As we welcome the new year and witness the reopening of schools across Cambodia, there’s typically an influx of newcomers to the Kingdom, including families making their initial relocation.
While Phnom Penh may not boast the title of the world’s greenest city, it does offer some green areas and parks, along with family-oriented attractions and various activities. Similar considerations are also being made in other Cambodian urban areas.
In addition to conventional commercial and retail property developments, markets, and tourist spots, contribute to the economy and foster growth for small and medium-sized enterprises. The movement of pedestrians and vehicles in these areas also influences urban planning and impacts the prices of residential and commercial properties.
Discovering Cambodian Parks in 2024
Cambodia’s capital and other urban centers are diversifying land usage by introducing new family-friendly attractions and, ideally, more green spaces, acknowledging their significant benefits.
Samdech Vibol Panha Sok An Kirivong Cultural Park – Takeo
Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2024, the cultural park being developed by SOMA Construction & Development Co., Ltd. in Boeung Tonleab, Preah Bat Choan Chum commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province, is set to be an impressive addition to the area. Spanning 500 meters in length and 100 meters in width, the Samdech Vibol Panha Sok An Kirivong Cultural Park sits adjacent to National Road 2 and is being funded by the family of Samdech Sok An, in honor of the late former Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister who hailed from the region.
Initial glimpses from photographs released by SOMA towards the end of 2023 portray a setting that is both welcoming to families and aesthetically pleasing.
The park will feature a statue commemorating Samdech Sok An, along with amenities such as a library, sports court, gyms, café, lounge, and a children’s playground. Additionally, plans include water features, including a boating area and spaces for public events.
Designed for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors alike, the park aims to provide a serene environment for leisurely strolls and exercise. The public library within the park is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting education and serving various community interests in the future, according to the governor of the province.
Furthermore, Takeo is conveniently accessible as it is one of the stops along the southbound passenger train route from Phnom Penh, making it an easily manageable day trip from the capital.
Coconut Park – Phnom Penh
One of the most popular parks in the Cambodian capital, Coconut Park is a free public park located on Koh Pich and has some greenspaces as well as restaurants, bars, a roller skating rink (CIS Roller Dome), bike trails, a Splash Pad, and the area also has been host to markets and other events.
The Makerspace Ceramik Art Studio also has a range of interactive activities for kids and adults with the creative space providing a Lego studio.
Aquation Phnom Penh / Treellion Park
Not far from Coconut Park, Treellion Park is home to the city’s only put-put course (Birdies Mini Golf), and the DIB club swimming pool is popular for all ages. The surreal statues and garden decorations make Treellion Park an interesting place to wander around and there are increasing choices of eateries such The Bus and the Glasshouse.
The area has also been used for concerts and music and themed events. There was even karting introduced in 2023 (Kart Station) but this appears to have been suspended.
Sunshine Family Park – Phnom Penh
The Sunshine Family Park is located in Phnom Penh on Ayasmayan West Street (113) which was completed towards the end of 2023 and is self-billed as a “power-free amusement park” thus, the first of its kind in Cambodia.
Presented as a theme park with staff in costumes, there are plenty of Instagram moments, with inflatables set up for youths to play on, but there are also slides, jungle gyms and other attractions intended for kids. The venue has already been holding live music concerts so it may not suit everyone’s tastes, and there is a night market selling food and drinks.
Garden City Waterpark – Phnom Penh
Although not a green park, this water park is a welcome relief to the endless hot months in Cambodia, and the Phnom Penh water park is probably the biggest in the country offering more than 38 slides as well as a 550-metre-long Lazy River. The Kids Paradise water playground is PG13-safe but older kids can still get their thrills on slides such as the Kamikaze water slide.
Kampot River Park
Despite occasional crowds, particularly on weekends, the Kampot River Park presents a range of attractions including water slides, a water park, zip lines, and various activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and pedal boating along the river. Additionally, visitors can find bungalows and a restaurant serving local cuisine and beverages.
Situated at the Toek Chhou Rapids roughly 10 kilometers from Kampot in Bat Kbal Damrei village, Makprang commune, the park operates from 10am to 5pm.
Suggested Cambodian Family Activities 2024
Angkor Eye – Siem Reap
In Siem Reap, there’s no shortage of green spaces and activities to enjoy for locals, tourists, and expatriates alike. Beyond the temples, one standout attraction families should consider is the Angkor Eye—a towering Ferris wheel standing at 60 meters high, making it the tallest in the Kingdom. Offering breathtaking vistas of the countryside and a unique perspective of the renowned Angkor Wat complex, it’s an experience not to be missed.
For an unforgettable outing, consider booking a trip during sunset to catch the Golden Hour and witness stunning panoramic views, ideal for family portraits. Additionally, you can elevate your experience by reserving a capsule for afternoon tea or a cocktail session. Children of all ages are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and as a bonus, kids under 3 rides for free with an accompanying adult.
KHMER Streat – Food Festival & Night Market
In Cambodia’s capital, the weekends are now bustling with an increasing array of markets to explore, with farmers’ markets particularly gaining popularity.
Scheduled to debut in January 2024, this new food and night market will find its place in the Koh Norea area, currently experiencing extensive development.
Dubbed KHMER Streat – Food Festival & Night Market, the market aims to cater to both families and individuals, boasting a variety of Cambodian and international cuisines. Entertainment options are also on the agenda, including live music, cultural performances, and games. Operating hours are set from 4-11 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
N5 Night Market – Phnom Penh
Opened in November 2023, N5 stands out as Phnom Penh’s largest night market among several others scattered across the city, such as the Night Market in Borey Peng Huoth Boeung Snor, Prince Plaza Night Market, and 60M Night Market.
During its debut in the northern part of the city, N5 drew an estimated 30,000 visitors who flocked to explore offerings from over 300 vendors.
Developed by Prince Real Estate with a vision of “building a better life” and modernizing urban Cambodia through top-notch developments, the park incurred development costs totaling USD $1 million and spans across an impressive 18,000 square meters. Among its attractions are a variety of food and drinks, handicraft stalls, a graffiti wall, live music performances, a children’s playground, lush grass lawns, and a gaming zone.
While these are just a few examples, the forthcoming publication of “Projects for Phnom Penh: Urban Green Network Regeneration” by Urban Lab and the American University of Phnom Penh in 2024 promises to shine a spotlight on more environmentally friendly and sustainable markets and urban spaces as Cambodia’s urbanization journey charges ahead into the future.
