Combining historical temple visits, cultural immersion, and urban exploration, the Cambodia Family Holiday offers a perfect blend of Cambodia’s finest elements.
Cambodia Family Holiday Tour Overview
After exploring the capital, follow the path of the Mekong River to the colonial town of Kratie. Stay in an atmospheric guesthouse on a river island and take a boat trip to search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Experience the country’s natural beauty and the subtleties of Khmer culture on this unforgettable Cambodia family holiday journey from Kratie to Siem Reap.
Highlights of the Cambodia Family Holiday
+ Tread lightly upon the 5000 silver floor tiles at the Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace.
+ Step back in time at the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Angkorian sculptures.
+ Check out the Art Deco masterpiece that is Psar Thmei, Phnom Penh’s central market.
+ Visit Wat Phnom, located on a leafy hill, offering a view that has changed little in a half century.
+ Soak up the city by night with a happy hour cocktail, a fine meal, and a crawl through Phnom Penh’s bars.
+ Enjoy the charms of Kampong Cham, a bustling town on the Mekong and gateway to historic temples, lush countryside, and friendly locals.
+ Kayak with rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.
+ Visit Phnom Santuk, a bizarre hilltop pagoda home to a massive rock-carved reclining Buddha.
+ Explore Southeast Asia’s first temple city, the impressive pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk.
+ Stare in awe at the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat.
+ Succumb to the enigmatic smiles of the 216 giant faces of the Bayon, Angkor’s strangest temple.
+ Experience nature running riot at the mysterious ruin of Ta Prohm, the original Tomb Raider temple.
+ Marvel at the exquisite carvings adorning the tiny temple of Banteay Srei, the finest seen at Angkor.
+ Discover the secrets of Pub Street, Siem Reap’s nightlife hub where the action goes on all night and the Angkor Night Market.
+ Relax with a massage or spa, the perfect remedy for weary bodies on your Cambodia family holiday.
View our tours in Cambodia:
+ Highlights of tour Cambodia in 6 days
+ Visit Siem Reap and Koh Rong Island in 13 days
Cambodia Family Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh
+ Morning Flight Arrival: Arrive in Phnom Penh, a city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm.
+ City Tour: Explore the city known for its French villas along tree-lined boulevards, a reminder of its past as the gem of + Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have spurred an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs emerging around the city.
+ Royal Palace: Visit the Royal Palace compound built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom, featuring impressive colorful Khmer-style palaces.
+ Silver Pagoda: Located near the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha Temple) displays numerous Buddha statues decorated with diamonds, emeralds, gold, and silver.
+ National Museum: Continue to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture built in 1917, containing over 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and other materials.
+ Independence Monument: Visit the Independence Monument, constructed in 1954 after Cambodia regained independence from French colonial rule.
+ Wat Phnom: Explore Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple located in the center of Phnom Penh, built in 1373 and standing 27 meters above the ground.
+ Cyclo Ride: Enjoy a cyclo ride (3-wheeled vehicle) through River Front Park, capturing the scenic beauty.
+ Sunset Cruise: End the day with a sunset cruise at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Phnom Penh. This comprehensive itinerary ensures that your Cambodia family holiday begins with a deep dive into the cultural and historical richness of Phnom Penh.
Day 2: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
+ Sun Bear Experience: Go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to look after more than 100 rescued Sun bears at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.
+ Bear Keeper Activities: Join the bear keepers in preparing food and enrichment toys to keep the bears happy and healthy in their forested sanctuary.
+ Endangered Species: Explore the Centre and take a look at other endangered species being cared for.
+ Khmer Lunch: After the activities, sit down and relax with a traditional Khmer lunch.
Overnight Stay: Return to Phnom Penh for an overnight stay. This day of your Cambodia family holiday offers a unique and educational experience, providing insights into wildlife rescue and conservation efforts in Cambodia.
Day 3: Phnom Penh to Kratie
+ Travel to Kratie: Travel overland to Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and a gateway to encountering the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin in the upper reaches of the Mekong.
+ Stop at Skuon: En route, pause at Skuon, where you can sample the local delicacy of deep-fried tarantula.
+ Kayaking Adventure: In the afternoon, get in a kayak (motorboat optional) and paddle downstream the Mekong River, through flooded forests, to the dolphin pool to discover the Irrawaddy dolphins.
+ Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Kratie.
This day of your Cambodia family holiday provides an exciting journey to Kratie, offering unique wildlife encounters and adventurous experiences along the Mekong River.
Day 4: Koh Trong Island and Kampong Thom
+ Koh Trong Island: Take a ferry to cross the Mekong to Koh Trong Island. Enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride along the country road through rice paddies and village homes. Encounter locals tilling their gardens or working in the fields.
+ Farewell Kratie: Say farewell to Kratie and travel by road to Kampong Thom.
