Thailand

Angkor Wat with Kids: Make Your Family Visit Unforgettable

We are currently flying back from a three-week trip from Asia, our second trip since our first visit nearly six years ago.  Wow, a lot is different in that amount of time!  We spent seven months in Asia during our full-time travels from 2018 to 2021 and fell in love with Asia.  However, we never hit Angkor Wat on that first visit! 

We were thrilled to get back to Asia and I knew we needed to get this world wonder on our list for this visit, along with Seoul (a new country for us)!  While we’ve seen some amazing temples and the kids are kind of over it before it starts, we sometimes need to put places like this on the itinerary anyway! 

My husband and I visited the Taj Mahal last year and it was spectacular at both sunrise and sunset (yep, we went twice).  Similarly, after doing our research, we decided sunrise was going to be the best time to go see Angkor Wat with the family.  This means an early wake up call, but it also means beating the heat and seeing this amazing temple in the soft morning light (golden hour!) as the sun peaks over the spires.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.

Why Visit Angkor Wat with Kids?

Temples might be super exciting for other kids, but frankly, my kids do little more than moan when I mention a temple visit.  However, they do tend to really like it once we are there!  Even kids can feel the grandeur and history in these famous UNESCO sites.  Similar to some other famous landmarks, you need to be there to really feel the vibe of the place.  

Seeing the enormity of Angkor Wat, the giant mast, the huge swimming pools inside … none of this can be properly conveyed through pictures.  If that is your only option, of course it is better than nothing!  However, seeing it in person is ideal.  Plus, you can enjoy some of the other fun things in Siem Reap! 

I always find it best to visit these sites with some prep for the kids.  Sadly, I broke my own rule this time and ran out of time to watch some YouTube videos on the history of Angkor Wat.  My kids would have definitely benefited from some background before our visit (as would I!).

However, we did do this with the Egyptian Pyramids and the kids still talk about seeing the booby traps in person!  History really can come to life with a little preparation before you go.

What Time is Best to Visit Angkor Wat with Kids?

If you’ve been doing your research on Angkor Wat, you probably know that there are sunrise and sunset tour options and they are super popular!  However they also offer full day, two-day or midday options.  But it all comes down to if you’d rather wake up early (like we did), or would rather  rest for the afternoon or stay up late.

We weren’t sure of the answer to this, but after reading reviews, we went for sunrise.  We actually needed to work the night before and basically did not go to bed, which maybe made it easier or harder for the visit (thankfully, the kids did go to bed!). 

Our visit in August was really hot.  Part of our reasoning was to try and beat some of the heat.  My husband also loves photography and really wanted a time lapse of the sunrise.  I also think the photos are spectacular at this time of day!  There are many tours that offer sunrise and sunset options and they tend to be the most popular ones.  

When we asked the reception at our hotel, Navatu Dreams Resort, we were told we could explore the temple in three days’ time.  Haha!  We ended up trying to fit it into about three hours, which is probably the most common visit, especially with kids.  

A Rundown of Our Visit

Step one in your visit is figuring out transportation.  Pretty much everyone and their brother will “know someone” who can help you.  We had a fellow travel family recommend a driver, Ms. Kim, but we ended up going with our airport driver instead.  We randomly got him from the airport to our hotel as our taxi van and arranged with him on our ride to go to Angkor Wat. 

When picking a driver, make sure you nail down a few things before you commit: 

1. Tuk-tuk (a motorized, three-wheeled rickshaw) or air-conditioned van/car? We went for the van. 
2. Agree on the price before you commit. 
3. Look for extras like cold water or a hotspot. 
4. Make sure they’re good with kids (easy in Cambodia!). 

Our driver picked us up from our hotel at 4:30 am.  We quickly drove about 10 minutes to the ticket center (tickets aren’t available onsite) and got tickets.  You can use a credit card, but they may want a passport or passport photo for any child tickets.  Dress modestly, as our teenager needed to buy a shawl to cover her legs in the temple.  

