There are so many wonderful places to visit in Portugal, and Obidos is one you should not miss. This beautiful village is filled with whitewashed buildings which are painted and covered with colorful bougainvillea. You’ll quickly fall in love as you slowly stroll around the narrow streets. We briefly stopped here overnight on our 10 day trip through Portugal. It’s an easy drive from Lisbon, and the perfect stop on a road trip. Read on to see why this place captivated our hearts and memories.

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Places to Visit in Portugal: Obidos Village Guide

In This Article
Brief Background of Obidos
How to Get to Obidos
When to Go to Obidos
Where to Stay in Obidos
What to Do in Obidos

The view of Obidos from the castle

A Brief Background on Obidos

Obidos is a unique place with a network of narrow cobblestone streets, town squares, homes and shops. It sits atop a hill with Obidos Castle as its focal point. King Afonso II presented it to his wife on her wedding day in the 1200s, which happens to be a Portuguese tradition. Because of this its been nicknamed “The Town of the Queens.”

The village is a perfect example of medieval architecture, with fortified castle walls surrounding it and entry through various gates. Because it’s close to the Atlantic, it used to thrive as a trading port. The 1755 earthquake caused damage to the town, but since then it has been restored.

How to Get to Obidos

You can get to Obidos by bus or train from Lisbon, however the best way is to rent a car and drive there. It’s about an hour drive via the A8 expressway and very easy to get to. You will have to park outside the walls once you arrive.

Driving also allows you to stay overnight and have it all to yourself after all the tours leave. Since it’s popular as a day trip, it can get quite crowded during the day. But once they leave the streets become much more quiet and empty.

Public Transportation

To get there by bus you’ll take the Rápida Verde from Campo Grande station in Lisbon. We do not recommend going by train since the journey takes much longer and also is not as close to the village.

Read more about our Portugal Road Trip

The homes were covered with flowers and beautifully painted

When to Go

The best time to visit Portugal overall is usually in spring or fall. We went during summer and stayed in the northern part, since the Algarve was most touristy during this time. If you’re into festivals you might want to plan your trip around those. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference of when to go.

The gorgeous view from the terrace and yard at Casa Picva

Where to Stay in Obidos

There are many wonderful places to stay in Obidos depending on what your style is. You can either stay inside or outside the walls. With a car, it’s much more convenient to stay somewhere outside the walls since you can park nearby. You cannot park on the inside since there’s no access.

We ended up choosing Casa Picva, perfectly located right outside the walls near one of the gates. The owner João was very welcoming and hospitable for our entire stay. The room was very spacious and comfortable and we even got an extra bed for our daughter. There is a cozy yard with seating, a koi pond, and fruit trees with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Breakfast was served communal style and everything was fresh and homemade. He offered great advice on what to see and do, as well as a helpful map. The house itself contained a lot of history and a wonderful collection of art. It was a perfect, relaxing stay and we would not hesitate to return again.

If you’re interested in staying within the walls the Torre de Maneys gets great reviews and is loved by many. It’s quite a unique place that makes you feel like you’re staying in a medieval castle. The interiors look stunning with beautiful views, and a delicious breakfast is included.

Need more Obidos hotel options? See more

What to Do in Obidos

Although Obidos is a rather small village, there are still many things to do. Below I’ve outlined some of the highlights on what to do while here, whether it’s a day trip or staying overnight.

Wander and Explore

One of the best parts of being in a gorgeous village like this, is just letting yourself wander. There are many hidden discoveries to be found walking around. Pay attention to the details around you, there is so much charm here. We had such a wonderful time relaxing and checking out all beauty around us. Since we live such a fast and busy life in a big city, it feels great to just slow down. Some of our favorite parts of a place are away from the main streets. You definitely won’t get tired of it!

A Medieval Tour
Are you a history lover like us? Get a proper intro to this village with this tour. You’ll visit a few secret spots including the castle, and finish off with a Ginjinha liqueur tasting.

Shop and Stroll Along the Rua Direita

Next up is the Rua Direita, a main street which runs through the center of the village. There are several local artisan shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and art galleries, and a great place to try some ginja. Although it can get rather busy, this street is bursting with delight. Make sure to stop by Capinha d’Óbidos for a sweet. It’s a family run bakery since the 1800’s with traditional recipes and such a wonderful atmosphere.

Closeup of ginja served in a chocolate cup

The view of the surrounding Portuguese countryside beyond the castle walls

Drink Ginja

Drinking ginja is another popular thing to do in Obidos. It’s a sour cherry liqueur that’s usually served in a chocolate cup. It’s very easy to find here along the Rue Direita and usually around 1 euro per cup. Many of the shops here also sell bottles of it so you can bring plenty home with you!

