6 Best Temples of Angkor with Family (for First-Timers)
Your family is heading to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor are on the list. With over 1000 temples spread across the park, knowing which ones deserve your time isn’t obvious for first-time visitors.
On our family visit to the Angkor temples we’ve seen about 10 temple complexes and know which ones are the best for a family with kids.
We stayed in Siem Reap for a week to explore as much as we could. If you want to visit these 6 best temples of Angkor with family you’ll need at least 3 full days.
Kids will feel like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft while exploring the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park.
Below you’ll find the 6 temples worth prioritizing, a 1 and 3 day itinerary, how to get around the park, what it’s like visiting with babies and toddlers, and a brief history of Angkor.
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Is Visiting the Temples of Angkor with Kids Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
Angkor is one of those rare places that genuinely impresses kids and adults equally. There’s no “let’s get through this museum and then find something fun.” The temples are the fun! If that makes sense…
Our son was 10 when we visited and it remains one of his favorite travel memories. Why? Kids can climb, explore, and let their imagination run wild.
But climbing is not allowed everywhere, so please keep an eye out for signs to make sure your kid is not climbing on something illegally 😉.
At Ta Prohm, massive tree roots swallow entire walls. At Bayon, enormous stone faces stare down at you from every direction. At Angkor Wat, the scale alone is enough to stop everyone in their tracks. It doesn’t feel like a history lesson. It feels like an adventure.
That said, it’s not a walk in the park. The heat is real most months of the year, and the distances between the temples add up.
But with the right planning it’s completely doable with kids of most ages. Don’t worry, after we’ve shared the top 6 Angkor temples for families I’ll share practical tips to make your trip to Angkor feel like a breeze.
The Top 6 Angkor Temples for Families Visiting for the First Time
We explored around 10 temple complexes during our week in Siem Reap. If you’re visiting Angkor with kids for the first time, these are the 6 temples we’d prioritize.
Some are famous, some are surprisingly overlooked, but all of them offer something special for families.
Here’s a quick comparison before we dive into the details:
Best Temples of Angkor with Family at a Glance
| Temple | Best Age | Why Kids Love It | Stroller Friendly? | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat | All ages (Upper Tower 12+) | Climbing opportunities, massive scale and a real-life Indiana Jones feeling | ❌ No | 2–3 hours |
| Angkor Thom (Bayon) | 5+ | Giant smiling faces hidden throughout the temple complex | ❌ No | 1–2 hours |
| Ta Prohm | 4+ | Enormous tree roots, jungle atmosphere and Tomb Raider connections | ❌ No | 1–2 hours |
| Banteay Srei | All ages | Animal carvings, flat paths and easy exploring for younger kids | ✅ Mostly | 1 hour |
| Banteay Kdei | All ages | Quiet courtyards, hidden corners and far fewer crowds | ✅ Mostly | 45–60 minutes |
| Ta Keo | 6+ | Steep climbing adventure and one of the best sunset spots in Angkor | ❌ No | 45–60 minutes |
Now let’s get to the goods and talk about all 6 temples with you!
1. Angkor Wat
First stop is the place everyone’s seen on photos or tv: Angkor Wat. Have you really been to the temples of Angkor with kids, without checking out the best temple of all?
Forget what it looks like in a magazine or a documentary, the real thing is much more impressive. The architecture is stunning and the details amazing. Unbelievable that people made this all these years ago without all the tools we have today. It’s also huge. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world.
This spectacular temple complex is known as the city of temples. And that’s an understatement. You can find numerous temples and monasteries within this ancient city’s gates. Once inside look to your left and right. Everything is completely symmetric. You’ll find a pond of the same size at the same spot across one another. A library at exactly the same spot on either side and of course the monument itself is also perfectly symmetrical. It’s stunning.
We easily spent 2.5 hours at the temples of Angkor Wat and loved every minute of it! It’s also an amazing place for kids to visit.
You’re allowed to climb onto everything (weird, but true). So it really made him feel like he was Indiana Jones.
There’s lots to love about Angkor Wat for kids. I’m sure they’ll remember their visit forever. It’s 12 years since our first visit and our son still remembers it as one of the most beautiful things he’s ever seen.
