Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PHNOM PENH FOR CHILDREN
With chaotic traffic, a lack of green spaces and sights that are predominantly morbid, Phnom Penh
would not seem like the most child-friendly city. Think again. There are plenty of little gems to help
you pass the time with your children in the capital. Plus, what kid doesn't love a
remork
ride?
One rule of thumb is that kids also love Buddhist temples - especially colourful temples like Wat
Langka (
Click here
) or Wat Ounalom (
Click here
), and hill temples like Wat Phnom (
Click here
) or,
outside of town, Udong (
Click here
). Shimmering gold Buddhas, shiny stupas, animal statues and the
occasional monkey give children plenty of visual stimulation (just keep their eyes averted from poten-
tially scary demons). The Royal Palace (
Click here
) is similarly rich in Buddhist iconography.
If your kids ride two-wheelers, consider renting bicycles and crossing the Mekong by ferry from the
dock behind Imperial Garden Hotel. On the other side, smooth roads and trails lead 15km or so north
to
Smango
( 016994555;
www.smangohouse.com
;
pool admission US$5), a guesthouse with de-
cent food and a refreshing swimming pool. Check its website for exact directions.
Phnom Penh has decent public play spaces, including a
playground
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Sothearos Blvd) northwest of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Memorial in Wat Botum Park, and
another
playground
just south of Wat Phnom.
Sihanouk Blvd; 1hr from US$5; 8am-9.30pm) is a vast indoor play palace, with a first-rate climb-
ing gym, an elaborate jungle gym, a science gallery and an ice rink. Other indoor playgrounds (bring
socks) with elaborate slides, bouncy castles and the like can be found at amusement park
Dream
playground 2000r; 9am-9pm), which also has a ferris wheel and other rides; and, for younger chil-
9am-7pm), which has wi-fi and a cafe for adults.
Many of the restaurants and cafes are child-friendly, but there are a few specifically aimed at famil-
ies, including Le Jardin (
Click here
).
The most interesting attraction is beyond the city limits and makes a good day trip: Phnom Tamao
Wildlife Sanctuary (
Click here
), a rescue centre for Cambodia's incredible wildlife.
National Library
(Bibliothèque Nationale; St 92; 8-11am & 2-5pm Mon-Fri)
The National Library is in a graceful
old building constructed in 1924, near Wat Phnom. During its rule, the Khmer Rouge
turned the building into a stable and destroyed most of the topics. Many were thrown out
into the streets and picked up by people, some of whom donated them back to the library
after 1979; others used them as food wrappings. Today it houses, among other things, a
time-worn collection of English and French titles, including some ancient Lonely Planet
books.
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