3-week Cambodia Family Road Trip Itinerary (& What to Skip If You’re Short on Time)

You’ve got 3 weeks, a family to keep happy, and a country you’ve never visited before.

Cambodia keeps coming up on your radar, but every time you start researching it feels like a rabbit hole with no end. Which destinations are worth your family’s time? And what does a realistic Cambodia family road trip itinerary actually look like?

We’ve visited Cambodia twice. Once to explore the temples of Angkor and once to travel through the country by public transport and remorque. After both trips, we came away convinced that Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated family destinations.

This itinerary combines Cambodia’s biggest highlights with a few places that surprised us the most. Over 3 weeks you’ll explore ancient temples, learn about Cambodia’s history, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, hike through rainforest and finish on some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

Short on time? A 2-week and 1-week itinerary will help you make the cuts.

Cambodia Itinerary Map

Epic 3-Week Family Road Trip through Cambodia

This ultimate Cambodia itinerary for families starts and ends in capital city Phnom Penh.

This is the best Cambodia trip itinerary for families who are looking to combine city trips, soaking up history, hiking in nature and chilling at the beach. You’ll find it all in this 3-week itinerary.

If you want to follow this entire road trip itinerary of Cambodia at a slower pace, opt for a 3,5 week stay. In that case, prolong your beach vacay before you head back to Phnom Penh or stay in Siem Reap a little longer to explore more temples of Angkor.

Here’s our day-by-day schedule for the 3-week Cambodia itinerary:

Because of the war theme and graphic imagery these are sites for families with older teens. I’ll explain more about why later in this post. 

Though terrifying and sad, we highly recommend visiting them if you want to learn more about Cambodia’s past.

Cambodia’s Royal Palace

I briefly mentioned it, but let’s highlight another must do in Phnom Penh: a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda that you’ll spot on site.

It looks like a smaller version of Thailand’s Royal Palace. And while Cambodia’s Royal Palace is a lot smaller in size, it isn’t less impressive.

Stay in Phnom Penh with kids for 2 or 3 days and also visit the Wat Phnom temple, take a boat ride on the Mekong river, shop trinkets at the Psar Thmei Market and explore the National Museum of Cambodia.

Here are all your accommodation options in Phnom Penh

Top Tours in Phnom Penh

Day 4-5: Kratié

Most families skip Kratie, or Kracheh, entirely. We get it, it’s off the main tourist trail and it takes some effort to get there. But it’s worth it if you’re into wildlife.

Kratié is a small town on the banks of the Mekong, about 3 hours north of Phnom Penh.

It’s a quiet place that hasn’t been touched by mass tourism yet. People wanting to practice English came up to us and asked us why we came to Kratié. And we told them, what I’ll tell you now.

The French colonial architecture along the riverfront is beautiful, the street food is great and there is one big draw to come here.

The main reason to come here is the Irrawaddy dolphin. These critically endangered freshwater dolphins live in the Mekong near Kampi, just north of town.

You take a small boat out on the river and watch them from a respectful distance. They’re wild animals in their natural habitat, so if you opt for an ethical tour company, they’ll keep the appropriate distance. 

Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but your chances are good, especially in the dry season between November and March.

You can also kayak on the Mekong River or rent a bike and explore the area.

Here are all your accommodation options in Kratié

Top Tours in Kratié

Day 6-9: Siem Reap

After exploring Kratie we head out further north, before slowly working our way to the south.

Next up is Siem Reap. Mostly known as the gateway to the temples of Angkor, but this city offers so much more!

Angkor Temples

Of course you should visit the Angkor Archeological Park, if you have time stay at least 3 days (make sure to buy a 3-day Angkor Pass) and don’t stop at a visit to Angkor Wat.

Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and Ta Keo are also truly magnificent. Your children will love exploring these temple complexes as much as you will.

Other Great Things to Do In Siem Reap with Kids

Spotting gibbons while zip lining

There’s one thing that should be on the top of your list when you visit Siem Reap with teenagers. Go zip lining through the jungle and spot gibbons.

