Holiday in Cambodia: 12 fun activities with family

Lists of fun activities with family to explore Cambodia

From the emerald-tangled ruins of ancient temples to the rhythmic pulse of the Mekong River, Cambodia is a playground for the imagination. For your next family holiday in Cambodia, Travel Sense Asia suggests these fun things to do with family can make your trip more unforgettable and meaningful.

Be a “temple explorer” at Angkor Archaeological Park

• Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Opening hours: 05:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Angkor Wat); 06:00 AM – 06:30 PM (other temples).
• Entrance fee: $37 – $62 / person.

Hailed as the crowning achievement of the Khmer Empire at its peak, Angkor Archaeological Park is the perfect launchpad for your Cambodian family adventure. Travelers can run their hands along ancient bas-reliefs, weave through crumbling corridors wrapped in the roots of towering trees at Ta Prohm, and feel the weight of centuries beneath their feet.

To make the journey even more memorable, travelers can hop aboard a Remorque (tuk-tuk) and let the temples drift past like scenes from a living history book. Along the way, travelers can keep an eye out for monks in saffron robes gliding serenely between temple walls.

Discover the history at Angkor Archaeological Park

Cheer for acrobatics at Phare Circus

• Address: Ring Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Opening hours: 08:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: $18 – $38 / person.

Often called the “Cirque du Soleil of Southeast Asia,” Phare Circus is a bold, electrifying reimagining of Khmer storytelling. Young performers use traditional instruments – the Roneat xylophone and Chhay-yam drums – to bring ancient legends and modern tales of resilience to life through world-class acrobatics and physical theatre.

What makes Phare truly special is that every single performer is a graduate of a circus arts school for underprivileged youth. When you’re applauded under the big top’s glow, you’re actively supporting a generation of young Cambodians who use art to heal, grow, and breathe new life into their cultural heritage.

A pracice at Phare Circus

Ride the rooflees bamboo train in Battambang

• Address: Wat Banan Temple, Battambang.
• Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM.
• Riding fee: $5 / person.

In Battambang, your family can experience a truly unique mode of transport called the Norry (Bamboo Train). Born from local ingenuity during times of scarce transport, people repurposed old French-era railway tracks and bamboo slats to create a simple, motorized flatcar.

With only a single track, when two bamboo trains meet heading in opposite directions, the driver of the less-loaded train and its passengers must quickly dismantle their entire carriage to let the other pass.

Norry, the unique transportation in Battambang.

Sustainable activity: Meet the “HeroRATs” at APOPO Visitor Center

• Address: Koumai Road, Trapeang Ses Village, Siem Reap
• Opening hours: 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM.
• Entrance fee: $10 / person.

The APOPO Visitor Center is where giant African pouched rats (HeroRATs) are professionally trained to detect landmines using their keen sense of smell. A visit here helps children understand the country’s turbulent history while celebrating the incredible partnership between humans and animals that has saved millions of lives.

Kids will be amazed to watch these “little heroes” demonstrate mine-detection on a training field, outperforming modern machinery in speed. APOPO is an ideal destination because these rats are too light to trigger mines and are cared for like true members of the team.

APOPO in Siem Reap

Become an animal helper at Phnom Tamao

• Address: Bati District, Takeo Province.
• Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: $5 / person. / Tour fee: $70 – 90 / person.

The Khmer people hold a deep belief in the connection between humans and nature. And the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is where this philosophy comes to life. It’s a refuge for bears and other endangered animals that were rescued from poaching.

When joining the “Care Tour” as one of the things to do in Cambodia, travelers can participate directly in conservation work and raise awareness of our responsibility toward threatened ecosystems. The most exciting part is “role-play” as rescue staff, preparing nutritious meals for the animals.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Witness the magical plankton at Koh Rong Sanloem

• Address: Darker bays on Koh Rong Sanloem (M’Phey Bay, Saracen Bay).
• Opening hours: 07:30 PM.
• Boat fee: $10 – 15 / person.

As the electric lights on the island fade, Koh Rong Sanloem lights up a mystical galaxy right beneath the waves. The phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton is evidence of a pristine, untouched marine ecosystem.

This is a rare chance to touch one of nature’s most magical wonders. When you gently swirl your hand in the water, millions of blue sparks flash like tiny stars, creating an otherworldly scene straight out of a movie.

A corner at Koh Rong Islands

Get hands-on at a Khmer Pottery Class

• Address: Khmer Ceramic Center, River Road Street, Treang Village, Siem Reap.
• Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: $25 / person

Pottery has been integral to Khmer life since the ancient Angkorian era, used for religious ceremonies and royal households. In Siem Reap, a hands-on pottery class teaches more than just a skill. It’s a way for modern Cambodians to preserve the “spirit” of their ancestors through skilled hands.