Upper Tower of Angkor Wat
There’s one thing I should mention. If you want to enjoy the view from the Upper Tower you must be over 12 years old and you may not be pregnant.
This is because of the very steep steps that take you up there.
If you want to go up there, know that they allow a maximum of 100 people in the upper level (the Bakan), because it’s high and narrow.
Staff enforce this strictly to protect visitors and the fragile stonework.
This means that sometimes you have to wait in line. Let this be the first thing you do in the morning. Otherwise you’ll all be waiting in the heat for minutes or even an hour. The latter will probably be the case from 11am to 2pm. Whenever we passed this area there were long lines during this timeframe.
Sunset at Angkor Wat
An hour before sunset, people start approaching the two lakes in front of Angkor Wat. They all want the best spot for sunset.
While a truly magical experience, the hordes of people kind of take away from the magic.
But still it was something we’re glad we didn’t miss out on. Just make sure to be on time, otherwise you’ll have hundreds of people standing in front of your view.
2. Angkor Thom – Bayon, Baphuon & Elephant Terrace
Exploring Angkor is an event your family will never forget and you might think that nothing can top Angkor Wat.
But there are other temple complexes that will rock your world the same way, like Angkor Thom.
Angkor Thom, also known as the Great City, was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire.
Within its gates you’ll find the Baphuon temple, the terrace of elephants and the Bayon temple.
If you have older kids, the Baphuon and the Elephant Terrace are worth a stop before heading to Bayon.
Bayon is famous for the 11,000+ smiling stone faces carved into its towers. No matter where you look, another face seems to be staring back at you.
Our son loved trying to spot new faces hidden around every corner. It quickly turned into a game of who could find the most.
When choosing the entrance gate, choose the South Gate.
The Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, otherwise known as Tonle Om Gate, is 1 of 5 ancient gates dating back to the 12th century and has been greatly preserved. A true highlight of your visit to Angkor Thom.
3. Ta Prohm
If you’ve seen Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) then you’ll immediately recognize Ta Prohm from the movie. This is the temple they filmed most of the Angkor footage at. Others are Bayon and a small nameless one on a hill overlooking Angkor Wat.
Nature has taken over this temple completely. Tree roots and branches have overgrown large parts of the complex, which makes this visit really worthwhile. Ta Prohm is, without a doubt, one of the most fun temples of Angkor with kids.
You don’t visit this complex for the amazing details that are carved out, but to see for yourself that nothing can stop the force of nature.
We felt so small while strolling through this place. It really makes you realize that anything made by man can be unmade by nature.
4. Banteay Srei – The Pink Temple
A not to miss thing to do in Angkor with kids is visiting an off the beaten path temple. The Pink Citadel, named Banteay Srei. Otherwise known as the Women Citadel.
Banteay Srei is located in a rural part of Angkor. You can admire the ancient temples while in the distance you can spot water buffalo grazing in the fields. It’s a very serene place to be when you visit this temple between 6.00am and 10.00am in the morning or after 4.30pm.
This is a very good temple to explore with small children. It’s easy to navigate through, nicely paved and mostly flat.
The kids will enjoy spotting all the stone guardians with heads of an animal. And you will too.
Add some carvings from Hindu mythology to the mix and Banteay Srei is one of the best things to explore in Siem Reap with kids!
5. Banteay Kdei
Less visited than nearby Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei is often overlooked by first-timers. Don’t make that mistake.
Both temples were built in the same era, by the same king (King Jayavarman VII) in the late 12th century, with a similar layout. But the vibe is completely different.
Ta Prohm is dramatic and overgrown. Banteay Kdei is calm and peaceful. Worth the detour, to see how both temples, created around the same time, can be so different from each other.
The sandy path leading to the eastern entrance gate, flanked by stone lions and face towers, sets the tone immediately. This is a place to slow down and explore.
The ornate face towers at the entrance keep kids interested and the labyrinth of galleries and courtyards gives them plenty to discover.
For families with young kids it’s a practical win too. The terrain is flat and easy to navigate.
We stumbled across some locals enjoying a game across the street from the entrance. They told us they come to play here 3 times a week, because 2 of them actually guard the place.
Who knows you might run into them too!
6. Ta Keo
Last on the list of best Angkor temples to visit with kids is a very small temple: Ta Keo.