Kids ages 5 and up can join, but I can imagine that it can be very scary for kids that young. Once you’re up you have to go down via the zip line.

It can get really uncomfortable if your kid’s scared and you have to push them along. If your kid isn’t used to activities like this, I wouldn’t start younger than 7 or 8 years old.

Note that gibbons are wild animals that avoid contact with humans. Spotting them is not guaranteed, you actually have to be lucky to catch them. We did see them hanging out in the trees, but we were the first group of the day, at 5.00pm.

Siem Reap is actually a great place to explore by bike. We explored the temples of Angkor as well as the city center by bike. The other great option is to hire a Remork, the Cambodian Tuk Tuk, to take you to all the sights. Make a deal beforehand, or you’ll be surprised with a hefty fee at the end of the day.

Other amazing things to do in Siem Reap with kids:

• taking a Khmer Cooking Class
• a hot air balloon ride over the temples of Angkor
• visiting the Angkor National Museum
• go shopping at the Night Markets

Top Tours in Siem Reap

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Once you’ve found an ethical tour company, the local guides will take you off the beaten path and away from the crowds. The most amazing villages are Mechrey, or Mech Rey, and Kompong Khleang. 

On a boat you’ll pass by houses, schools and pagodas all on stilted platforms. It’s a very nice experience and it’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

At one or two places you’ll get off and are allowed to wander around a bit. Don’t invade people’s privacy and take pictures from inside their homes or simply walk into the houses. And if a local invites you inside, leave them a small tip.

Tonlé Sap Day Trip from Siem Reap

There aren’t a lot of places to stay, so book a tour while you’re still in Siem Reap. Tonlé Sap is located about 15km from the center of Siem Reap.

Your tour operator will pick you up from your hotel Siem Reap. If you’re not staying in a hotel, just mention the one that’s closest to your accommodation and head out there. This is also the place where you’ll be brought back at the end of the tour.

There are half and full day tours, with smaller children I would go for the half day tour.

Also, you need to head to Battambang in the afternoon which takes about 4 hours by bus, 4.5 hours by tuk tuk, and 2.5-3 hours by car. A full day tour is impossible if you move on to Battambang on the same day.

Day 11: Battambang

We are slowly moving down by traveling from Siem Reap to the city Battambang. Battambang lies about 165km south from Siem Reap. Once in Battambang stay for one day.

The absolute top thing to do for kids in Battambang is a ride on the bamboo train. For about ៛20,000 (€4.50/$5 USD) per person, the bamboo train will take you through the jungles of Cambodia.

Bamboo Train

It’s basically a bamboo plank on wheels, powered by a tractor engine. In 30 minutes this train will follow about 7km of train track.

There’s nothing to hold onto and no seatbelts, but there are seats aboard. You go quite fast, so hold onto the kiddo’s.

Another thing you shouldn’t skip when in Battambang is a stroll along the riverfront, where you’ll find a small kids playground.

Things really come alive here around 5.00pm, when locals meet up with each other here.

Lastly, visit the Bat Caves around sunset. The caves are located about 10km from the center of Battambang. Find a table at one of the cafes and wait.

As soon as the sun starts to set thousands of bats fly out of the caves and into the sunset. It’s a brilliant sight to see.

Day 12-14: Cardamom Mountains

Most people driving through southwestern Cambodia don’t stop here. They should.

The Cardamom Mountains are one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests and one of Cambodia’s best kept secrets.

It’s a completely different side of the country. No temples, no tuk tuks, no tourist trail. Just dense jungle, rivers, waterfalls and incredible wildlife.

The main base for families is Chi Phat, a small village on the Preak Piphot River.

What makes it special is the story behind it. The village used to be home to poachers. Today, those same people are your guides and rangers, thanks to an ecotourism program run by Wildlife Alliance NGO.

Every dollar you spend here goes directly back into the community and into protecting the forest. It doesn’t get more ethical than that.

From Chi Phat you can hike jungle trails at your own pace. There are routes for all levels, including easy trails that are perfectly doable with kids under 10. Bring a back carrier for babies and toddlers, though.