+ Wat Nokor Visit: Arrive in Kampong Cham and visit Wat Nokor (Nokor Bachey Pagoda), an 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite, featuring a large reclining Buddha and numerous alcoves containing Buddha images.
+ Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei: Continue to Phnom Pros (“Man Hill”) and Phnom Srei (“Woman Hill”). According to local tradition, two teams of men and women competed to build a stupa on each hill before dawn.
+ Wat Andri and Phnom Santuk: Visit the modern-day shrines of Wat Andri, a thriving monastery, and climb the 980 steps of the holy mountain Phnom Santuk. Enjoy the colorful, eclectic shrine at the peak and lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Kampong Thom.
This day of your Cambodia family holiday offers a mix of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, ensuring a memorable experience in Koh Trong Island and Kampong Thom.
Day 5: Kampong Thom to Siem Reap
+ Journey to Siem Reap: Continue your Cambodia family holiday by traveling to Siem Reap. Witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery.
+ Rural Life: This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse-drawn carriages, and see school kids walking and cycling to and from school.
+ Sambor Prei Kuk: Stop at the archeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, dotted with hundreds of Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, spans nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls and predates Angkor Wat by two centuries.
+ Spean Pratos: On route, consider stopping in Kompong Kdei to see Spean Pratos, an ancient Angkorian bridge.
+ Kampong Khleang: Before arriving in Siem Reap, discover Kampong Khleang, the largest floating village near Siem Reap, visited by few tourists.
Depending on the season, the experience varies. During the dry season (January to July), you can walk between the stilts on which houses are built, rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the wet season, the water rises within one or two meters of the building floors.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Siem Reap. This day of your Cambodia family holiday offers a scenic and culturally rich journey from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap, with fascinating stops along the way.
Day 6: Exploring Angkor by Bike
+ Biking Adventure: Hop on your bike and explore the world heritage areas on roads less traveled. Ride through the jungle, passing local villages and shops.
+ West Gate of Angkor Thom: Visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom, a site undiscovered by mass tourists. Explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century).
+ Bayon Temple: See Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara.
+ Baphuon Temple: Visit Baphuon Temple, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mount Meru, located just north of Bayon.
+ Phimeankas Temple: Step into the old palace complex and see Phimeankas Temple, used by the king in the past.
+ Elephant Terrace: Visit the Elephant Terrace, a platform where the king and officers viewed shows and met with people.
+ Preah Palilay: Explore Preah Palilay, older than Angkor Thom, located deep in the forest. Witness monks sprinkling water on people.
+ Ta Prohm: Continue to Ta Prohm, famous from the “Tomb Raider” movie. This temple has been abandoned to the elements, showing the riotous power of nature over human history.
+ Angkor Wat: End the day at the famous Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site since 1992. Angkor Wat is renowned for its beauty and splendor, featuring the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, narrating stories from Hindu mythology.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Siem Reap. This day of your Cambodia family holiday offers an adventurous and culturally rich exploration of Angkor’s most beautiful temples by bike.
Day 7: Angkor Zipline and Countryside Exploration
+ Angkor Zipline Adventure: Experience the breathtaking Angkor Zipline, a unique and family-friendly, adrenaline-fueled adventure. The course includes 10 zip lines, a ‘honeymoon’ tandem line, rope bridges, a tree house, and an abseil descent. Look out for families of wild gibbons on the nature trail.
+ Quad Bike Sunset Tour: In the afternoon, explore the real countryside beyond the temple area on a quad bike. Admire the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside, including villages, rice fields, and wetlands.
+ Foot Massage: Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour foot massage.
+ Pub Street and Angkor Night Market: Walk along busy Pub Street, where you can find many bars for a cool drink or shop at Angkor Night Market.
Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
This day of your Cambodia family holiday combines thrilling activities with serene countryside exploration, ensuring a memorable and diverse experience for the whole family.
Day 8: Departure from Siem Reap
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your departure to the next destination. It’s time to say goodbye. We thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to visit again.
Bid farewell to your Cambodia family holiday with fond memories and the hope to welcome you back soon.
Embarking on a Cambodia family holiday is not just a journey through ancient temples and vibrant cities; it's an immersion into a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the serene temples of Angkor, every moment promises discovery and adventure.
Witness the majestic Angkor Wat at sunrise, explore the hidden treasures of Angkor Thom, and venture into the lush countryside on quad bikes. Encounter the gentle giants of the Mekong River, the Irrawaddy dolphins, and experience the warmth of local hospitality in floating villages.
Indulge in the thrill of ziplining through the jungle and relax with a traditional Khmer massage. As the sun sets over ancient ruins and vibrant markets come to life, each day unfolds new wonders for the whole family to cherish.
Whether kayaking on tranquil rivers or savoring local delicacies, your Cambodia family holiday promises unforgettable moments and lifelong memories. Come, discover Cambodia's hidden gems and create lasting bonds on a journey that blends adventure, culture, and relaxation in perfect harmony.