After a 20-minute drive to the temple, we were approached by several guides.  We learned from the Taj Mahal that a guide can be quite helpful, even if just for photos.  Sure enough, this was a great decision.  Our guide, Lee, was patient and great with the kids—showing them monkeys, telling history in bite-sized chunks and taking great photos. 

We waited about an hour for sunrise, then explored the temple with Lee.  We couldn’t enter the inner temple due to a Buddhist holiday, but it was still stunning.  We returned to our hotel by 10 am for breakfast and a nap.  The kids thought it was cool, but wouldn’t want to visit again.  I’d visit again without them to see more, especially Ta Prohm (another temple outside of Angkor Wat).

Tips for Visiting with Kids

• Prep the kids with history videos
  
• Plan rest time after sunrise visits
  
• Dress appropriately (covered knees & shoulders)
  
• Bring plenty of water
  
• Arrange a pickup at the temple exit
  
• Bring entertainment for sunrise wait
  
• Teach kids not to touch monkeys

Family-Friendly Tours and Guides

No matter the time of the day you choose, if you’d like to take in as much as you can during your trip to Siem Reap or if you are trying to keep your kids entertained without them becoming tired, then here’s a list of the best Angkor Wat tours available:

1. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise or Sunset Tour: This is one of the most popular tours since you can get stunning sunrise and sunset views when visiting Angkor Wat.  During these tours, you get the chance to visit the Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Thom and Banteay Kdei temples.
   
   They usually include being picked up and dropped off at your hotel, entrance tickets and local guides who will tell you all you need to know about Angkor Wat plus fun stories and historical facts!
   
2. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Private Tuk-Tuk Tour: If you want to avoid your kids getting tired too soon, then taking a Tuk-Tuk might be a gamechanger during your visit.  Especially if you have very young kids!  Visit the best temples of the Angkor Wat region on a private tuk-tuk that will pick you up from Siem Reap.
   
   What I like about this tour is that you can customize the start time, pick-up location and number of travelers (very convenient when traveling with a crew like mine!).  The only downside is that it doesn’t include a tour guide.
   
3. Angkor Bike Tour and Gondola Sunset Boat: Looking for a different way to visit Angkor Wat?  Then try the gondola sunset boat!  This is such a cute date idea but also so fun to do with kids if they love boats.  During this visit you will be crossing the Siem Reap river and entering the Angkor Wat region from a secret trail and, while doing this, you’ll get amazing views.
   
   What I loved about this tour option is that it includes snacks, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic ones), pick up and drop off and, of course, the gondola. 

Now you know some of the options for visiting Angkor Wat, but here are other tour options you can also enjoy with your kids while in Siem Reap:

4. Angkor Zipline Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour: Are your kids looking forward to feeling like real life explorers?  Then taking a zip line tour through Angkor Park is your best bet!  There are different zip lines and they all tailor to different ages and how much adrenaline you like to feel.
   
   However, I would only recommend this activity if your kids are more into the intrepid side of tourism.  Also, I’m pretty sure if you do this activity, you will absolutely enjoy the views throughout the Angkor Archaeological Park.

5. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center & Buddha Kiri Cambodia Day Tour: Are your kids big fans of animals?  Then combining Angkor Wat with a wildlife center visit might be what you’re looking for!  Here you won’t see the Angkor Wat temples, but your kids will learn a lot about animal rescues in Cambodia like gibbons, sun bears, elephants and deer.  This tour also includes a visit to a Buddhist center and the Ta Promh Tonle Bati temple.

Angkor Wat Breakdown with Kids

There are so many temples, your kids will find so much fun!  Many of them look as though you were in an action movie or video game.  So here are the top kid-friendly temples in Angkor Wat you all will absolutely love to explore:

Angkor Wat

This is the main attraction of this region and, honestly, a must see during your Siem Reap stay.  Angkor Wat will surely impress your kids because of its huge size, reflection pools and the wide moat that surrounds it!  It’s easy to explore because of its clear paths, and the scale of it makes it feel like you’re stepping into a storybook castle. 

Bayon Temple

This temple is famous for its giant smiling stone faces that your kids will love and will surely be curious about.  Make sure to let your kids see the big faces, take photos of them and get creative with it!  The carvings are so much fun for them to spot, and the maze-like layout keeps it exciting for the littlest explorers in your crew.