Swim in the Tatai waterfall (we didn’t but heard it’s fun), kayak on the river and keep your eyes on the trees for gibbons, sun bears and hornbills.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but your chances here are better than almost anywhere else in Cambodia. We were out of luck and didn’t see any of these animals.

A few practical things to know before you go: there are no ATMs in the Cardamoms, so bring enough cash.

Book your accommodation well in advance as it fills up fast. And avoid the rainy season between June and October when trails can become impassable.

Getting here from Battambang without a car takes some effort. There’s no direct public transport, so you’ll either need to take a bus via Pursat or backtrack to Phnom Penh first.

If you’re traveling by rental car or private driver, the journey takes around 5 to 7 hours and is straightforward.

Here are all your accommodation options in Cardamom Mountains

Day 15-16: Kampot & Kep

You started in the south and now you’ve travelled all the way down to the south coast.

The first beaches in this itinerary for Cambodia, but not the last: Kampot and Kep. Basically 2 for the price of 1 😉.

Kampot and Kep are two villages, located about 25km apart. Stay somewhere in the middle and visit them both. Or stay at one of them for a few days and take a day trip to the other town. Anything goes.

Things to Do In Kampot

Less families and a little more backpackers, so it’s better with teens. Check out Kampot, but spend the night in Kep to avoid the sounds of partying.

When in Kampot go on a night river cruise to see gorgeous fireflies and bioluminescent plankton. A very cool experience.

Another tip is to rent a scooter or hop into a Tuk Tuk for a visit to Phnom Bokor National Park. One of the most popular attractions in Kampot.

Entrance to the park is free, with only a small fee of ៛2,000 (€0.45/$0.50 USD) for motorbikes and ៛10,000 (€2.25/$2.50 USD) for cars at the gate.

Last but not least, Kampot is famous for its pepper. So head on out to the Kampot Pepper Farm and find out how they make pepper.

Day 17: Sihanoukville

The city of Sihanoukville is named after the former king, Norodom Sihanouk. Most travelers have heard about this city before traveling to Cambodia.

It’s added to most travel itineraries, but let’s be real frank here: Sihanoukville has changed a lot over the years.

The Chinese have invested heavily in Sihanoukville. Leading to heavy overdevelopment that has taken away much of its original charm and it’s no longer the laid-back beach town it once was.

So to be really honest, the biggest reason to visit Sihanoukville is because it’s the gateway to some of Cambodia’s most beautiful islands. 

Simply use Sihanoukville as you transit to or from the islands.

While here the best place to hang is on and around Otres Beach, which has managed to hold onto a quieter, more relaxed vibe and has the cleanest water in the area.

And if you haven’t visited a pepper farm in Kampot, you’ll get a second chance here.

If your kids (or you for that matter) aren’t templed out yet, go up Sihanouk Mountain and visit the Wat Leu temple.

Top Tours in Sihanoukville

Day 18-21: Koh Rong

We always like to end a family road trip by spending a few days on a tropical island. And that’s what we did while in Cambodia.

The last stop on this Cambodia route is the gorgeous island Koh Rong. Koh Rong has some of the best beaches in Cambodia!

There’s simply no better way to charge your battery after a road trip with kids, then ending with a bang with a little beach holiday.

Koh Rong has some beautiful coral reefs, so make sure to pack your snorkel. Or buy it at one of the many souvenirs shops.

When you get out of the water you’ll look at the whitest sandy beach you’ve ever seen, surrounded by rows of coconut trees. There’s no question that your family will relax while here.

Some other great things to do in Koh Rong:

• book a plankton tour and see it light up in the dark
• go diving or get your PADI here
• rent a kayak and explore the waters around the island
• zip line through the jungle
• play around in the sand

When your Koh Rong tropical island vacation is over, it’s time to get back to Phnom Penh and end your time in Cambodia.

Top Tours on Koh Rong

Cambodia Travel Route for Shorter Family Trips

Not everyone has 3 weeks. Here’s how to trim this route without missing the best of Cambodia.

Here are 1 and 2 week Cambodia travel itineraries for you.

