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What To Do In Phnom Penh With Family? 10 Places To Visit With Kids

Visiting Phnom Penh with family is a journey of world discovery and self-exploration. A family trip to Phnom Penh is not only about exploring wonders but also about cherishing moments together and realizing that family bonds are the most magical wonder of all. Between enriching encounters, educational discoveries and moments of sharing, this trip becomes a real life lesson, where each experience leaves a precious imprint. To make the most of it, there's nothing like a local travel agency in Cambodia, which designs tailor-made trips and immerses you in the heart of local life.

I. Why choose Phnom Penh for your family vacations ?

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is an ideal destination for family vacations, combining culture, history and leisure activities suitable for everyone. Less chaotic than other Asian cities, it allows for a serene exploration of iconic sites such as the Royal Palace and the National Museum. A family trip to Phnom Penh promises great discoveries: children will love the colorful tuk-tuk rides, while parents will enjoy the lively markets and interactive experiences, such as cooking workshops.

What makes the experience even more special is the incredible hospitality of the Khmers. Everywhere you go, you are welcomed with warmth and kindness, and the children are particularly pampered by the locals, who are always ready to smile and play with them. This generosity of heart makes the trip to Cambodia a unique and unforgettable moment. With modern infrastructure, family-friendly hotels, and an affordable cost of living, a family trip to Phnom Penh is a great option. Between cultural discoveries, relaxation in a water park and meetings with local craftsmen, the city offers a balanced adventure for young and old.

II. 10 things to do in Phnom Penh with kids and family

1. Take a tuk-tuk tour in Phnom Penh

The tuk-tuk is an iconic and convenient way to explore the city. A tuk-tuk ride will allow you to discover the main sights while enjoying the local atmosphere. No trip to Phnom Penh would be complete without a tuk-tuk ride, the symbol of the Phnom Penh family trip. These open vehicles, decorated with colourful garlands, allow you to discover the city at a pace suitable for children.

You can negotiate a personalized tour with the driver: drive through the colonial district, stop in front of the murals of the Riverside, or head to Wat Phnom. Kids love to feel the wind in their hair and watch everyday life go by. For a complete immersion, it is possible to opt for a tourist pass to visit 22 major sites of the city for about 20 euros per adult and 18 euros per child. A great way to explore Phnom Penh stress-free while optimizing your budget.

2. Have fun at Garden City Water Park

The Garden City Water Park is one of the most complete answers to the question "what to do in Phnom Penh with kids ?", ideal for those who want to go on a family trip to Phnom Penh and experience an unforgettable holiday. One of the largest and most modern water parks in the region, this water park skilfully combines thrills with moments of relaxation, offering attractions designed to amaze young and old alike.

For adrenaline seekers, attractions such as Windigo, Uplooping Rockets or the spectacular Wave Palace provide unique sensations, allowing you to travel with children in a peaceful setting in Phnom Penh. In addition, areas specially dedicated to the youngest, such as Kids Paradise and Edwin Water Kingdom, guarantee safe fun. With its friendly atmosphere and interactive animations with mascots, Garden City Water Park is a must-see destination for those who want to organize a family vacation in Phnom Penh.

3. What to do in Phnom Penh? Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, is an architectural gem not to be missed during a Phnom Penh family trip. The official residence of the King of Cambodia, the Royal Palace is an impressive architectural ensemble that reflects traditional Khmer art. Children will be amazed by the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is paved with 5000 solid silver tiles, and the golden statues of Buddha. Explain the history of the Khmer dynasties through the murals in the complex. The lush gardens, populated with tropical flowers and butterflies, provide a peaceful setting for a break.

4. Discover Wat Phnom - a thing to do in Phnom Penh

Perched on Phnom Penh's only hill, Wat Phnom is an iconic Buddhist temple and the legendary founding place of the city. This historical and spiritual site offers stunning panoramic views, a place to go in Phnom Penh with family. According to legend, the city was founded here when a woman, named Penh, discovered four statues of Buddha, marking the beginning of a rich and fascinating history. Children will especially enjoy the adventure of climbing the stairs adorned with nagas, these mythological snakes, and observing the playful monkeys in the surrounding trees.

At the top, the spectacular view of the city invites you to relax and wonder, an ideal opportunity to have a family trip to Phnom Penh with children. A small snack kiosk, offering ice cream and cold drinks, allows you to take a well-deserved break while discovering the stories of the guardian spirits of the temple.

5. Explore the National Museum of Cambodia

If you're wondering what to do in Phnom Penh for a memorable Phnom Penh family trip, this museum is a must-see. Home to an extensive collection of Khmer art and artifacts, it is essential for understanding Cambodia's history and culture. The exhibits feature sculptures, ceramics, and various ethnographic objects tracing the evolution of Khmer civilization from prehistoric times to the post-Angkorian period. In addition, interactive workshops and temporary exhibitions enrich the visit and allow an in-depth immersion in this unique heritage. This museum is a must-see cultural stop, ideal for visiting Phnom Penh with children. It fits perfectly into a family vacation in Phnom Penh, providing an educational and immersive experience for all ages.