Obidos Castle and Walls

Obidos Castle is one of the first things you see as you come upon the village. Dating all the way back to the 8th century, this beautiful medieval castle is a symbol of national pride. But since it was transformed into a luxury hotel (pousada), you can’t take a tour inside. The castle walls surround the entire village, and we highly recommend taking a walk around them. Or if you’re brave, along the top. It’s much more quiet around these parts and there are beautiful views to see. If you’re staying the night, wake up early and watch the sunrise here.

Festivals

Another great thing to see while traveling are the festivals. There are a few popular ones in Obidos. The Medieval Market usually takes place in mid-July through August. There are people dressed in costume with plenty of artisans selling handicrafts, food, and entertainment to enjoy. The International Chocolate festival takes place in the spring (April-May) featuring many chocolatiers from around the world.

Tiny violinist in the beautiful streets of Obidos

A Beautiful Place to Visit in Portugal

If you’re looking for a brief escape, Obidos is the perfect place to be. You can easily add it on to your Lisbon itinerary, or part of a larger road trip. With its quaint cobblestone streets, brightly painted cottages, and local vibes, you’ll come here never wanting to leave. It was the perfect start to our road trip through Portugal. And although it may be small, Obidos is bursting with history and character.

Have you been to Obidos? If so, we’d love to hear more!

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I still remember it vividly as we approached Monsanto, Portugal after driving through vineyards, and stunning Portuguese landscapes. The sight of what appeared to be a huge mountain speckled with homes built right within it. They were almost hard to see until we got closer. Perfectly blended into the natural landscape around. It’s truly one of the most unique places we have ever been. And as you continue to read you’ll easily see why.

This was the third stop on our 10 day journey through Portugal and makes a perfect road trip. You really only need one night here to see it all, but it’s a wonderful relaxing stay for even longer. Discover this overnight guide and see why we fell in love with “The Most Portuguese Village in Portugal.”

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

Monsanto Portugal One-Day Guide

In This Article
History of Monsanto
How to Get to Monsanto
When to Go to Monsanto
Where to Stay in Monsanto
What to Do in Monsanto

Walking the path to the Castle of Monsanto ruins

A Brief History of Monsanto

Monsanto, Portugal is located within the area of Idanha-a-Nova in the central part of the country bordering Spain. It rises on a mountain called Mons Sanctus almost 800 feet above sea level. Granite cottages with burnt orange roofs exist in harmony between and around large boulders which makes for a unique sight. The homes run along a network of irregular tiny stone alleyways, some of which are connected by stairs and go uphill as you ascend the mountain. It is eerily quiet and feels like you’ve stepped back into the early ages.

The village is one of twelve Historical Villages of Portugal which helped to defend the country. It traces back to the Early Stone Age, with presence from Romans, Visigoths and Arabians in the area. In 1165, King Alfonso I gave ownership of the city to Order of Knights Templar, and then the Order of Santiago. Eventually a fortress was built on the top of the mountain called the Castle of Monsanto and was used to protect during invasions in the Middle Ages. However it was destroyed in the nineteenth century due to an explosion from within.

Sunrise over the village and a view of a large boulder home.

How to Get to Monsanto

The best way to get to Monsanto is by car. We rented one from Amoita and had a wonderful experience. They delivered the car to us in Lisbon, and also offer pickup service as well.

You can also take a bus from Lisbon or Porto. Check this site to see if there’s a route from where you’re staying.

Apparently there’s also a train as well, but a car offers the quickest and most convenient way there. You can also stop at other sites along the way as you wish.

Discover more places in our Portugal Road Trip Guide

The beautiful stone streets were empty most of the time

When to Go

The best time to go to Monsanto is during the spring or fall, which are the shoulder seasons. We went during summer and it was pretty hot during the day, so it depends on what you prefer. If you’re into cultural experiences, the Festival of the Holy Cross happens in early May. Women carry rag dolls and flower pots to the castle on top of the mountain, and toss the pots over the walls. Overall, it’s generally not very crowded there, so even in summer we had the streets to ourselves at times.

Where to Stay

Monsanto can easily be done in a day trip, but staying overnight allows you to really slow down and enjoy the village. You can stroll the quiet streets at sunset, or wake up before everyone else and watch the sunrise from the mountain. Although we only stayed one night, you can certainly stay longer and explore some of the parts around.

Within the village there are a few great choices of places to stay. We recommend experiencing one of the boulder houses, which will also mean you’ll be right within the main part of the village. We stayed at Casa de David and really enjoyed it. The owners were very friendly and accommodating. A fresh homemade breakfast is served and included with your stay. The room was comfortable and quite unique with the stone walls all around. There is also a small shop here with a tasteful selection of clothing and accessories.

