For families planning to visit Phnom Penh, you will be glad to know that Cambodians are rather friendly people, especially to children. They were very gracious when my kids went around taking photographs of the merchandise in their shops, and many even flashed big smiles to the kids along the way.
Admittedly, there may not be many activities to keep the kids entertained in Phnom Penh, but for a short trip there, you can discover interesting things to do as a family. The kids may not be that interested to visit the famous historical sites and landmarks in Phnom Penh such as the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace or The Killing Fields, though. In particular, I would strongly advise against bringing the kids to The Killing Fields because they may get traumatized by the background and history of that place. We did go there, but only the husband went in to visit while I stayed outside chasing the chickens with the kids. He came out with a really solemn face and told us snippets of how there is a tree in that place where babies were swung against brutally until they died right before the eyes of their mothers. Joey had a nightmare that night just from listening to the story. =X
So, here is my list of Top 4 family-friendly activities you can do with your kids in Phnom Penh, for your reference should you decide to pay a visit to this beautiful country:
1. TAKE A SUNSET CRUISE
This was one of the highlights of our trip and you can read more about it in my earlier post here. The kids love taking cruises and everyone was amazed at how beautiful the sunset was. The kids thought the setting sun looked like an egg yolk! The moments we spent on the cruise and admiring the beauty of nature together was a great family bonding time.
2. GO ON A TUK TUK CITY TOUR
Tuk Tuk rides are generally cheap in Phnom Penh, and the kids loved it! With no windows or doors, you can get a really good view of the streets – How people live, do their businesses, etc. With a cool weather of 25 degrees on the average, tuk tuk rides are quite enjoyable. But you might want to prepare masks for the kids and yourself because the quality of air is not too ideal in Phnom Penh, especially on the roads. We got these cute masks for the kids from Central Market at cheap prices.
They liked the rides so much, they wanted to drive the tuk tuks themselves.
3. RELAX BY THE BANKS OF MEKONG RIVER
Flags of different nations line the banks of the Mekong River, so it’s quite a pretty sight here. With a strong breeze and warm sunlight, this was a really nice place to hang out with your family. The view’s gorgeous too. Plus, it’s free!
4. VISIT KID-FRIENDLY CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Cafes & restaurants are generally kid-friendly in Phnom Penh, but I would recommend a visit to Le Jardin because there is a treehouse and sandpit there for the kids to enjoy while the adults have a relaxing meal. Plus, the food’s not too bad too. (P/S: Fruit juices were freshly squeezed and cost less than $1.50/glass!)
There were guinea pigs near the entrance!
This place feels like a retreat away from the hustle & bustle of the busy roads outside. Very peaceful and cosy.
The food was yummy and we had a really enjoyable afternoon there. :)
That wraps up my posts for Phnom Penh, and I certainly hope that it’s been a useful guide to all of you planning a visit there soon. Check out the rest of my posts on Phnom Penh here.
