Wat Phnom

This is one of those easy little culture stops that fits perfectly into a day with kids — no pressure, no rushing, and no inevitable meltdown halfway round.

Because it’s right in the city, we don’t plan a whole outing around it. It’s more of a “let’s pop in and see how it goes” kind of place, which honestly works so much better with little ones. We usually do a gentle wander, enjoy the shade, and let the kids take things in at their own pace. It feels like a really calm introduction to temple life without it being overwhelming or intense.

There’s space to walk, things to look at, and just enough going on to keep kids curious without overstimulating them. It’s the sort of place where even a short visit still feels worthwhile.

It’s also really budget-friendly — only $1 per adult — which makes it an easy yes if you’re trying to balance sightseeing with family costs. We’ve found it works best as a short stop rather than a main event, and that’s exactly why we like it.

Top tip: go earlier in the day if you can. Mornings are cooler, calmer, and much quieter, which makes a huge difference with toddlers or babies. Later on it can feel hotter and busier, so early is definitely the sweet spot for families.

If you’ve got young babies, a carrier is the way to go — a pushchair won’t really work here.

And if you’ve got a bit more time, there’s a great playground close by, which makes it really easy to turn a quick visit into a half-day outing. We often pair the two together for a nice balance of culture and playtime — best of both worlds with kids.