For those who want to stay in a private home, the Casa Mont’santo gets great reviews and has a private garden for relaxing. Sun Set House is a smaller one very close to the castle with beautiful views.

There are so many wonderful options here, but some do sell out quick with limited availability. So we suggest booking well in advance in order to have more to choose from.

See more places to stay in Monsanto.

Walking within the walls with Chapel of Santa Maria behind

View from within the castle walls

What to Do in Monsanto

Castle of Monsanto

Although the village is quite small, there is still plenty to keep busy with. One of the main sights is the Monsanto Castle which sits at the very top of the mountain. There’s a walking path which leads up, and you’ll need comfortable shoes for the journey. Aside from the ruins of the castle and its walls, there are other sites to see as well. The Chapel of Santa Maria, Chapel of São João, The Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, and Church of São Miguel. As you walk from site to site there are gorgeous views of the towns and valleys below, and even of the Serra da Estrela mountain range in the distance. Here’s a helpful outline of all the main sites in the area.

The nearly empty streets were so refreshing!

There were several spots around the village with stunning views

Explore and Shop

One of our favorite things to do here was simply to walk around and explore. During sunset a gorgeous orange sun-kissed glow covers all the stone and is worth the visit alone. It’s fun to walk around the alleyways and see where they lead. Along the way you’ll discover little shops to grab some souvenirs and treasures. We noticed a lot of shops selling ribboned drums and marafona rag dolls, the traditional items from the area. It took us a few hours to explore the streets and little nooks and crannies between the boulder homes. Spending time here makes you feel as if you’re in another era, with the rich history well-preserved.

Watch the Sunset

Watching the sunset is always a must while traveling. But the orange glow on the granite homes with views of the landscapes beyond is stunning. We walked around the streets as the sun was setting and truly enjoyed it. You could also sit and relax at one of the viewpoints, or admire it from Monsanto Castle on top of the mountain.

Pork dish at Petiscos e Granitos

Try the Local Food

There aren’t many choices of restaurants in Monsanto, but it’s always nice to try some local food. We ate at Petiscos e Granitos which was probably one of the better options in the area, but still not that great. The food was ok, but service was quite slow. We wanted to sit outside, but there was no space. So we ended up having to choose one of the inside tables, which was a bit more private. Apparently there are lovely views from the terrace, so consider going early. The restaurants may be closed, so call ahead or ask your guesthouse to recommend one that is open.

A Must-See Historical Village

After being in Lisbon for 3 days, we wanted to see more of the country. Monsanto is definitely one of the unique and less known spots to see. It’s one of the most fascinating places we’ve been and definitely worth checking out. It makes for a wonderful road trip from Lisbon or Porto, and an easy stop on the way to Douro Valley. You can even combine with other sites and do a complete Historical Villages of Portugal tour. These villages are just one of many hidden gems to see in this beautiful country.

Have you been to Monsanto? If so, we’d love to hear more!

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Sintra Portugal is what fairytales are made of. Stunning greenery, charming cobblestone streets, ornate palaces, and mysterious historical sites. I was enchanted even more with each place we saw and loved escaping here for the day. There is so much to see beyond the famous Pena Palace and totally worth spending the night to slow down and take your time.

Even though we only had 3 days in Lisbon, I still could not resist planning a trip here. It was such an easy train ride with great transportation options to get around the village. Although there is much to see, we were only able to fit in a few key sites. But we will highlight some other options of what to see and do in Sintra.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

Sintra Portugal Day Trip from Lisbon

Discover what we did during our day trip to Sintra as we explored Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace, and much more!

In This Article
How to Get to Sintra
When to Go to Sintra
Where to Stay in Sintra
What to Do: Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Historical Center of Sintra

The view of Pena Palace through the walls of Castle of the Moors

How to Get to Sintra

In order to get to Sintra, you must take the train from Rossio station. There are trains every 30 minutes and it takes around 40 minutes to get there. Once you arrive, there will be tuk tuks or cars waiting to take you where you need to go. This will save time, especially if you have only the day to spend here.

When to Go

The best time to go to Sintra is during the off-season which is usually in spring or fall. Because we were there in late summer, it was very crowded. It also tends to be less busy during the week, which could help if you happen to be there during peak season.

Where to Stay

We only spent the day here, so we can’t personally vouch on where to stay. However there are plenty of options like Chalet Saudade a charming guesthouse perfectly located to explore all the sites. If you’re looking for something more self-sufficient like an Airbnb, Casas de Biquinha is a wonderful option and gets raving reviews.