2-Week Cambodia Road Trip Itinerary

• ✈️ Day 1-3: Phnom Penh
• Day 4-6: Siem Reap
• Day 7: Tonlé Sap – Battambang
• Day 8: Battambang
• Day 9-10: Kampot & Kep
• Day 11: Sihanoukville
• Day 12-13: Koh Rong
• Day 14: Koh Rong – Phnom Penh ✈️

Kratie and the Cardamom Mountains are the two destinations we’d cut first.

Kratie is a bit of a detour and the Cardamoms take time to get to. Both are worth it if you have 3 weeks, but on a tighter schedule they’re the easiest to drop without missing the highlights.

If your family is more into wildlife and hiking, keep both, and skip the south coast.

1-Week Cambodia Road Trip Itinerary

Here are our suggestions for a Cambodia 1 week itinerary:

• ✈️ Day 1-2: Phnom Penh
• Day 3-4: Siem Reap
• Day 5: Siem Reap – Cardamom Mountains
• Day 6: Cardamom Mountains
• Day 7: Cardamom Mountains – Phnom Penh ✈️

One week in Cambodia is tight, but this route gives you the best possible mix.

You start with the city and culture of Phnom Penh, move on to the history and temples of Siem Reap, and finish with nature and jungle in the Cardamom Mountains, which sits perfectly on the way back to Phnom Penh for your flight home.

Save the coast, the islands and the rest for your next trip.

Getting to Cambodia

Cambodia has 3 international airports: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Most families flying in will land in Phnom Penh, which is where this road trip starts and ends.

Fly

Phnom Penh International Airport is well connected to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond.

Direct flights operate from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and more.

If you’re flying from Europe, Oceania or the US, you’ll probably connect through one of these hubs.

Overland

If you’re already traveling Southeast Asia, entering Cambodia overland is a great option.

We took the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh ourselves and it’s a perfectly doable journey with kids. The main Bavet border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia is straightforward and well-traveled. 

Leaving Vietnam and entering Cambodia took about 30 minutes. We got off the bus, stood in line at border control and got our passports stamped.

From Laos, there’s 1 international border crossing into northern Cambodia near Stung Treng. A long journey by (sleeper) bus is possible. But we have no experience with it.

We did hear it’s doable and safe if you’re coming from that direction. It does take about 24 hours though, so I think it’s an option for backpackers without kids. But with kids, I think it would be a very rough journey.

If you’re planning to combine Cambodia with Thailand, be aware that all land border crossings between the 2 countries have been closed since June 2025 due to an ongoing border conflict.

There’s no reopening date as of 2026. Fly between Bangkok and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap instead. Flights are frequent and affordable.

Is it possible to travel overland from Vietnam to Cambodia with a rental car?

This is a tricky one. We researched this possibility when we wanted to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, but found out that there were no rental companies that’ll allow you to cross the border with their cars.

The same applies for rentals in Laos.

It’s possible to book a private driver from either one of these countries to Cambodia. It requires a car swap at the border, but it’s the best overland choice if you want to avoid the bus.

Because of the tension between Thailand and Cambodia we don’t recommend traveling overland by car, whether rental or with a driver.

There are no trains running from Laos to Cambodia and from Vietnam to Cambodia. And again, because the border between Thailand and Cambodia is only open by air, traveling from one to another by train is also not an option.

Getting Around Cambodia

Cambodia is very doable to get around, even with kids in tow. You have several options depending on your budget, comfort level and how much flexibility you want.

Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the most freedom on this road trip. You set your own schedule, stop when you want and don’t have to negotiate prices at every turn.

Roads between major cities are generally in good condition, though rural roads can be rough.

An International Driving Permit is required alongside your national license. Minimum age to rent is 23.

Rental car per day (2026 estimates):

• Budget car: around ៛164,000 (about €36/$40 USD)
• Family SUV: around ៛328,000 to ៛410,000 (about €73 to €91/$80 to $100 USD)
• 3-week total ballpark: around ៛3,444,000 to ៛8,610,000 (about €765 to €1,910/$840 to $2,100 USD)

Get your rental car here

Private Driver

This is honestly a great option for families. You get the flexibility of a car without the stress of driving in unfamiliar traffic.