Ta Prohm

If your kids are into movies or video games, they might get why this temple is often referred to as the “Tomb Raider temple.”  It has incredible overgrown tree roots and jungle vines within its walls, it just looks so cool that we were all in such awe when visiting!  Trust me, your kids will love the looks of this beautiful temple.

Angkor Thom

This temple also has faces within its towers.  However, what makes it stand out are its huge gates that have carved faces and long paths lined with statues.  Again, another temple that makes you feel like you’re walking into an Indiana Jones movie, which makes it perfect for little kids to feel like they’re in an adventure.  All the details in these temples just make it so cool to explore without your kids feeling overwhelmed.

Outside the Main Circuit

Now, if you’re looking for some less crowded and more relaxed places within the Angkor Wat area, then temples like Banteay Kdei or Preah Khan are what you want.  They are ideal for families who need a break from the crowds and some time off to relax.  These quieter spots are great for slower-paced walks, maybe having a picnic or snacks and letting kids roam a bit more freely.

What to Bring When Visiting Angkor Wat with Kids

Now that you know what tour you’ll do and which temples you should give your attention to, you might be wondering what you should pack!  Here’s a small list of all the items we consider essential for your visit to Angkor Wat:

• Be prepared for hot weather.  Depending on the time of year you visit, make sure to be prepared for some high temperatures.  Bring sun hats that cover your neck and ears, umbrellas, sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen (try to reapply every few hours).
  
• Stay hydrated.  You’ll do so much walking or be standing under the sun that bringing your own refillable water bottles or buying bottled water will be a lifesaver.  Make sure everyone in your family drinks water to avoid fatigue or headaches.
  
• Bring some snacks.  It is allowed to eat or even enjoy a picnic in the area.  So pack some energy snacks or lunch for the entire family to keep everyone fueled up.
  
• Light layers for changing temperature.  Depending on the time of year or day, I’d highly recommend bringing light jackets for everyone as mornings tend to be cool, but the afternoons are really hot!

• Lightweight Backpack.  You will probably carry a lot of items for you and your entire family.  So make sure to bring a light backpack that won’t be too heavy for your shoulders and why not?  Encourage your kids to pack a few of their essentials too!
  
• Bug spray.  You will be out in nature for a while and you don’t want insects to bite you, so be sure to carry one bottle for the entire family and trip!
  
• Portable charger.  This is basic for your trip and if you carry a lot of equipment.  So, whether you are carrying cameras, drones or just your phones, you will most probably need them!
  
• Baby carrier or travel stroller.  The access to the different temples varies.  So, depending on that, you may or may not be able to use a stroller.  Make sure to bring options as you will be doing a lot of walking and your kids will probably get tired.
  
• Cash and coins for bathrooms and snacks.  Not everyone in Angkor Wat accepts cards, especially when you need to use the bathroom.  Be sure to bring a lot of cash and coins to buy everything you need!

Best Time of Year to Visit Angkor Wat with Kids

Whether you’re planning your trip when your kids are out of school or you have not decided yet on when to visit Angkor Wat, there are many factors you should consider.  For example, if your kids can handle big crowds, then visiting in the high season won’t be a problem.  But, for example, if you want to save a few pennies, then during the off season might be the best time for you and your family.  Anyway, here are my recommendations:

• From November through March: This is when you probably get the best weather.  The mornings tend to be cooler and the afternoons just warm enough for you to not be sweaty!  Also, you will find that this is when the crowds are at their highest point. So, make sure to be patient with your kids as they can be stressed with so many people.
  
• From April to June: During this season, since the weather tends to be really hot, you’ll find people would rather stay home!  Meaning, you’ll find significantly less crowds, but your kids might get tired more easily.  However, you can visit the temples more comfortably with them.
  
• From July to October: This is when the rainy season takes place and makes it a perfect opportunity for experiencing greener scenery, and a bit less crowds since paths can be muddy and slippery.  However, since it’s a bit of a peak vacation season (especially in July), do not expect it to be super cheap or super empty.  Just make sure to pack a raincoat for you, your spouse and your kids!
  