Staying overnight puts you at an advantage to beating the crowds. If we had more time in Portugal, I would definitely stay somewhere in town next time. You can also spend more time at each site and split it into a few days of exploring.

See more hotels in Sintra, Portugal.

Stunning view over Sintra while walking along the walls of Castle of the Moors

What to Do: Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Historical Center of Sintra

Sintra, Portugal is a gorgeous town filled with lush greenery, exquisite palaces and villas, and rich history. The Portuguese royal family used to reside here, and they’ve left behind so much beauty to explore. It’s located within the Serra de Sintra, a mountain range dotted with several historical sites and pine forests. You can see a lot in just a day trip, but we recommend adding on another day to get the full experience. We were able to explore three main sites and felt a bit rushed at times, but still we got a nice taste of the city. Here we will highlight what we saw, with also a few suggestions on what else there is to see.

Castle of the Moors

Castle of the Moors is a medieval castle which sits on top of a hill within the Sintra Mountains. It was used for protection and built by the Moors in the 8th-9th centuries. Eventually it was surrendered to Christian forces and left in ruins until it was reconstructed in the 1930’s. Today you can walk along the castle walls and enjoy the beautiful views of Pena Palace, and the village of Sintra below. We spent a few hours here exploring and felt that was sufficient.

We got a car from the station to drive us up here, and they recommended it as a first stop since most go to Pena Palace right away. It wasn’t too crowded and there’s a small cafe with snacks and restrooms. Some of the areas of the walls have no side rails, so be careful while walking around, especially with your kids. There are some steep drops on some parts and it can get quite scary.

Terra spinning around on the terrace of Pena Palace

Looking up at the colorful facade as you enter Pena Palace

Pena Palace

The next stop on our day tour was Pena Palace. It also sits on a mountaintop not far from Castle of the Moors. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. According to history, King Ferdinand built a summer residence from the remains of a chapel and monastery that was destroyed during the 1955 earthquake. The architecture is a vibrant mix of Renaissance, Gothic, and Islamic styles with hints of Portuguese influence as well. This is what makes it such a unique beauty that so many tourists flock here to see.

You can also explore the inside of the palace as well as the terrace. You will need to buy the combined ticket in order to access these areas. We definitely recommend it since the terrace allowed us to escape the crowds and get some gorgeous shots. We spent about 2-3 hours here total, including some of the parks and gardens. You can grab tickets here online for several sites including Pena Palace. It will also save you time once you arrive.

A magical sight in Valley of the Lakes at Pena Palace gardens

Swans were swimming in the lake, so pretty!

Valley of the Lakes: Pena Palace Gardens

Around the palace there are also several gardens to discover and explore. You can easily spend a whole day alone just devoted to the gardens, however we were short on time. So we decided to check out the Valley of the Lakes, a string of lakes filled with duck houses and swans at the base of Pena Palace. An enchanting forest of trees and exotic plants surrounds the water which makes it even more beautiful. We were one of few in the area as we walked around the lake, which was such a nice contrast to the palace crowds.

Quinta da Regaleira

Also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Quinta da Regaleira is a quirky residence near the historic center of Sintra. It’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions here, but not too overly crowded. Around the palace are several parks, gardens, grottoes and mystical wells, with the Initation Well being one of the most mysterious. The palace is nicknamed “The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire,” named after its former owner António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. It has since gone through several owners through the years, but now belongs to the town of Sintra.

It’s quite a display of unique architecture with gothic details and gargoyles throughout. The house was built using materials sourced from around the world and built with luxurious taste. Nearby the house is a chapel that also has ornate detail and lavish decor inside and outside.

Initiation Well

On the premises of the residence is the Initation Well, which was said to be used for masonic rituals. Apparently in order to be initiated you’d have to descend the well in complete darkness, then find your way out of dark and cold caves and underground tunnels. But once you did finally make it out you’d have to walk across small stone steps over water, with no light to guide you. If you made it across without falling in, then you successfully complete the ceremony.

We decided to tackle this challenge in the light, and it wasn’t easy walking across those steps! The entire experience felt very mysterious, eerie and beautiful at the same time. As you walk through the tunnels at the bottom of the well, you will see the Waterfall Lake after exiting the caves. The well has a lot of symbolism of death and rebirth, and it’s still a mystery as to what it was intended for. But this makes it an even cooler place to visit!

The view over the historical center of Sintra from one of the viewpoints

Historical Center of Sintra

The historical center of Sintra is filled with adorable cobblestone streets, charming buildings and adorable shops. There is also a great selection of local food to try here too. We ended our time in Sintra walking around exploring before catching the train back to Lisbon. If you want to eat at the more local spots, we recommend making a reservation. We ended up not doing this and having to eat at one of the touristy spots along the main section of town.