Negotiate a daily rate upfront and agree on a maximum number of kilometers. 

Your driver will take you wherever you need to go and most speak enough English to help with basic communication along the way.

Private driver per day (2026 estimates):

• Low: ៛328,000 (about €73/$80 USD)
• High: ៛492,000 (about €109/$120 USD)
• 3-week total ballpark: ៛6,888,000 to ៛10,332,000 (about €1,530 to €2,290/$1,680 to $2,520 USD)

Public Transport

Buses and minivans connect all major destinations on this itinerary. They’re affordable, reliable and perfectly fine for families.

Sleeper buses are a great option for longer overnight legs, like the route from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. We’ve done this one and used Giant Ibis, because they offer the most comfortable sleeper bus rides. and it works well with kids. Book tickets in advance during peak season.

There’s no passenger train network connecting the major tourist destinations in Cambodia, so bus and minivan are your main public transport options.

Tuk-Tuk

The tuk-tuk, or remorque as it’s called in Cambodia, is the best way to get around within cities and for shorter trips between destinations. It’s fun, it’s cheap and kids love it.

Book a tuk tuk through tuktukrental.com for a hassle-free experience. We haven’t driven a tuk tuk through Cambodia ourselves, but did our road trip through Sri Lanka by renting a tuk tuk from Tuk Tuk Rental and are eager to go back to Cambodia and revisit and explore more of it by tuk tuk.

3 weeks in a rental tuk tuk will cost you around ៛1,640,000 (about €364/$400 USD).

Backpacking Through Cambodia with Kids

Though this Cambodia family road trip can be done by car. The infrastructure is still not as developed as neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. Though it has improved a lot in recent years, we choose public transportation over a rental car.

Backpacking through Cambodia as a family is not only doable, but very rewarding.

Overall Cambodia is not as developed as these Southeast Asian countries. That means less travelers, but with just as much to explore.

And by contributing to tourism, you help the Cambodians put food on the table. Stick to local restaurants, home stays and hostels and hotels and avoid the larger chains if you want to help the locals.

So grab your backpacks, book those sleeper buses, domestic flights or minivans and enjoy the beauty of Cambodia!

Planning a Family Road Trip to Cambodia

Getting a road trip right takes some serious planning. It starts months before the trip, choosing the destination, planning the route, arranging visas, renewing passports or ID’s and checking if you need medical declarations. And don’t forget renting a car or camper and/or buying flight tickets.

Planning a family road trip can get pretty overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my eBook! I’ll be holding your hand every step of the way. Just to make sure your family road trip through Cambodia will go smoothly.

Get my FREE ebook >> The Ultimate Beginners Guide: Planning a Family Road Trip

Cambodia Road Trip Essentials

A few practical things to know before you hit the road.

💵 Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted across Cambodia and often preferred in tourist areas. The local currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR). You’ll often get change in riel when paying in dollars. 

📱 eSIM and VPN: A local (e)SIM is the easiest way to stay connected on the road. Pick one up before you leave or download an eSIM. A VPN is worth having too, especially if you’re working remotely or accessing accounts from home.

🛡️ Travel Insurance: Make sure you’ve got travel insurance for the family. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation, since healthcare in rural Cambodia is limited. 

🍜 Food Safety with Kids: Cambodia has incredible street food and eating local is part of the experience. Stick to freshly cooked food and avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit unless you’ve washed it yourself with bottled water. Buy a water bottle that filters and purifies water or buy bottled water only for drinking and teeth brushing. Pack oral rehydration salts just in case.

Is Cambodia Good for Families?

Cambodia is quickly becoming an increasingly popular Asian travel destination.

With its rich culture, remote jungles and tropical beaches it’s a wonder it took travelers this long to see beyond the temples of Angkor.

Cambodia is much more than that. The Khmer are a welcoming people. The diverse scenery, its friendly people and fascinating, yet tragic history make Cambodia a very interesting and versatile holiday destination.