  Keep in mind that we visited in early August, so the vacation season was wearing off.  Meaning it was not that crowded, we found good hotel rates and it was still hot!

Where to Stay near Angkor Wat with Kids

When you choose a hotel for visiting Angkor Wat with kids, make sure to reserve one that is in Siem Reap as many tours pick you up in that area.  Also, many hotels offer big family rooms and connecting room options.  So it’s all basically up to your budget and the specific characteristics you look for in a hotel.  Here are my top hotel picks in Siem Reap for families:

Navutu Dreams Resort and Wellness Retreat

During our visit to Siem Reap, we had the opportunity to stay in the Navutu Dreams Resort in Siem Reap. And honestly, it was such a perfect stay! I would say it’s the best place to stay with your family as everyone in the staff was very nice and helpful, the service was great and the food?  Delicious!

One of the reasons we chose this hotel was because of their family room option.  They have two rooms and they are spacious, so we had no trouble accommodating our crew of seven. The rooms are private, they face the pools and have two sofas where you can fit more people to sleep in. Plus if you bring babies the rooms are so big you’ll have no trouble adding a baby cot! 

We really loved all the little details and the big ones at the Navutu Dreams Resort: like the bathtub (which my kids used and enjoyed) and the great food they served in their restaurant as well as poolside.  

We had the amazing opportunity to do a traditional Cambodian cooking class with them and it was SO much fun!  Also, we made little green dumplings for dessert and fish curry in steamed leaf baskets. Our kids really enjoyed the cooking class, they were so into it and appreciated being part of the meal we were going to eat (which was very delicious).

Finally, if you and your kids really love swimming and would like to take a break after visiting Angkor Wat, you’ll find that the Navutu Dreams Resort has three pools and a spa! So, enjoy some of your free time relaxing in one of the pools or by getting yourself a massage or a facial there.  It will help you unwind and relax after a morning full of adventure at Angkor Wat!

Other Great Family-Friendly Hotel Options in Siem Reap

1. Angkor Heart Bungalow: What stood out to me about this hotel was that the rooms kind of look like cabins but they also offer a triple bed room that can sleep five people!  They offer free transport to and from the airport and have a great pool that your kids will probably take advantage of.
   
2. The Urban: This hotel has a lot of nature on its property which makes it feel like you’re staying in the middle of the jungle!  The location is great as they’re near the city center, and 15 minutes from Angkor Wat.  You’ll also find a pool and breakfast, lunch and dinner options!
   
3. Residence Indochine D’Angkor: This hotel also offers a great location near Angkor Wat, markets and the city center, which makes it super convenient to move around easily. It also offers food options, free transportation to and from the airport as well as a family suite for bigger groups!

Eating Out with Kids Near Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

And last but not least, whether you choose to pack some snacks when you head to Angkor Wat or would rather hit a restaurant before heading there, here are the top kid-friendly food options during your stay in Siem Reap:

• Angkor Hand Pulled Noodles and Dumplings: If you’re looking for traditional Cambodian food, then this is the place you should visit.  Their dumplings and noodles are made by hand and made the moment you order, which gives you the opportunity to see your meal getting cooked from start to end! 
  
• Ox Club Restaurant – Siem Reap: This is a bit of a fancy option but it has awesome reviews!  If you love European with a mix of Japanese cuisine and would love to celebrate a special occasion, then heading here might be a great unforgettable experience.

• Jungle Burger: This restaurant is mainly all about burgers, which your kids will probably love!  They also serve pizzas, sandwiches and traditional Cambodian food.  This restaurant’s vibe is pretty relaxed, and their food is really good. 

• Dialogue: Now, if your kids are picky eaters then this option is your best bet. They have more American style food options for them like hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and more.  The place is cute and modern and worth paying a visit!
  
• WILD – Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant: If you’re looking for classical Cambodian food with a relaxed and scenic atmosphere, then visiting this place is your best option.

Additional Readings

11 Fun Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt With Kids

18 Beginner Tips for International Family Travel

Bangkok with Kids: Top 13 Things to Do