Sintra Full Day Tour
If you like having everything planned out, you can book this tour. You’ll get to see the Sintra National Palace, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and much more! Transportation and a guide for some of the sites is included.

Alternative Option: Monserrate Palace

If you’re not interested in seeing one of the sights above, or perhaps have additional time here you should definitely check out the Monserrate Palace. I was hoping to go here, but just couldn’t fit it in since we arrived here later than planned. It’s another architectural beauty with gorgeous gardens and a unique mix of exotic plants. The palace itself looks like a dream as well.

Sintra Portugal is a Must See

We had the most magical time in Sintra and it was the perfect day trip from Lisbon. The village and surroundings are beautiful and the gardens are relaxing and peaceful to walk in. Of course we would have loved to have more time here, but we are glad we added it into our ten day trip to Portugal. You should definitely add Sintra to your Portugal bucket list, the beauty will remain in your memory forever.

Have you been to Sintra? If so, we’d love to hear more about your experience!

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We spent 3 days in Lisbon as part of a ten day journey in Portugal. It’s known to be “The City of Seven Hills,” however I couldn’t imagine a more family-friendly city. Between the gorgeous azulejos adorning the buildings and windy cobblestone streets, the quaint charm captivated me in so many ways. It’s the perfect place to live life a bit slower and stroll around aimlessly.

In this guide we will highlight the places we saw. Overall we had a pretty loose schedule without a strict itinerary. You can easily customize it to your liking. So we hope this gives you practical advice on what to see with or without kids.

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

3 Days in Lisbon with Kids

This 3 day guide gives a brief taste of the charming city of Lisbon. You’ll explore Chiado, Rossio, Baixa, Alfama, Graca, Bairro Alto, and Belem. It also includes a day trip to Sintra, a must see while in Portugal.

In This Article
Traveling with Kids in Lisbon
Best Time to Go
Where to Stay in Lisbon
Helpful Tips for Lisbon
Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto
Day Trip to Sintra
Cais do Sodre, Time Out Market, Belem, Jeronimos Monastery

Exploring the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon

Traveling with Kids in Lisbon

I had heard that Lisbon was rather kid-friendly, so I thought it would make a great family trip. With all the hills, crowded trams, and bumpy streets it’s not the most stroller-friendly. But if you have a carrier, or older kids that can walk it’s a lot easier. Riding one of the trams is a must-do, our daughter loved the experience!

If you want to see some Fado music a lot of the places either did not allow kids, or only allowed older ones. However we were able to book an earlier time at A Severa, and catch part of the Fado show. The food itself was a bit pricey for what it was, but the experience was nice. If you don’t have kids with you we recommend one of the other clubs from this list.

Another option is to see Fado Inside the Box, at Adega Machado, a one hour show with wine, snacks and bread. It’s from 5:00-6:00pm and is perfect for families who want to experience the music.

Best Time to Go to Lisbon

Typically it’s best to go to Lisbon between March and May or September-October. The weather is warm, and because it’s the off-season prices are cheaper and it’s less crowded. June-August tend to be hot and busy. We went in early July and lucked out with cooler weather, however we still couldn’t escape the crowds. November-February are the winter months which means more rain and grey skies with cooler temperatures. Because we went during the busy season we decided to do a road trip outside of Lisbon which allowed us to escape the usual tourist crowds. In the summer the beaches in the Algarve get packed, so if you plan to go here usually off-season is ideal.

Looking to go beyond Lisbon? Check out our road trip itinerary to Portugal.

Our room at Chiado Arty Flats

Where to Stay in Lisbon

With the short time we had here we wanted to stay central, so we chose Chiado. Baixa and Alfama are also popular areas to stay that are near a lot of main sites and restaurants.

I booked a few nights at Chiado Arty Flats, funky and modern apartments and studios with nice city views. Our unit had a kitchen with a dining area, and queen sized bed. They also setup a little bed for our daughter as well. It’s conveniently located near Bairro Alto, and the Rossio train station.

We were welcomed with pasteis de nata and port wine and also a glass bottle of water. Breakfast was included and usually an assortment of pastries, breads, ham, cheese, yogurt, granola and juice. There was a coffee machine and free WIFI in our room during the stay. It was such a comfortable place with easy access to transportation. It was also walking distance from a lot of great restaurants and bars.

Looking for more places to stay in Lisbon? See more.