6. Stroll through the Central Market (Phsar Thmey)

This iconic market, known as Psar Thmey, is a must-see for a family trip to Phnom Penh. Built during the colonial era, its art deco architecture, with an impressive central dome, offers a unique immersion in the history of the city. The market offers a wide range of products, from jewelry to textiles, to various handcrafted souvenirs. It's also a great place to sample Cambodian street food, where the colorful and lively stalls invite you to discover local delicacies. Perfect for visiting Phnom Penh with children, this vibrant and authentic place enriches your family vacation by offering everyone an unforgettable cultural and sensory experience.

7. Take a cruise on the Tonle Sap

For a family vacation in Phnom Penh, a cruise on the Tonle Sap is a poetic adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage Lake, a real stopover for a family trip to Cambodia, is home to floating villages where the daily life of schools, markets and even clinics are woven, all on the water. During the trip, children are amazed by the houses on stilts and by the fishermen casting their nets. For a more intimate experience, opt for a traditional boat or kayak tour. As the sun sets, the sky is adorned with orange hues, offering a magical spectacle to share during your Phnom Penh family trip.

8. Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

About 40 km from the capital, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is a must-see for a family trip to Phnom Penh. More than just a zoo, this center takes in more than 1,200 animals rescued from illegal trade and poaching. No animal in distress is refused, making this place a symbol of the protection of biodiversity in Cambodia. By visiting this centre, young and old alike discover emblematic species such as elephants, tigers and gibbons, while learning about the importance of their preservation.

This visit is also a great opportunity to raise children's awareness of environmental conservation through interactive educational activities. By supporting this refuge, travelers participate in the promotion of sustainable tourism in Cambodia, fostering respect for wildlife and its habitat. Accessible by tuk-tuk or car, Phnom Tamao offers a nature break from the hustle and bustle of the city, ideal for a day of escape and discovery.

9. Join a Khmer cooking class

Participating in a Cambodian cooking class is an enriching activity for a family trip to Phnom Penh. Mentored by experienced local chefs, participants discover the secrets of iconic dishes such as amok, spring rolls or lok lak. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's gastronomic richness while sharing a fun moment with family or friends. Many classes include a guided tour of local markets to select fresh ingredients, providing a complete immersion in Khmer culinary culture. This friendly activity is ideal for a family vacation in Phnom Penh, allowing young and old to leave with unforgettable taste memories.

10. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields

Visiting Phnom Penh with kids can be an enriching educational experience, including discovering historical sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. A former high school transformed into a prison under the Khmer Rouge regime, Tuol Sleng preserves poignant testimonies of this tragic period, while Choeung Ek recalls the scale of the atrocities committed.

However, it is worth asking yourself the question of visiting them with your family. In the context of a family trip to Phnom Penh, the decision will depend on the age, maturity and sensitivity of each child. These places, which are particularly trying for toddlers, can be better understood by teenagers who have already studied similar events, such as Auschwitz. For families, it is an opportunity to educate children about history and human rights, while instilling values of tolerance and peace.

III. Tips for traveling to Phnom Penh with your family (with children)

Having a Phnom Penh family trip can be an enriching experience full of discoveries, but to enjoy it at its best with children, it is important to be well prepared. Here are some practical tips for a pleasant and stress-free stay:

• Transport: Prefer Grab to avoid scams reported on PassApp. Tuk-tuks are convenient, but bargain before you board.

• SIM card & internet: A Smart SIM costs about $1 per week and offers enough data not to depend on Wi-Fi.

• Family-friendly restaurants: At BKK1, try Little Red Hen and Farm To Table, both kid-friendly addresses.

• Airport transfer: Grab or Klook (around $20) are more reliable options than local taxis.

• Climate & equipment: Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and bring a raincoat in the rainy season (May-October).

IV. Conclusion

Between culture, adventures and moments of complicity, Cambodia is an ideal destination for a family trip to Phnom Penh. Each activity, from bustling tuk-tuks to serene temples, strengthens family bonds while arousing the curiosity of little explorers. To make this adventure even more fluid and adapted to the needs of families, a local travel agency in Cambodia offers tailor-made itineraries, combining comfort, discovery and cultural immersion.

Travelling with loved ones is not only about the pleasure of sharing precious moments; it is also an opportunity for children – our future – to open up to the world. By discovering new cultures, by living experiences that they had only seen on television, they develop their curiosity, tolerance and gratitude towards life. A trip to Cambodia with children becomes a real life lesson, as much for the youngest as for the adults.