There are lots of family friendly things to do in Cambodia. Road tripping or backpacking Cambodia with kids is a rewarding and incredible experience for the entire family.

Best Age to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia is a great travel destination for kids of all ages. Cambodians love kids and are very helpful.

They can get overly enthusiastic with blond kids, though. They love to cuddle them and even pick them up. Just kindly let them know when they’re overstepping and they’ll understand. Khmer are very polite people and don’t mean to cross your boundaries.

Cambodia with a Baby or Toddler

Stock up on formula, diapers and bottled water in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap before heading somewhere remote. Bring a carrier for the temples and hikes. A lightweight stroller works fine in cities, but leave it behind for rougher terrain.

Cambodia with Tweens

Tweens will enjoy Cambodia. There’s enough variety to keep them genuinely engaged: temples, zip lines, bamboo trains, islands and some of the best street food you’ll ever eat.

They’re getting old enough to start understanding the history too, which makes the whole trip richer. Although I would still avoid sites like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng.

Cambodia with Teens

Teens get a lot out of Cambodia. We traveled here with ours and he loved it very much. Angkor in Siem Reap and the hiking in Cardamom Mountains were the highlights for him.

Teens are at the age where the culture, vibe and the history really land. And Cambodia has much of everything.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia has 2 seasons: dry and wet. Here’s a quick look at when to go depending on what your family wants to get out of the trip.

November to February (cool dry season): This is the sweet spot. Temperatures are comfortable (not so bloody hot anymore…), skies are clear and it’s the best time to explore temples and spend time outdoors. It’s also peak tourist season, so expect bigger crowds at Angkor and higher hotel prices.

This is when we visited and we loved it. It’s the best time to visit Cambodia weather wise.

March to May (hot dry season): It gets seriously hot, above 40°C in some areas.

The beaches and islands are still great during this period thanks to sea breezes, but sightseeing in Phnom Penh or Angkor or hiking in the Cardamoms is tough going with kids.

This is definitely a season we would avoid with kids (or without them, to be honest….).

June to October (wet season): Showers are frequent but usually short. The countryside turns lush and green, crowds thin out and prices drop significantly.

July and August are actually a smart choice for families since school holidays line up with Cambodia’s less extreme rainfall months. Unless you want to go hiking in the Cardamom Mountains. It gets really slippery on most of the trails.

Just know that the islands can be rough and ferry services unreliable from July to September.

Dark Side of Cambodia’s Past

After a civil war that lasted 5 years, the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Its Marxist dictator Pol Pot wanted to create a classless society based on farming. Communist style. 

Citizens seen as intellectuals and/or possible threats to the regime were murdered.

Often they were held captive first, working for the regime in the fields or to be interrogated and brutally tortured in the process.

The Importance of Visiting War Memorial Sights

We think it’s important to visit war memorial sights like Tuol Sleng Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (aka the Killing Fields).

This way we can pay our respects and learn from the past. But Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields are not suitable for children. They’re horrifying and gruesome.

Sites in Cambodia Not Suitable for Young Kids

There are many places where you can learn about the Cambodian Genocide. The Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide, both in Phnom Penh, are the most famous examples. While they allow children of all ages, I really wouldn’t bring kids under the age of 13-14 here.

The graphic pictures and videos are difficult to digest and grasp the meaning of as an adult, let alone a child. The cruelty of the regime and its leader is palpable when visiting these sites.

Skulls and bones can be seen at the Killing Fields. A tree where they slammed babies and children against to spare bullets is now a place of remembrance.

My partner and I took turns visiting these sites. When one of us was there alone, the other opted for a kid friendly activity.

Kids Selling Souvenirs

Cambodia endured war and tragedy both leading up to the Cambodian Genocide, initiated by Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, during this time and after it was over. Poverty and illiteracy is still a huge problem.

You’ll see lots of kids selling souvenirs around the temples of Angkor, to help provide for their family. Resulting in them skipping school.

As hard as it is, you’ll contribute to the problem when buying from them. If we all stop buying souvenirs from kids, here and in the rest of the world, they’ll go back to school and get a chance to break the negative cycle.

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