The charming area around our hotel in Chiado

3 Days in Lisbon Day 1: Chiado, Rossio, Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto

The first day we focused on four neighborhoods stopping at some highlights in each. We explored Chiado, Rossio, Baixa, and Alfama. Chiado is an artsy area known for it’s shopping, and is a mix of old and new. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars in this area, and it’s a great place to stay. Rossio is right next to it and is the heart of the city. It contains the main square and is usually the busiest. Baixa is considered the downtown part with a lot of shopping and touristy shops. It’s also very busy and can get quite crowded. Alfama is the oldest and most charming area of the city, with a lot of narrow cobblestone streets and perfect for photographers.

By the time we arrived in Lisbon it was almost lunch-time. We checked into our hotel, left our bags and immediately started exploring starting with the Chiado area. Along the way we stopped for lunch at Oficina do Duque as recommended by a local and enjoyed a relaxing seafood lunch outside. There is also a great gelato place nearby called Gelato di Chef which made for a delicious snack.

Intro to Lisbon
Get the perfect introduction to Lisbon with this tour. You’ll visit Bairro Alto, Chiado, admire the city from a viewpoint, and take the tram to Alfama. Includes a guide, tram ride, and a coffee break.

Walking down towards the Gloria funicular

Chiado: Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara, Gloria Funicular, São Roque Church, Rua Garrett

After lunch we started exploring without a set plan. We did not have a strict schedule of what to see, but more so focused on certain neighborhoods each day. Lisbon is definitely one of those cities that is great to explore by foot. As we walked uphill we came across one of the many viewpoints, Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara. It’s not the most spectacular viewpoint in the city since I noticed some construction vehicles below, however there’s a nice garden here with benches to relax.

Right beside the viewpoint you’ll see the Ascensor da Gloria as you descend down the pathway. Also nearby is the Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara, a gorgeous baroque church with beautiful azulejo tiles and ornamental style. It’s worth taking a brief look inside at the chapel and great for those who love architectural details.

As you continue walking past the Gloria Funicular you’ll come across the church of São Roque. This stunning place miraculously survived the earthquake of 1755 and contains quite the history. It doesn’t look too special from the outside, but the inside is a gem.

One of the main shopping areas in Chiado is Rua Garrett. There is a large variety of shops, restaurants and street vendors here. You can also check out one of the oldest bookstores, Bertrand Bookshop built in 1732. Unfortunately because of the little time we had here we couldn’t browse or shop much. However if it’s important for you to shop we suggest spending more time in this area.

Looking up at the Santa Justa Lift

View from Carmo Convent ruins looking up towards the sky

Rossio: Carmo Convent, Santa Justa Lift, Rossio Square

After checking out the shopping areas we came upon Carmo Convent. Here you can see the ruins left by the destruction from the 1755 earthquake. There is also a small museum here, but we only checked out the ruins. It was interesting to see what’s left against the open sky, a reminder of the tragedy from the disaster.

Nearby you can also see the Santa Justa Lift, Neo-Gothic iron tower and very popular place to see in Lisbon. The views from the top are beautiful, but the wait is also very long. For this reason we decided to just admire it from below. Apparently there’s a small gift shop across the street which will take you up. Then you just have to pay 1.50 euros to walk the staircase to the top.

While you’re in the area you can also see Rossio Square, which is the heart of Lisbon. There are several cafes to stop by here, and monuments to see. It’s also nearby the Rossio Train station which takes you to Sintra and other areas outside of the city.

Baixa: Rua Augusta, Rua Augusta Arch, Praca do Comercio

If you continue to walk downhill along the Rua Augusta you’ll lead straight to the Rua Augusta Arch. This street is very busy and touristy and not the best place to stop for food or shopping. Because of all the tourists things tend to be overpriced here and not the greatest. However it’s worth walking along here to see the arch, as the details are incredible.

Unfortunately we happened to be here while it was crowded, but if you go early in the morning it’s very quiet. Walking through the arch will lead you to the Praca do Comercio. This is the main square with views of vibrant yellow facades and the Tagus River. The palace used to be located here before it was destroyed in the earthquake. From here you can take a tram to Belem, another popular area to see.

View of Lisbon from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Alfama: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, São Jorge Castle, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol

From Praco do Comercio we started walking towards Alfama. We reached the Santo António Church where we decided we would take a tuk tuk up to one of the viewpoints. If you’re into churches then you definitely want to take a look inside this 18th-century Baroque beauty. Because we were already short on time we decided to continue on.

The tuk tuk driver took us all the way up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest viewpoint in the city. This was our favorite out of all that we went to. Nicknamed Our Lady of the Hill, it offers spectacular views over the city including a view of the castle and beyond. Because it’s so far uphill, most tourists don’t think to come here. So it was a lot more quiet than others.

Miradouros of Lisbon

We decided to walk down after spending some time here. It’s a nice way to see more of the Graca neighborhood leading into Alfama. You can also visit a few viewpoints along the way including Miradouro da Graca, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol. You can grab a drink from Miradouro de Santa Luzia to relax and watch the sunset. Another great place to watch is from the São Jorge Castle.

