Things to Do in Phnom Penh with Kids – Exploring Phnom Penh with your partner or family is sure to create wonderful stories and valuable memories. However, if you find yourself on holiday in Phnom Penh with children, there’s no need to worry. You can consider several places in Phnom Penh that are suitable for exploring with your kids.
Walking with children requires extra energy, especially if they are toddlers. It’s essential to choose places that cater to both your children’s needs and allow you to spend quality time with your partner without disruption. You are on the right page; here, we will provide you with a list of things to do in Phnom Penh with kids.
Tips for exploring Phnom Penh
Things to pay attention to when roaming around various places:
Ensure you have your passport, Cambodian telephone number, and the Grab application to facilitate public transportation, making it easier and safer without the need to haggle.
Phnom Penh is a bustling city with a very hot climate. If you plan to travel, it’s advisable to do so before the sun becomes intense, preferably between 8 am and 11 am, or in the afternoon. After those hours, the temperature tends to rise significantly. If you prefer the afternoon, the optimal time is between 4 pm and 10 pm.
Pay close attention to your choice of footwear when traveling. It’s recommended to wear closed shoes or sandals to protect your feet from sunburn, as open footwear may result in striped effects on your skin.
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Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh continues to be a central attraction for tourists. The entrance fee is approximately US$ 10 per person, and children under 6 years old enjoy free admission. It is advisable to bring a hat and mineral water when visiting the Royal Palace, as there will be a fair amount of walking. Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit, especially if you are accompanied by children.
You won’t need to pay extra for a tour guide, as a small map is provided, and there are explanations available in English and other international languages. However, if you are keen on delving deeper into the history of the Royal Palace, you can choose to hire a tour guide on-site. The Royal Palace is one of the recommended activities to do in Phnom Penh with kids.
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom resembles a small hill, and for the entrance ticket, you need to pay US$ 1 per person, while children can enter for free. This ticket is applicable for foreign nationals who wish to visit Wat Phnom.
If you are accompanied by children, they can enjoy placing incense for a short prayer and making voluntary donations in the donation pot. Additionally, at the top of the hill, you’ll discover a Chinese temple.
Moreover, you have the opportunity to invite your children to play in the playground, which is free and filled with fun. The playground operates from 8 am to 7 pm.
4XD cinema
Are you interested in trying something with an indoor experience and wish to make your trip memorable at the cinema in Phnom Penh? If so, consider visiting the 4XD Cinema.
No need to worry; English translations are available, providing you with a new cinematic experience. However, it’s worth noting that this 4XD cinema is relatively expensive. Yet, the unique experience it offers, especially when bringing your children along, can be truly novel.
What makes it special are the wake, wind, or water effects, which feel exceptionally real in this 4XD cinema, providing various dimensions and sensations. It’s one of the most thrilling activities to share with your little ones.
The ticket price is estimated at US$ 11 per person, and the last seat costs US$ 13 per person. While you can try ordering tickets online, you also have the option to purchase them directly at the ticket counter without the need to wait in line or worry about tickets running out.
Garden City Water Park
Children will undoubtedly enjoy spending time in the water, right? If so, Garden City Water Park is the perfect destination. The estimated ticket cost is US$25 for adults taller than 121 cm, and there’s a special price of US$15 for children under 121 cm. Although occasional discounts may be available in certain weather conditions, it’s advisable to book tickets online.
Garden City Water Park is just a 40-minute journey away. Remember that it is closed on Mondays, and there are reduced operating hours on Tuesdays. The location is quite strategic, offering facilities such as a large play area, a playground for toddlers, numerous slides, and a lazy river that provides the sensation of waves in the swimming pool. All play areas close at 5 pm.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
For those of you with children who dislike horror situations, stories, or anything related to horror, it’s advisable to take them somewhere else. Despite the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum providing a mysterious narrative, it unveils an extraordinary story behind it all.
You and your children will step into a prison from the Pol Pot regime, once infamous for its brutality and barbarity, now transformed into a museum. If you and your children are deeply interested in learning about Cambodian history, this place is suitable for a visit as one of the things to do in Phnom Penh with kids.
However, please bear in mind that the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum displays pictures and statues that might make your child feel uneasy or result in nightmares. Thus, this place may not be suitable for your visit.
Night market
Who would shy away from food? Everyone enjoys eating and trying new things when in another country or seeking to explore unfamiliar cuisines that pique their curiosity. Visiting the night market is an excellent activity for families and loved ones, offering a truly interesting experience.
Aside from the relatively cheap prices of food at the night market, it’s advisable to bring enough cash; there’s no need for cards. This is a place where both local tourists and foreigners can delve into typical Cambodian cuisine.
Seek out sellers who at least understand English, as communication in Cambodia with the language might be limited. Plan to spend around US$8 on food and drinks.
Keep your expectations reasonable, as this night market differs from those in other countries. You’ll likely be seated on a plastic bench, enjoying freshly prepared food. Make sure to read and ask for the exact prices to avoid falling prey to scams.
Beyond culinary delights, the night market also offers a variety of goods, such as clothes and accessories. Look for kiosks with listed prices to simplify your shopping experience without the need to haggle.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia is a recommended destination for those seeking historical information and more. Exploring Phnom Penh can be quite interesting.
Exploring Phnom Penh with children provides essential insights for the little ones, combining historical stories and the opportunity to have unforgettable experiences. The city offers extraordinary views from various corners, along with typical Cambodian food, interactions with residents, and other unique experiences not easily found in other countries.
Perhaps you are considering plans to visit countries in Southeast Asia, such as Bali, Indonesia, known for its diverse islands and cultures. These destinations offer activities with children that make you feel at home. Beyond Bali, Indonesia, you can also venture to Da Nang with your children to experience the extraordinary sensations of Vietnam.
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