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Angkor Wat with Kids: Make Your Family Visit Unforgettable

Angkor Wat With Kids: Our Sunrise Visit and Family Guide

Last updated: October 18, 2026. Updated Angkor admission and child-access guidance, clothing and visitor-route advice, tour inclusions, and the distinction between our temple visit and wider Siem Reap experiences. Date information added October 30, 2026.

Sunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat · Scene from our film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 20 sec

Sunrise at Angkor Wat was a highlight of our Siem Reap trip. Here is how our family managed the early start, heat, guide, clothing and temple access, with scenes from our visit and the other experiences we enjoyed around the city.

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 with kids on that first visit! 

Our Siem Reap film follows a wider family trip, not only the temples. We included the Angkor Wat sunrise, tuk-tuk rides, Old Market, Pub Street, a cooking class, and APOPO; below, I keep the temple visit notes together and treat the other stops as part of the broader itinerary.

Our wider Siem Reap family trip, including Angkor Wat · Full film (18 min 27 sec)

▶Watch full film 18 min 27 sec

The full film follows a wider Siem Reap stay: our hotel, Old Market, cooking class, Angkor Wat, tuk-tuk rides, APOPO, Pub Street and a fish-foot massage. The temple scenes are selected separately below; the other city stops are not presented as part of the temple grounds.

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! 

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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 (usually 3-4 am) 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.

Watch our original related film on YouTube

Why Visit Angkor Wat with Kids?

Inside the grounds, we moved through stone passages and looked up at the architecture around us. The film catches the children looking upward in one of those corridors. It gives a closer view of the spaces we explored with Lee, beyond the famous sunrise outline.

Walking the stone corridors with our family · Scene from our film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 20 sec

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.  

Watch our original related film on YouTube

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.

We chose an early start for the light and to get ahead of some of the heat. This scene shows the temple towers in silhouette against the orange sky. Our August visit was still hot later in the morning, so sunrise was one part of our plan rather than a guarantee of a cool day.

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 whether you’d rather wake up early (like we did), 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 may have made the visit easier or harder (thankfully, the kids did go to bed!). 

Our visit in August was really hot.  Part of our reasoning for sunrise was also to try to 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!  Many tours offer sunrise and sunset options, and they tend to be the most popular ones.  

Watch our original related film on YouTube

When we asked the reception at our hotel, Navatu Dreams Resort, we were told we could explore the temple in three days.  Haha!  We ended up trying to fit our visit into about three hours.  

A Rundown of Our Visit

Our guide helped us make sense of the temple while we worked around the areas we could enter that day. The scene moves from our family and guide in the courtyard to the towers, with a blocked stairway visible. As my original notes explain, an inner area was closed during our Buddhist-holiday visit; that is a past condition, not a current closure notice.

Exploring with our guide and viewing the towers · Scene from our film (15 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 15 sec

The first step in your visit is determining 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 driver and loved his big van. He offered to drive us more (common) and do tours for us. We got his Whatsapp (remember to brush up on Best Travel Apps For Asia before your visit) and made arrangements through messaging.

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 drove about 10 minutes to the ticket center and bought our tickets with a credit card. Our teenager needed to buy a shawl to cover her legs at the temple. For a visit now, you can also buy an e-ticket through the official Angkor Pass portal. Angkor Enterprise says children under 12 do not need an admission ticket, but a passport may be requested as proof of age. Dress appropriately for this sacred site and follow staff instructions; our shawl experience is not a guarantee of access to every area.

Our earlier tuk-tuk tips from Bangkok, a different city.

This scene is our nighttime ride through Siem Reap, with daytime moat and pool images appearing as smaller inserts in the film. It is separate from the early-morning van ride we took to Angkor Wat. We chose the van for that temple outing, so I would not use this night scene as a picture of our temple transfer.

A separate nighttime tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap · Scene from our film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 20 sec

Curious about taking the Tuk-tuk as your main transport? We have some tips here!

After a 20-minute drive to the temple, we were approached by several guides to go through the temple with.  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 Ankor Wat 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 for Ankor Wat

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.
   
   Check the selected tour’s inclusions for hotel transfers and a local guide. Do not assume the Angkor admission pass is included; confirm this separately before booking. Ask about 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.  Check the operator’s current cycling route, boat location, child requirements, and admission arrangements before booking. Follow permitted visitor routes and staff directions; do not treat a “secret trail” as an alternative to authorised entry.
   
   The boat ride caught my eye when researching this tour option. Check the selected departure’s inclusions for snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers. 

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!  Before booking, ask the operator about the selected course’s current child eligibility, height and harness-fit requirements, and supervision rules.
   
   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!  The scale makes it feel like stepping into a storybook castle, but the walking routes and steep steps are not equally accessible to everyone. Children under 12 may not climb the Upper Tower. Follow signs, barriers, and staff directions, including any religious or conservation closures. 

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.”  Its overgrown tree roots and jungle vines are part of why I would like to see it on a return visit.  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 of Ankor Wat

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 are options to consider for a slower-paced itinerary, but crowd levels vary. Keep children close, follow the permitted visitor routes, and do not climb or touch the monuments. Ask staff where a snack break is appropriate.

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.  Pack energy snacks for the family, and ask staff where eating is appropriate. Keep food away from monuments and wildlife, and take your litter with you.
  
• 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.  A charger can help keep your phone or camera ready through a long morning.
  
• 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. 

• 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.  You can find hotels that offer big family rooms and connecting room options.   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 a great place to stay with your family in Siem Reap. Everyone in the staff was very friendly 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).

Here is a glimpse of the class from our wider Siem Reap stay: our family works beside the chefs in aprons and hats, preparing the meal together. The green dumplings and fish curry are details I remember from the experience, rather than dish names inferred only from these pictures.

Our Cambodian cooking class in Siem Reap · Scene from our film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our film 20 sec

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 Near Angkor Wat with Kids 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.

I hope you love your visit as much as we did!

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