There are several benefits to travelling in Southeast Asia as opposed to other parts of the world that make each trip so pleasurable. Firstly, it is relatively safe compared to other continents and provided you use some common sense the risk to children is very low. So they are free to focus on playing without any real issues. Secondly it is warm year round, so no need to bring lots of heavy clothes, some light weight gear is just fine and if it gets dirty laundry is cheap and locations are abundant. Thirdly, I’ve always found hotel and restaurant staff to be very friendly and accommodating of little ones and seem to genuinely want to play with them, therefore allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal or a bit of pool time. As the culture in Cambodia is vastly different to that back home, there is always something new for kids (and big kids) to discover, this holds their attention and keeps them wanting more, a real discovery of the senses, so there is no need to drag them around as they are often intrepidly racing out in front.
Introducing children to new experiences and perhaps putting them slightly out of their comfort zone allows them to become independent and builds their confidence. More often than not it’s the parents that are more concerned than their children. My daughter has been in many situations in Cambodia and is very tolerant, as Disraeli said “travel teaches toleration”. Meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and colours from an early age allows kids to form their own opinions without prejudice and breaks down those preconceived barriers many adults have instilled within them.
As a country, Cambodia is conveniently located next to the hub’s that are Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, only a short flight away. So it’s convenient to get to for a holiday, Tourist Visas are easy to obtain on arrival or as e-visas prior to arrival. The country is very safe to walk around and is currently in a state of gentrification throughout. Hospitals are good on the whole and have experts on hand should anything go amiss. In addition to the good hospitals are the world class hotels on offer, with some outstanding brands present in Cambodia, such as Raffles, Park Hyatt, Sofitel and Zannier, here you will find comprehensive child minding services provided by background checked staff while you relax by the pool, enjoy a peaceful dinner or want to go out exploring. There are plenty of suitable activities for children to stir the imagination both at the hotel and around the towns. fantastic and safety is assured in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Overall holidaying with kids is great fun with never a dull moment they are like a sponge, just soaking it all up. Some of our recent holiday highlight’s have been camping at Kulen mountain deep in the jungle beside a river, playing in the shallow river and toasting marshmallows on the campfire were certainly high points.
Let their imagination run wild with a trip around the world famous temples of Angkor, we were lucky enough to have the whole place to ourselves, certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
A visit to a silk farm is always an interesting adventure of discovery as you are walked through the processes of creating beautiful garments.
Enjoy an afternoon with Elephants at the Kulen Elephant Forest and experience walking alongside these gentle giants in their nature reserve.
What can be better when you’re with kids than relaxing on a paradise island? Take a trip to Saracen Bay on the idyllic Island of Koh Rong Samloem where the sea is calm and the waters are shallow, gently lapping on the white sand, whilst you kick back and relax with a cold drink in hand.
