Siem Reap is best known for the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, but it also has plenty of fun, family-friendly experiences beyond the ruins. With kids in tow, we knew we couldn’t spend full days exploring ancient temples, so we designed a three-day itinerary that strikes a balance between culture, adventure, and downtime. Our plan focused on early-morning temple visits and engaging afternoon activities that kept everyone happy and cool.
From sunrise at Angkor Wat to zip-lining through the jungle and cheering for acrobats at the Phare Circus, this itinerary made the most of our time in Siem Reap, with something for every family member.
Day 1: Angkor Wat and Apopo Rat
Angkor Wat: Sunrise and Small Loop Temples
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without visiting Angkor Wat, but the vast religious complex is too large to see in just one day. Instead, break it up over three mornings, allowing time to add some fun activities in the afternoons.
We started our Angkor adventure with sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat—it was an early wake-up, but absolutely worth it. Watching the first light of day illuminate the temple’s spires was unforgettable. Afterward, we explored the Small Loop circuit, stopping at the eerie, jungle-covered Ta Prohm (made famous by Tomb Raider) and the towering Ta Keo. Travelling by an airy tuk-tuk made the journey relaxing and fun. It was the perfect introduction to Angkor, with plenty of ruins to climb and hidden corners to discover—just right for curious kids.
For practical tips on visiting Angkor Wat, check out our full post: Exploring Angkor Wat with Kids.
Apopo Visitor Centre
In the afternoon, we visited the Apopo Visitor Centre—an unexpected highlight of our time in Siem Reap. This interactive, family-friendly experience teaches visitors how specially trained “Hero Rats” are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. The one-hour guided tour includes a live demonstration and a chance to meet one of the rats up close. Our kids were fascinated, and it sparked lots of great conversation afterward!
Read more about our visit: Meeting the Hero Rats: A Family Visit to the Apopo Centre in Siem Reap.
Evening Highlight: Giant Puppet Parade (March – Seasonal)
We were lucky enough to be in Siem Reap during the Giant Puppet Parade, a magical annual event held each March. After hearing about it, we adjusted our plans to arrive a day early, and it was completely worth it. The parade is part of a local art initiative that supports children and youth, many from underprivileged backgrounds, in creating enormous illuminated puppets. As night fell, we joined the crowd on a beautifully decorated bridge where the glowing puppets—tropical fish, a swan, and even a moving snake—drifted by, accompanied by marching bands, dancers, and stilt walkers.
The atmosphere was festive and heartwarming, and watching the joy on the faces of the children and families was one of our favourite memories from Siem Reap. If your trip falls in March, it’s well worth checking the dates and making room in your itinerary for this special event.
Day 2: Angkor Wat, Pub Street, and the Phare
Angkor Wat: Bayon and the Grand Loop
We started our day at Bayon, known for its massive stone faces and intricate carvings, which seem to watch over the temples. From there, we followed the Grand Loop to lesser-visited temples like Preah Khan, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup. Each site had its charm — peaceful forest paths, cool shade, and stunning views. We wrapped up by midday due to the heat.
Afternoon Wind-Down: Pub Street & Massages
After exploring ancient temples, we decided we’d earned a bit of downtime. Pub Street, Siem Reap’s lively nightlife hub, was the perfect place to unwind. Lined with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and street vendors, it’s a fun (and family-friendly) spot to soak up the city’s energy before it gets too late.
We stopped by Jasmine’s Massage, where the boys enjoyed a fish spa exfoliation (fish nibbling at their feet) and foot massage, while Derek and I opted for a more traditional one-hour foot massage—each session just USD 6. Derek and the boys still say Thailand holds the massage crown, but Cambodia now takes the top spot for me. You’ll have to try it yourself and decide!
Evening excitement at The Phare
We headed to Phare: The Cambodian Circus in the evening, a one-hour performance held under a big top tent. This thrilling mix of acrobatics, live music, and theatrical storytelling kept us all engaged from start to finish. The acrobats pulled off some jaw-dropping tricks, leaving the kids wide-eyed and in awe. The atmosphere was electric, with performers encouraging clapping and interaction throughout. It was the perfect way to wrap up an exciting day in Siem Reap.
It is run by a non-profit arts organization, and ticket sales support a performing arts school for Cambodian youth. Tickets range from $18 to 38, with reduced prices for children under 12. All seats offer great viewing, but seats are general admission, so aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to get in line and pick your spot.
Day 3: Zip Lining & Angkor Wat at Sunset
Angkor Wat: Ziplining and Sunsets
On our last day, we took a break from temple hopping and had an exciting zip-lining adventure through the jungle canopy with Angkor Zipline. The kids were thrilled soaring through the trees, and we appreciated how professional and safety-focused the team was, which helped us relax and enjoy the experience. Later, we returned to Angkor Wat for a quieter, more peaceful experience at sunset—no crowds, just golden light on ancient stone.
Practical Tips for Visiting Siem Reap with Kids
Bring US Dollars: USD is widely accepted in Cambodia, and most prices—even in markets—are listed in dollars. Bring small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s), as change is often given in Cambodian riel. ATMs usually dispense USD as well.
Start Early: Mornings are cooler and less crowded, especially at the temples. Plan your bigger adventures before lunch, then enjoy low-key activities in the afternoon.
Temple Pass Planning: You need an Angkor Pass to visit the temples (including for zip-lining inside the park). Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days. Bring your passport and a payment method—kids under 12 are free.
Dress Modestly for Temples: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting sacred sites. Breathable, lightweight clothing is best for the heat.
Sun protection: Wear hats and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Hydration is Key!
Kid-Friendly Food is Easy to Find: While you’ll find great Cambodian food everywhere, our boys especially loved the ribs, sautéed morning glory, and fresh coconuts to drink. Most restaurants near Pub Street also offer plenty of Western options—burgers, pasta, pancakes, and fruit shakes—so even picky eaters will find something they enjoy.
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks are a fun and affordable way to get around. Negotiate the price beforehand (or ask your hotel to help arrange one), and make sure your driver understands your itinerary for the day.
We found Nakri, a local tuk-tuk driver who nicknamed his tuk-tuk “The Batmobile,” and hired him for the three days we were in Siem Reap. He was friendly, reliable, and full of great temple suggestions and fascinating history tidbits. We booked him for all three days of our visit to Siem Reap. Beyond our Angkor Wat tours, Nakri also drove us to other activities around town, making our trip smooth and stress-free.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Many suggest staying central, choosing a hotel or guesthouse within walking distance of Pub Street or the Old Market. However, we stayed just outside the main tourist area and found it easy to get a tuk-tuk to bring us to restaurants, shops, and temples. The Bou Savy Villa was clean, had a refreshing pool for a hot afternoon, and included a delicious breakfast.
Making the Most of Siem Reap with Kids
We came for Angkor Wat and left with unforgettable memories. Three days in Siem Reap gave us a rich mix of history, adventure, and local flavour, without overwhelming the kids. Whether you’re chasing sunrises over ancient temples or zipping through the lush jungle, Siem Reap offers something magical for every family.
What surprised us most was how deeply this city touched our hearts. The warmth of the people, the creativity of the local arts scene, and the powerful stories behind places like Apopo left a lasting impression on all of us. Looking back, Siem Reap wasn’t just a highlight—it was one of our favourite stops in all of Asia.
Ready to Explore Cambodia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Up Close with Pangolins: Cambodia’s Phnom Tamao Wildlife Reserve
• Visiting the Killing Fields: Teaching Our Kids Cambodia’s Painful Past
• Exploring Angkor Wat with Kids
