How to Plan a Family Vacation to Cambodia

Once home to Khmer kings and queens, Cambodia is now a famous travel destination. Of course, Angkor Wat is the main tourist attraction, but there’s much more to see. Apart from the magnificent Khmer structures, the country is home to paddy fields, forests, and beautiful beaches. So, if you are planning to take your family to Cambodia, rest assured that you are going to have a great time. But before you start planning, read this guide to find out everything you need to know about Cambodia.

What is the best month to go to Cambodia?

Cambodia has four different seasons.

Cool and dry season: the season runs from November to February and is considered the best time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, and the weather remains dry, although there can be occasional rainfall.

Hot and dry season: March through May is the hot and dry season. Temperatures are high, making sightseeing and any other outdoor activities impossible. In May, you’ll experience frequent rain showers.

Hot and wet season: June to August is the hot and wet season. Things can get really uncomfortable during this period. There are rain showers, and the humidity levels are high. There will be sunlight in the morning, followed by heavy downpours in the afternoon.

Cool and wet season: the period from September to October is the wet season; this is often the worst time to visit Cambodia because of the heavy rain and flooded roads.

How many days do you need to see Cambodia?

You need more than a week to see all the main sights in Cambodia. The ideal duration is two weeks.

How much money do you need to visit Cambodia?

If you are a solo backpacker, you will need around 50 dollars a day, but the budget will be significantly higher for a family.

Where to stay

Since you are travelling to Cambodia with your family, you should choose family-friendly accommodation, ideally with a kids’ club. The Cambodian accommodation sector offers a multitude of choices, including the likes of FCC Angkor by Avani and similar others that call themselves the “best hotels in Siem Reap”. So, take a look at your budget and find a place that’s safe and comfortable for your kids.

Travel requirements

Requirements vary from country to country, so you should check with the Cambodian embassy in your country, or you could simply speak to an experienced travel agent. But some of the basic travel requirements are:

- Your passport should have a remaining validity period of six months. And if your passport is damaged in any way, entry isn’t granted

- You need a visa to enter the country, which you can get online

Getting around

Commuting in Cambodia isn’t easy as the roads are narrow and they aren’t well-developed, but there are several methods of transport.

Travel by bus: all Cambodian buses are privately owned. Buses are often the best way to get around, especially if you want to travel to remote corners of the country. Long-distance buses usually depart in the evening to arrive at their destination in the morning.

Minibus services: To travel international routes, minibuses are the best option. They are costlier than regular buses but more comfortable and offer Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Tickets can be purchased online.

Domestic flights: the fastest way to get around, domestic flights are the most expensive way to travel. There are a few domestic flight operators, including Bassake Air, Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines, and Sky Angkor Airlines.

Tuk-tuks – these are ideal for short journeys. You won’t find metred tuk-tuks in Cambodia, so always agree on a rate before getting in.

Things to do and sights to see

The list of things to do and see is a long and diverse one, but some of the must-visit Cambodian sites and things to do include the following:

Temples of Angkor

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre

Phare Cambodian Circus

Preah Vihear Temple

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Osoam Cardamom Community Centre

Koh Rong Sanloem

Bike tours

Dining