Cambodia Family Holiday 7 days

Morning

Welcome to Siem Reap. On arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel for check-in.

This charming town is the gateway to the world-famous temples of Angkor and a great place to begin your Cambodian family adventure.

Afternoon

The rest of the day is free for you to relax, freshen up, and settle in after your journey.

Later, head out for a memorable sunset tour to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s most iconic landmark.

As the afternoon light softens over the ancient stone towers, it’s a wonderful introduction to the beauty and scale of the Angkor complex.

You’ll also learn about the temple’s origins as a Hindu site dedicated to Vishnu, before it later became an important Buddhist temple.

Return to Siem Reap in the evening.

Morning

Start the day with a fun tuk-tuk ride as you explore some of the most impressive sites within the Angkor complex.

Your first stop is Angkor Thom, the final capital of the great Khmer Empire during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

Continue to the remarkable Bayon Temple, famous for its many stone towers carved with serene smiling faces. It’s one of Angkor’s most memorable sights and a favourite with families.

You’ll also visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, where detailed carvings reveal stories from Cambodia’s past.

Next, head to Ta Prohm, one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor, where giant tree roots and jungle vines wrap around the ancient ruins. Many visitors will recognise it from the original Tomb Raider film.

Depending on timing and crowd levels, you may instead visit Preah Khan, a larger and quieter temple complex with hidden corridors and a more adventurous feel.

After the morning sightseeing, return to Siem Reap for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

This afternoon, head beyond the temples and discover everyday Cambodian life in the countryside by private vehicle.

Begin with a visit to a local market, where you can see traders going about their day and practise a few simple Khmer greetings with the help of your local guide.

Continue to Phnom Bok Mountain, around 25 km from Siem Reap. From the base, climb the 635 steps to the summit for rewarding views across the surrounding countryside.

At the top, enjoy a short break while learning more Khmer phrases with your guide, then explore the old temple ruins and nearby Buddhist pagoda.

After descending, cool off with a fresh coconut before travelling through scenic villages and rice fields, where you’ll gain a closer look at rural Cambodian life.

Before returning to town, stop by a lively street market and fairground, where local families gather in the evening to relax and enjoy themselves.

Note: This tour includes a steep climb of more than 600 steps, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Morning

Today offers a lovely chance to experience life beyond the temples as you visit a traditional Cambodian village and meet local families.

You’ll be picked up early by your guide and travel around 25 minutes to Ta Brak Village.

On arrival, enjoy a packed Western-style breakfast with a local family. Sharing a meal together is a warm and genuine way to learn more about village life, traditions, and daily routines.

After breakfast, continue with a fun ox-cart ride of around 30 minutes to the local market. Wander through the lively stalls and see fresh produce and everyday goods traded by nearby villagers.

From there, take an easy 1 km walk through the surrounding countryside. Depending on the season, you may see locals planting rice, harvesting vegetables, weaving thatch roofs, or carrying out other daily tasks.

The landscape here is classic rural Cambodia, with rice paddies, sugar palm trees, and peaceful village scenes.

Finish the morning at a local pagoda, where you’ll receive a traditional water blessing from Buddhist monks — a meaningful cultural experience and a special family memory.

Note: Activities vary throughout the year depending on the season and local needs.

Afternoon

After lunch, stop at Bakong Temple, a striking 9th-century monument within the Roluos temple group. This was once part of Hariharalaya, one of the earliest capitals of the Khmer civilisation.

Later, continue to Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Board a local boat and cruise towards Kampong Phluk, a stilted village known for its authentic lakeside life and quieter atmosphere.

Here, you’ll gain insight into the lives of local fishing families and explore the flooded mangrove forest, where homes stand high above the water on tall stilts.

This peaceful boat journey offers a fascinating look at a way of life shaped entirely by the rhythms of the lake.

Today is free for your family to relax and enjoy Siem Reap at your own pace.

You might like to spend time by the hotel pool, explore the town, visit cafés and markets, or choose from a range of optional activities below.

Half-Day Off the Beaten Track - From US $42 per person

Head out by bike into Siem Reap’s peaceful rice-growing countryside.

Along the way, your guide will introduce local farming life and explain the daily routines of village communities.

You’ll also stop to see traditional handwoven baskets, visit a lively local market, and call in at a small rice wine distillery where you can learn about the production process and sample a taste.