Alfama is best explored by foot and we recommend going off the beaten path a bit. Smells of food filled the air as we walked through the quaint alleyways. This was by far our favorite part of the city and would love to see more on a return trip.

Fado in Bairro Alto

While planning the trip I knew I wanted to see some live Fado music. However while researching I quickly learned that bringing a child to one of the later shows wasn’t going to be an option. I contacted several places and finally was able to book an earlier table at A Severa around 8:00pm which allowed us to see part of the show that began at 9pm. This worked out perfectly so that we could still bring our daughter and experience hearing the music. Without kids we recommend checking out one of the other places from this list.

View of Pena Palace from the back courtyard

3 Days in Lisbon Day 2: Sintra Day Trip

We decided to spend the second day on a day trip outside of Lisbon. You can easily get there by train from Rossio station and it takes about 40 minutes. From the station there are plenty of tuk tuks or cars to bring you up, or you can walk the whole way. Since we were short on time we decided to take a car up.

View of Castle of the Moors from high up

Castle of the Moors

The first stop of the day is Castle of the Moors. If you’re not interested in seeing this one you can skip it, but we enjoyed it. It only took a little over an hour to walk around the castle walls and it’s worth the beautiful views of Pena Palace. Be careful as you walk along the walls, there are some parts that have no guard rail. It’s especially important to watch your kids on these parts with the big drop below. There is a small cafe with some snacks like sandwiches and chips which gave us a bit of energy for the next stop.

The enchanting Valley of the Lakes at Pena Palace gardens

Pena Palace

Castle of the Moors is conveniently located right nearby, so we walked from here. Since we started the day around 1pm, we got here around 3pm. There were definitely some crowds but it wasn’t too bad. We ended up purchasing the ticket for the parks and the palace, which allowed us to go onto the terrace. For us it was worth the cost as we found there were less people in this area which felt refreshing. We also got a glimpse inside the palace which was interesting. Overall it’s a truly stunning place no matter how touristy it is and definitely a must during your visit to Sintra.

Since we still had one place left to see we couldn’t see much of the parks. We decided to walk down to the Valley of the Lakes, which was an easy and pleasant walk. If you must choose only one part of the park to see, this one was quite the fairytale. There were swans within the lake with a few duck houses. The paths were lined with beautiful greenery and flowers. It was a delight to spend some time here and less crowded too. We definitely recommend checking this out after you see the palace. You can easily dedicate a full day to the parks if you have more time.

The truly stunning residence of Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira

The last stop on our day trip to Sintra was Quinta da Regaleira. People usually come here to see the Initiation Well, however the grounds and the residence are worth a look as well. We spent about a few hours here first checking out the well, and climbing into the caves and grottoes, then we came out and explored the gardens. Our time ended here checking out the beautiful and quirky architecture of the quinta.

Historical Center of Sintra

After exploring all three sites on our list, we ended the day in the historical center. We grabbed a bite to eat in the main center, which was quite touristy. However all of the small local places were booked up. Don’t forget to grab travesseiros (puff pastry with a filling of almonds, egg and cinnamon) from Casa Piriquita, a famous dessert shop in town.

See more: Day Trip to Sintra Portugal

Alternative Option
If you’re interested in both Cascais and Sintra, this tour takes you to both cities for the full day. You will visit a few highlights in each and also the westernmost part of Europe, Cabo da Roca. Includes transportation and entrance fees to the sites.

The gorgeous Jeronimos Monastery during golden hour

Cais do Sodre, Time Out Market, Belem, Jeronimos Monastery

On our last day in Lisbon we decided to book a different hotel, so we stayed at the Flores Guesthouse. This charming hotel is located in the Misericordia area not far from Baixa and Bairro Alto. It does not have an elevator so keep that in mind if you’re staying on a higher floor. They serve breakfast every morning in a little basket which hangs outside your door. The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating, and even helped with a slight issue we had with our rental car. We would definitely stay again when we return to Lisbon!

The crowds around lunchtime at Time Out Marker

Time Out Market

Day 3 of Lisbon was actually our last day of our ten day trip in Portugal. We had spent the first few days here, then left on a road trip to various areas, and came back before having to fly out the next morning. Since we had driven from Porto, we arrived around lunchtime. Time Out Market is supposed to be one of the must sees in Lisbon, so we decided to check it out.

Although the food was great, it was extremely busy during lunch which made the experience not so pleasant. We didn’t even get a table, so we had to eat standing up. I’m not sure what the ideal time to come here is, but maybe an off-time in between lunch and dinner would be better. Other than that, there are some great food vendors here to try and get a taste of what the city has to offer.