We got the tip to watch the sun go down at this place, because at Angkor Wat it’s always overcrowded at this time of day and at Ta Keo you can watch the sunset while only hearing the sounds of nature.
Birds, monkeys and otherwise complete silence while sitting at the top of this small temple and admiring the view. It was a beautiful and serene moment.
The temple itself isn’t the most beautiful or best preserved one. Certainly not after visiting giants like Bayon and Angkor Wat.
This is the place to be if you want to be one with nature. And in the presence of only a handful of people. Seriously, add it to your list.
You can find this temple at just a five minute bike ride from Ta Prohm while following directions to Bayon.
Do know that this activity involves some serious climbing. Don’t do this with kids below 6 or kids that are afraid of climbing. Or if any of you is afraid of heights!
Angkor Pass: Ticket Info for Your Visit to the Angkor Temples
There’s lots to share about how to buy the Angkor Pass, but here’s a short summary:
- You have to bring your passport and your best duckface, because when you fork over the fee they take your pic and print it out on your ticket. There are 1 day, 3 day and 7 day options.
- 2026 prices:
- 1 day: ៛148,370 (about €33/$37 USD)
- 3 days: ៛248,620 (about €55/$62 USD)
- 7 days: ៛288,720 (about €64/$72 USD)
- Children under 12 are free, just bring their passports along with you when visiting the temples.
- You can buy your tickets online via Angkor Enterprise. Or you can go to their office. Every tuk tuk driver (or remorque as they’re called in Cambodia) knows where this ticket office is.
3-Day Itinerary for the Temples of Angkor
To see all the temples mentioned in this post you need 3 days, perfect if you get a 3 day Angkor Pass.
Day 1: Angkor Wat
- Morning: Visit Angkor Wat early, ideally by 6.00am to beat the crowds and the heat. Start with the Upper Tower if you have kids 12 and up. You’ll need at least 3 hours to see most of what Angkor Wat has to offer.
- Afternoon: Head back to your accommodation. Jump in the pool, rest, recharge.
- Evening: Return to Angkor Wat an hour before sunset and claim your spot at the reflection pools.
Day 2: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm & Banteay Kdei
- Morning: Start at Bayon. If you have older kids, add the Elephant Terrace and Baphuon before moving on.
- Afternoon: Ta Prohm followed by Banteay Kdei. Both are close together and easy to combine in one afternoon.
Day 3: Banteay Srei & Ta Keo
- Morning: Head to Banteay Srei first thing. It’s a 30 to 35 km drive from the main complex so an early start makes sense, and the light is best before 10.00am.
- Afternoon: Return to the main complex. Ta Keo is a short bike ride from Ta Prohm.
- Evening: Climb Ta Keo and watch the sunset with barely anyone around. One of the best moments of the entire trip.
1-Day Itinerary for the Temples of Angkor
Only have one day in Angkor?
Prioritize Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. Together they offer the best mix of iconic sights, jungle adventure and kid-friendly exploration.
Top Angkor Temple tours with kids
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Angkor?
If you want to explore all the temples, you should stay in Siem Reap for months. Siem Reap is the gateway city to the Angkor sites and is the best place to stay when exploring some of the temples of Angkor with kids. If you really want to get to know Angkor and all its highlights, you should stay for a week. The 6 best Angkor temples to visit with kids can be explored within the course of 3 days. 4 days when you want a more relaxing pace.
If a visit to Siem Reap and its Angkor Archaeological Park is part of a family trip to Cambodia, then read my complete family road trip itinerary of Cambodia. Or check out the top things to do in Cambodia with kids.
Getting Around the Temples of Angkor
Once you’ve arrived in Siem Reap with kids, it’s time to check out the Angkor temples. But how do you get there?
Rental Car
You can rent a car for a few days and park near the different entrances.
Do note, that you can’t park your car easily at every temple.
Hiring a private driver, a remorque driver or biking there yourselves is easier.
Private Driver
You could hire a private driver to bring you to the different temples.
If you want to visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and a third temple nearby it will cost you between ៛226,500 (about €50/$55 USD) and ៛451,000 (about €100/$110 USD) for 1-2 days.
If you want to hire a private driver for a few days, you should contact them beforehand to discuss all the sites you want to see and set a price.