For visitors, this is one of the best ways to experience the cultural depth and patience of ancient Khmer art. Guided by local artisans, travelers can work on the wheel, creating a unique product to bring back home as a souvenir.

Khmer Ceramic Center in Siem Reap

Paddle through “green cathedral” in Kampot

• Address: Along the Tuek Chu River, Kampot (Popular at rental spots like Champa Lodge).
• Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: $5 – 10 / person

Considered Kampot’s natural treasure, the “green cathedral” is a network of small creeks meandering through dense thickets of nipa palms. Kayaking is the perfect “slow travel” activity, allowing people to slow down and listen to the dip of paddles and the birdsong in this tranquil, fairy-tale-like setting.

Kayaking in Kampot

Zip above the Jungle Canopy near Angkor Wat

• Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, near Thommanon and Chau Say Tévôda Temples.
• Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: $65 – 99 / person.

Located within the Angkor park buffer zone, the Angkor Zipline experience offers a unique perspective of the heritage site from above. You’ll soar through the towering ancient trees, traverse suspension bridges, and gaze down upon the tropical vegetation that has sheltered the temples for centuries.

Angkor Zipline

Visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake

• Address: Kampong Phluk Village, Siem Reap.
• Opening hours: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM.

Tonle Sap Lake is the heart that sustains the kingdom, where human life is intrinsically linked to the ebb and flow of the legendary Mekong River. A boat trip to the floating village of Kampong Phluk reveals an astonishing world floating on the water. These are the fun activities with family that you shouldn’t miss.

Seeing local children expertly paddling to school or fishermen diligently tending their nets provides a multi-dimensional and authentic view of life. For travelers, it’s a rare chance to experience the raw, authentic essence of Khmer river culture, far from commercialized tours.

Kampong Phluk, Siem Reap from above

Become a master of Khmer flavors at a local cooking class

Khmer cuisine is a delicate fusion of herbs, spices, and fresh local produce. And a cooking class is one of the most exciting things to do in Cambodia with your family.

The flavor journey often begins with a vibrant trip to a local market, where the chef teaches kids to identify signature ingredients like kaffir lime leaves and fresh turmeric. Back in a traditional kitchen, travelers will grind Kroeung paste – the soul of Khmer cooking – and wrap Fish Amok in banana leaves. Enjoying the self-made meal in a peaceful garden setting is a wonderful way to bond over shared tastes.

A cooking class at Khmer Gourmet

Take a sunset cruise to see the Irrawaddy Dolphins

• Address: Kampi Pier, Kratie.
• Opening hours: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM.
• Entrance fee: $9 – $20/ per.

The Mekong River hides a precious treasure near the peaceful town of Kratie: the critically endangered Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Watching them at sunset is a unique experience found in few other places. A small wooden boat will take your family into the quiet waters, where the silvery-grey backs of the dolphins occasionally break the surface amidst the golden sunset light.

Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin emerging from the waters of Mekong River in Kratie

Tips for a seamless family holiday in Cambodia

Here are essential tips to help your family confidently and comfortably explore the land of pagodas:

How to get around in Cambodia?

Cambodia’s transport system offers diverse options, from iconic, rustic experiences to modern, private services. Depending on your itinerary, travelers can flexibly combine these options below:

• Hop on a Remorque (Tuk-Tuk): An unmissable experience in major cities. Riding in a tuk-tuk offers open views and a natural breeze, turning short trips into exciting little adventures for kids.
• Download ride hailing apps: Install apps like Grab or PassApp for transparent pricing and clear routes. This gives you more independence without the need to haggle.
• Private car: For long journeys or full-day temple tours, renting a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver is the optimal choice for comfort and efficiency.

Cultural etiquette & safety

Keep these important tips in mind to be a respectful and prepared traveler:

• Dress code: When visiting temples or sacred sites, ensure shoulders and knees are covered. You can carry a light scarf or sarong if planning to visit these destinations.
• Cambodia’s heat: The Cambodian sun can be intense. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and insect repellent. Also remember to drink plenty of bottled or filtered water to avoid dehydration.
• Cash is king: USD and Cambodian Riel notes are dominantly used in Cambodia. You can keep some small bills (in Riel) handy for tuk-tuk rides and snacks.
• Local greeting: Teach kids the “Sampeah” greeting (palms together at chest level with a slight bow) and the phrase “Chum Reap Sour”. This is a small gesture that opens the door to warm interactions with locals.