The Angkor Wat temples are typically the primary destination when travelling to Siem Reap with kids. Long walks, steep stairs, and intense heat can overwhelm children and parents after a few days, despite their iconic status. You need a change of pace at that point. The ideal substitute is Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium (AWA). It blends interactive learning, thrilling wildlife encounters, safe and stroller-friendly pathways, and air-conditioned comfort.
The answer to the question of whether families should make the trip is straightforward: yes.
Key points:
- Location: 30-40 minutes from Siem Reap’s downtown.
- Best Attraction in Siem reap apart from the main temples.
- How to Get There: Free shuttle buses depart from city pickup locations twice a day. Round-trip tuk-tuk fares range from $15 to $25.
- Adult tickets cost $20, while children’s tickets cost $11. Children under one year old enter free. Tickets can be purchased through the official website, at the door or online via multiple online booking platforms.
- It takes approximately three to four hours to see everything, making it an ideal half-day excursion.
- Facilities include a clean lavatory, paved walkways, stroller-friendly routes, an air-conditioned aquarium and on-site dining.
Why AWA is the Perfect Escape for Families
The main reasons why Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is a unique destination providing safety, comfort and value preferred by locals and tourists alike:
- The fully air-conditioned aquarium provides a much-needed reprieve from the heat for both you and your children.
- The park is big enough to explore, but it’s small enough that you won’t feel exhausted afterwards.
- Navigating is made simple by wide walkways and stroller-friendly paths, which are uncommon in Cambodia’s tourist destinations.
- Your visit will be both enjoyable and educational, thanks to the educational signage in each area and the staff members on hand to answer any questions.
However, AWA’s vision, that it is more than just a tourist destination, is what truly makes it unique. It is the first wildlife park and aquarium in Cambodia with the dual goals of protecting, rescuing, and rehabilitating species, particularly those indigenous to Southeast Asia. Many of the animals you see are either rescued from zoos, endangered species that have been given a second chance, or survivors of the illegal pet trade.
Highlights of AWA
AWA introduces you to both local wildlife and international species. Among the highlights are:
- Two of the biggest freshwater fish in the world are the Mekong Giant Catfish and the Giant Barb. These Mekong River native species are in grave danger of extinction and can be seen in the freshwater aquarium.
- Marine Life: Spotted Eagle Rays and Zebra Sharks swim through the saltwater tanks. Your children can walk beneath and around the aquarium tunnel, which simulates being underwater.
- Otters: With their entertaining antics, smooth-coated otters steal the show. Children can observe them at eye level thanks to their two-sided enclosure.
- Sun Bears: Also called “honey bears,” these animals are rescued from captivity and provide entertaining and educational experiences. There are currently three bears rescued from the illegal pet trade.
- Bengal Tigers: These magnificent and breathtaking tigers reside in two areas, once in a grand open park mimicking their natural habitat, which are intended to provide both comfort and safety.
- Siamese Crocodiles: Previously believed to be extinct in the wild, these critically endangered reptiles are now a part of AWA’s conservation breeding program.
- Reptiles & More: The reptile house and outdoor habitats are home to a diverse array of species, including snakes, lizards, porcupines, binturongs, and many more.
Education, Disguised as Fun
One of the strengths of Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is its ability to blend entertainment with education. The educational side is seamlessly integrated into the experience, so visitors of all ages leave with a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s wildlife and ecosystems.
- You learn about the role of Tonle Sap Lake, which is home to millions of aquatic species and is considered the most significant freshwater ecosystem in Cambodia.
- You see firsthand how the AWA team rescues and rehabilitates animals that require special care, such as bears and crocodiles saved from the pet trade, as well as fish species bred to support population recovery.
- You get closer to nature in the Discovery Pool, where select species can be observed more interactively.
- Knowledgeable guides offer precise and engaging explanations that make complex conservation topics easy to understand.
Final Wordings
If you’ve read this far, you already know where I stand: Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is a must-do for families visiting Siem Reap.
Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium offers a unique blend of comfort and excitement. While you enjoy a much-needed respite from the heat in a tidy and orderly setting, the children have room to explore and learn in a safe environment. The park’s thoughtful layout, stroller-friendly walkways, and manageable size make for an incredibly stress-free experience.
Everyone departs with a smile and a feeling of connection to Cambodia’s living wildlife by the end of the day, regardless of age. AWA is a win-win situation for parents seeking a break from the temples.