There are also drivers that are licensed guides, you can book a tour, including transport by car. You can book this via Get Your Guide.
Remorque
In the center of Siem Reap and near the entrance of the Angkor Archaeological Park you’ll find lots of remorques, the Cambodian Tuk Tuk.
Find an English speaking driver and see if you can make a deal. One remorque can fit 2 adults and 2 children max.
Exploring Angkor by remorque for one day should cost you 82,000 (about €18/$20 USD) to ៛102,500 (about €23/$25 USD).
Bicycle
Our favorite is biking around Siem Reap and Angkor. Lots of large hotels, but also guesthouses and AirBnB’s offer bikes for you to use during your stay.
With our own bikes we had the freedom of leaving and going whenever we wanted.use during your stay.
Tips for Visiting Angkor with Kids
- If you can, visit Angkor during the dry season from late November to early March. Not too hot and not too wet. We were there in December and it was about 25 to 28 degrees Celsius and we enjoyed an occasional breeze.
- The temples open at 5.30am. This gives you the opportunity to beat the heat. If you start exploring between 6am and 8am it’s not that crowded yet and you can explore a few sites before lunch. Head back to your accommodation when the heat becomes too much and jump in the pool or chill in your hammock.
- Kids 8 and up need to have their knees and shoulders covered at the larger temples, including Angkor Wat. Light trousers and a t-shirt do the job. Pack a spare set in your day bag so you’re not caught out.
- You’ll likely encounter child vendors at the temple gates, selling bracelets, postcards and snacks. It’s a difficult situation. Buying from them keeps them out of school. The kindest thing you can do is smile, say no thank you, and move on. If you want to give back, look for local social enterprises in Siem Reap instead.
- Sort your family travel insurance before you leave home. Medical care in Cambodia is limited outside of Phnom Penh and evacuation costs can be significant.
- Pick up an eSIM before you arrive so you have data from the moment you land. It makes navigating between temples a lot easier and means you’re never without a map in the middle of the park.
- Bring enough sunscreen, water, hats and sunglasses for everybody. The heat can be extreme at times. And also bring a first aid kit. Strangely enough, you are allowed to climb onto most of the monuments and falling over a loose brick or the root of the tree is easily done.
These are just some things you should know before your family trip to Siem Reap.
Angkor with Babies and Toddlers
Temples of Angkor with a Baby
While a few of the temples within the Angkor temple complex are flat and easily accessible, most of them aren’t.
Your visit involves climbing over rubble and tree roots and stairs. When you bring a baby leave your stroller at home. You’re better off bringing a back carrier for your baby.
Look for one with a built-in sun hood, good ventilation and lumbar support for the adult carrying it. You’ll be on uneven ground for hours in serious heat.
There aren’t many places with shade, unless you’re inside a temple or at a site located within a vast jungle.
Angkor Wat is an example of a large open space, surrounding the temples, where the sun can get to you everywhere.
If your baby can walk make sure to carry them whenever there are monkeys nearby. They can be really mean and you don’t want them to lash out at your child.
We didn’t see monkeys at many temples, mostly at some off the beaten path temples.
Temples of Angkor with a Toddler
A lot of what I wrote about bringing a baby to Angkor, also applies to toddlers.
Kids ages 8 and up are generally asked to cover their knees and shoulders at some of the bigger sights, like Angkor Wat. Therefore, babies and toddlers are allowed to wear shorts and tops.
All children under 12 can enter Angkor for free. Don’t forget to bring their passports when visiting the sights, because they can ask that of you at the checkpoints all over this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re visiting with a toddler, plan your temple time around the heat. Out by 10.00am, back at your accommodation for the hottest part of the day, and out again after 4.00pm.
A portable fan and a cooling towel in your day bag are worth their weight.
Bring enough sunscreen, water, hats and sunglasses for everybody. The heat can be extreme at times.
And also bring a first aid kit. Strangely enough, you are allowed to climb onto most of the monuments and falling over a loose brick or the root of the tree is easily done.
Most temples have no age restrictions, but little children are not allowed at all temples. This is subject to change, so when you buy your ticket, grab a map of the temples of Angkor. You can usually find the age limits on it.
Or you can mention to the ticket vendor which temples you want to visit and they can give you the info as well.
