Cambodia Family Holidays

Cambodia’s child-friendly culture means that kids get plenty of smiles and, even though facilities for children might not always be obvious, hotels and restaurants are keen to help accommodate family needs.

Many families stay in bustling Siem Reap where there are interesting markets, tuk-tuk tours and the ‘must-visit’ Angkor Archaeological Park. Kids will be intrigued by the awe-inspiring temples and humbling atmosphere but, as it is a big site which requires lots of walking, shorter tours might be best for pre-schoolers who tire easily.

For teenagers (and grown-ups too!) there is the thrilling Flight of the Gibbon zip-wire through the treetops – an adrenalin-filled way to see the wildlife and the temples!If ruins in the jungle spark your kids’ imaginations, then camping near the temples at Preah Khan will be perfect. Walk around the temples by torchlight, sleep under the stars, and wake early for more exploring.

Another unusual camping experience is the incredible ‘floating tents’ at the 4 Rivers Lodge on the Tatai River, from where you can tailor an activity schedule to suit your family; there is kayaking, trekking, cycling, waterfall swimming or just relaxing in the idyllic forest setting.An alternative base for family holidays in Cambodia is Phnom Penh – calmer than Siem Reap and still offering kid-friendly activities.

The ornately decorated Royal Palace is a wonderfully inspiring building, and it is surrounded by a beautiful pedestrianised area where children can run about and let off steam.Eating out in Cambodia with fussy kids in tow is made easier thanks to the national style of barbeque cookery, which includes the novelty of cooking it yourself at your table.

To help the kids find out more about where the rice they eat comes from, stay at the inspiring Daem Po Rice Bank: an eco-project which works with farmers and educates visitors about the intricate process of rice cultivation.