A great option for families wanting an authentic local experience.

Horseback Riding at Happy Ranch - From US $79 per person

Travel to Happy Ranch, a Western-style horse ranch just outside Siem Reap.

After meeting your horse, set off on a 2-hour trail ride through rice fields, villages, and quiet countryside paths to the lesser-visited Wat Athvea Temple.

Note: Gentle pony rides can be arranged for younger children, with staff walking beside them for support.

Quad Bike Adventure - From US $32 /pax (solo), US $40 /2 pax (shared ride)

Enjoy a fun and adventurous quad bike ride through the countryside of Siem Reap Province.

The 12 km route passes through villages and scenic rice fields, with sunset views often being the highlight.

Notes:

• 2 adults may share one quad bike (maximum combined weight 130 kg).
• Children may ride as passengers with parents.
• Riders aged 14–16 may ride only with an instructor.
• 17-year-olds may ride solo depending on size and experience.

Angkor Zipline - From US $66 per person

Embark on a thrilling zipline adventure at the Angkor Archaeological Park. Experience adventure with 8 ziplines, sky bridges, and tree abseiling, perfect for those seeking a thrilling journey through the jungle canopy.

You’ll receive a full safety briefing before starting, then progress from easier lines to the highest and most exciting sections.

Notes: Max 9 people in a single group, latest start time is 12:00, the excursion lasts 3-4 hrs, maximum weight 125kg, not suitable for children under 5 years old or 1m height, no sandals permitted. 

Morning

After breakfast, begin the journey to Phnom Penh with a private transfer (without guide). The drive takes around 6 hours, giving you the chance to see more of Cambodia’s countryside along the way.

Your first stop is Spider Market at Skun, famous for its unusual fried spider snacks and lively roadside stalls. It’s a fun and memorable stop, especially for curious travellers.

Continue on to Bateay for a lunch break before resuming the drive to Phnom Penh.

Afternoon

On arrival in Phnom Penh, check in to your hotel where your local guide will warmly welcome you.

Enjoy some time to rest and freshen up before the evening sightseeing.

Evening

Tonight, discover Phnom Penh in a traditional and family-friendly way by cyclo, one of the city’s classic forms of transport.

Ride along the riverside promenade past the Royal Palace, soaking up the atmosphere of the capital as the city begins to light up.

Continue to Wat Phnom, a historic hilltop temple near the northern part of the city, known for its peaceful setting, Khmer architecture, and cultural importance.

To finish the day, step aboard a relaxing sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Rivers.

As the sun goes down, enjoy lovely views of Phnom Penh’s skyline and riverside lights before returning to your hotel.

Morning

This morning, head out on a relaxed bike ride through the countryside surrounding Phnom Penh.

Cycle through peaceful rural landscapes, passing small villages, local schools, and traditional silk-weaving houses. Along the way, cross river islands by local ferry and enjoy riding quiet roads away from city traffic.

There’ll be time to stop and chat with friendly locals, learn about everyday life, and sample a few local treats.

Return to Phnom Penh and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue your cultural discovery with a visit to the impressive Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s most important landmarks.

Built in 1866, the palace complex is known for its elegant Khmer design and beautifully kept grounds. Within the complex, visit the famous Silver Pagoda, named for the thousands of silver tiles that cover its floor.

Next, head to the National Museum, home to one of Cambodia’s finest collections of ancient art and artefacts dating from the 4th to the 13th centuries.

It’s a great place to gain deeper insight into the history and artistic heritage of the Khmer civilisation.

Evening

The evening is free for you to relax or explore Phnom Penh at your own pace.

For those keen on a cultural experience, you might like to attend an optional performance by Cambodian Living Arts.

Optional: Cambodian Living Arts – (evening)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Cambodian arts with a captivating performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). 

The rotating program features three distinctive performances: "Children of Bassac" showcasing classical and folk dance, "Mak Therng" and "Passage of Life" presenting a blend of music and theater. 

Optional: Oct-Mar shows daily except Apr-Aug on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat

All the shows last one hour and take place in the enchanting gardens of the National Museum, providing an atmospheric setting for the performances. 

Enjoy your overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and utilize your free time at leisure until it's time to transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your departure flight. The transfer will be with a driver (no guide).