History of Angkor
The temples of Angkor in Cambodia are a perfect combination of spirituality and creativity.
The Angkorian period lasted for more than 600 years (802 – 1432 AD) and during this time the Khmer built all the temples of Angkor.
They built them as an earthly representation of Mt. Meru.
Khmer Reign
The Angkorian period lasted for more than 600 years (802 to 1432 AD). During this time the Khmer built all the temples of Angkor as an earthly representation of Mt. Meru, stretching over 400 km² of land.
Angkor was the cultural center of the empire with many capitals over time, like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
The temples started as Hindu sites until the 13th century, when Buddhism swept in and reclaimed them. To this day many Buddhist monks still visit the Angkor temples daily to pray.
Khmer Rouge and Angkor
During the brutal and extremely sad time Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge reigned over Cambodia in the 70s of the last century, Angkor wasn’t part of the destruction.
Pol Pot was even quoted as saying “If Cambodians can build Angkor, we can accomplish anything”.
He admired Angkor’s history, which is why Angkor is relatively untouched, besides some bullet holes in sites that are in close proximity to Siem Reap, where most of the people in this area lived.
If you’d like more background information about Angkor and all the temple complexes, visit the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Here you can learn all about the history of Angkor and also find sculptures that were found in and around Siem Reap from that era.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Angkor is one of the largest UNESCO sites in the world. It was inscribed in 1992. Since then, UNESCO has spent a lot of effort in preservation of the entire Angkor Archaeological Area.
It’s no wonder that UNESCO named Angkor one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.
Visiting Angkor is an unforgettable experience for families. The temples are stretched out with small villages filling the gaps between them.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit the temples of Angkor?
The best time for a family visit to the Angkor temples is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to March. During this period, the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for exploring the temples and outdoor activities.
Within the dry season, December and January are particularly popular as the weather is generally cooler with less chance of rainfall. However, this popularity means the top sites are overcrowded and you should visit them very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
How many temples are part of Angkor Archeological Park?
Nobody seems to know the exact answer to that question. But everyone agrees that there are over 1000 temples spread across the park. They differ in size, and some are complete ruins without much to see.
How many days should we add to our itinerary to explore Angkor?
If you have limited time, spend 2 days in the park and explore Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. In 3-4 days depending on your travel pace you can visit all the temples in this guide.
Is Angkor safe to visit with young children?
Yes. The temples are well managed and family visits are common. The main things to watch are the heat, uneven terrain and steep climbs at some temples. Bring water, hats and sunscreen, stick to early mornings, and carry younger kids when monkeys are nearby. With a little preparation it’s very manageable.
Do I need to book Angkor temple tickets in advance?
You don’t have to, but you can. Tickets are available online through Angkor Enterprise, or at the ticket office on Road 60, and at self-service kiosks in Siem Reap.
What should families wear when visiting the temples of Angkor?
Shoulders and knees need to be covered at the larger temples, including Angkor Wat. This applies to kids 8 and up. Lightweight trousers and a t-shirt work perfectly. Pack a spare set in your day bag so you’re never caught out at the gate.
Angkor Bucket List Done: Now Get the Angkor Pass
You know which temples to visit. Now you need to get in.
The Angkor Pass covers 50+ temples, including this top 6 for first time visitors.
It’s easier to buy than you might think, but there are some things you should know about the pass.
That’s why I wrote a step-by-step guide to buying the Angkor pass.
👇Everything you need to know about buying your Angkor Pass is in my guide.👇
How To Buy an Angkor Pass: Step-By-Step Guide to Buying your Angkor Wat Entrance Ticket
Did you enjoy the best Angkor temples to visit with children?
If so, read more about family travel in Cambodia:
- 3-Week Cambodia Family Road Trip Itinerary (& What to Skip If You’re Short On Time)
- 23 Best Things to Do In Cambodia with Kids
- 10 Things to Do In Phnom Penh with Kids
- Planning a Family Trip to Siem Reap: Things to Know Before You Go
- 21 Things to Do In Siem Reap with Kids
- 6 Best Temples of Angkor with Family (for First-Timers)
- How To Buy an Angkor Pass: Step-by-Step Guide to Buying your Angkor Wat Entrance Ticket
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