Blog Update
Siem Reap with Kids: A Family Day with Elephants
Oct
After a few days of temples, children (and parents) often need a different kind of adventure. A half day at Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary is outdoors, hands-on and full of learning, which makes it one of the most memorable things to do in Siem Reap with kids.
Why families love it
- Kids get involved: they help prepare the elephants’ food, join the mud bath and help bathe the elephants in the river.
- They learn as they go: the guide explains what elephants eat, why they bathe and how the team cares for them.
- Easy logistics: pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in the Siem Reap area, and you are back in about half a day.
Ages and prices
Children aged 4 to 10 pay the child rate, children under 4 join free and guests aged 11 and over pay the adult rate.
| Program A (about 2 hours) | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $75 USD |
| Child (4–10 years old) | $62 USD |
| Under 4 years old | Free |
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Siem Reap area, guide, seasonal fruit and drinking water. Prices are shown live from our booking system.
What kids actually do
The program with the elephants lasts about two hours:
- Meet the guide and learn about the elephants (25–30 minutes)
- Make elephant food by mixing rice, rice bran, bananas and mangoes (about 20 minutes)
- Join the elephants in a mud bath (about 15 minutes)
- Help bathe the elephants in the river (20–30 minutes)
- Relax with seasonal fruit and water (about 30 minutes)
Kids who want to read up before the visit will enjoy how much elephants eat in a day and the three species of elephants.
Tips for a smooth family day
- Pick your round: the morning round (pick-up 7:30–8:00) is usually cooler; the afternoon round (pick-up 12:30–13:00) suits families who prefer a slow morning.
- Dress for mud and water: swimsuits or old clothes and sandals that stay on. Pack a towel, a change of clothes and a bag for wet things. Shower rooms are available.
- Sun protection: bring hats and sunscreen. Seasonal fruit and drinking water are provided.
- Stay close: the elephants are gentle but very big. Keep little ones with you and follow the guide’s and mahouts’ instructions.
- Tell us when booking: transfers are in the sanctuary’s roofed pickup truck. If you are travelling with very young children, mention it in your booking.
Fitting it into your Siem Reap trip
The sanctuary is in Banteay Srei district, the same area as Banteay Srei temple, famous for its finely carved pink sandstone. Temple visits need an Angkor Pass: see how to buy a ticket for Banteay Srei. The tour itself returns you to your hotel; if you would like to continue to nearby temples afterwards, ask our team about a private transfer when you book.
Many families pair a morning with the elephants and a quiet afternoon at the hotel pool, or a temple morning followed by the afternoon round. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Siem Reap.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum age?
Children of all ages can join. Children under 4 join free and must stay with an adult at all times.
Is it safe for children?
Every activity is supervised by the guide and the mahouts, who explain how to behave around the elephants. Children should follow their instructions and stay with a parent.
Will my kids get dirty?
Yes, that’s part of the fun. There is a mud bath and a river bath, so bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. Shower rooms are available.
How long is the trip?
About two hours with the elephants plus roughly two hours of round-trip transfer, so plan for half a day.
Ready for a family day out? Book your visit online or message us on Facebook with any questions.
Plan your visit to Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary
- Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary Visitor Guide: Schedule, What to Bring and How to Book
- Book the 2-hour elephant program (hotel pick-up in Siem Reap included)