looking for a transfer from Siem Reap airport to your hotel? We’ve found two options on Klook. You an start the trip traditional and get a tuk-tuk transfer here, or you can play it cool, and get a car transfer here instead.
Things to do in Siem Reap with kids
Siem Reap is home to a captivating array of temples and religious monuments for travellers to immerse themselves into the Cambodian culture. This includes the iconic sites within Angkor Archaeological Park: Angkor Wat, Prasat Bayon, and the Ta Prohm Temple. Otherwise, scattered throughout the city are plenty of other cultural experiences to get involved with through the help of Backstreet Academy’s impressive range of classes and tours. This includes carving, painting, crafting, and so much more.
For those eager to explore Siem Reap’s energetic city life, bustling markets are also on offer. Some of the most popular are the Angkor Night Markets, home to street food, handcrafted goods, paintings, and more. Otherwise, Psah Chas delivers an entertaining market-experience in the earlier hours of the morning, with fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as souvenirs on offer.
Whether you’re in the mood to delve into the deep history of Siem Reap or simply admire the atmosphere and culture, the city houses an experience to suit the entire family. So, next time you’re exploring Siem Reap, consider visiting a few of these acclaimed points of interest.