Cais do Sodre

After lunch you’ll be right in the center of the Cais do Sodre neighborhood. It runs right along the river and is full of trendy bars, restaurants and beautiful views. It also puts you in a great location with easy access to Belém, our next stop of the day.

Jeronimos Monastery

The tram to Belém had very long lines, so we decided to take an uber instead. It was actually rather affordable, so we recommend using it if you want to get somewhere fast. The driver dropped us off at Jeronimos Manastery first, then we walked to Belém Tower.

We visited the monastery at a perfect time during golden hour, with the light shining so beautifully. You have to purchase your tickets at a different entrance, then walk down to the other entrance which will get you inside. You can visit the chapel for free, but we decided to pay to walk around inside. The details on the architecture are stunning and it’s easy to see why it’s a UNESCO world heritage site. We spent a little over an hour here felt it was plenty.

Nearby is the famous Pasteis de Belem where you must get some pasteis de nata. We lucked out with a shorter line, but it also moved very quickly. You can also get a table inside which might end up being faster depending on the take-out line. They really are worth the wait and we enjoyed every bite.

Walking towards Belem Tower

Belém Tower

We had the uber driver take us to one of the 28 Tram stops. Although it’s touristy, we wanted to at least experience it before leaving. You can ride it the whole way, but we got off in Chiado so we can find a place to eat. Since we didn’t book a place ahead of time, we spontaneously walked around and came across A Cultura do Hambúrguer on a whim. They were able to seat us within 10 minutes and it was the perfect laid-back place to spend our last night. Not to mention the burgers and drinks were delicious too! Sometimes having no plan can be a nice surprise.

The Best 3 Days in Lisbon

Lisbon is a beautifully charming city with so much history. It’s the perfect place for any kind of traveler and we enjoyed it as a family. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and it has a vibrant feel to it. We absolutely loved our time here and it’s a must see while in Portugal! If you have additional time in the country, check out our one day trip to Obidos. There’s so much to see even beyond the bigger cities, and an easy car trip away!

Have you been to Lisbon? If so we’d love to hear more!

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Cambodia is one of those countries that captured my heart the moment we arrived. Despite a culture with a tragic past, the people were delightful, warm, and welcoming. We spent a total of 10 days in Cambodia as a multi-generational trip with our parents and daughter. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity and beauty of each area. This comprehensive itinerary will allow you to see quite a bit of the country. We do tend to pack it all in, so if this isn’t your style feel free to customize to your liking. We’ve included some helpful suggestions along the way.

10 Days in Cambodia with Kids

This itinerary begins with the perfect introduction to Cambodia in Siem Reap. Explore and learn about the Angkor temples, discover life on the Tonle Sap at a floating village, and have a great night out along Pub Street. After Siem Reap you’ll continue on to more of the country venturing to far away places like Mondulkiri, Kampot and Koh Rong Sanloem. Come along on this journey with us and be inspired as you plan your trip here!

Note: We use affiliate links in this post. This helps us to continue providing great content. For more info you can read our full disclosure here.

In This Article
Traveling with Kids in Cambodia
Best Time to Go
Packing List for Cambodia
Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour
Angkor Wat Sunrise, Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pre Rup, Pub Street
Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng Sunset
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Elephant Sanctuary and Nature Lodge in Mondulkiri
Kampot
Koh Rong Sanloem

Taking in all of the exciting and new surroundings in Siem Reap

Traveling with Kids in Cambodia

If you’re a family reading this and on the fence about bringing your kids, I will say don’t hesitate. We found it to be quite a kid-friendly place despite the long and hot hours exploring the temples. It could get difficult without family around to help, but with some schedule adjustments you can definitely make it work. It also depends on your kids and what they can handle. With our daughter being quite the easy traveler, we can usually get more out of our day.

Helpful Tips

Overall, we recommend taking some time to visit the temples early in the morning, as it gets very hot and humid as the day goes by. Try to take a break in the afternoon to relax at your hotel and eat, then go back out to explore. We had limited time here, so there were some days we had to just keep moving onto the next site. This meant we moved a lot more slowly and took more breaks, but ultimately we still saw a lot of temples. Be willing to sacrifice any original plans with kids, you may not be able to fit as much as you had planned to!

Make sure to carry a lot of cold water and snacks. Our tuk tuk driver provided it after returning from the temples, but it’s also important to keep with you too. If you’re moving on to various parts of the country, there will be some long drives on the buses. Try booking seats towards the front, as they are cooler and more comfortable.

Sunset from our jungle nature lodge in Mondulkiri

Best Time to Go to Cambodia

Cambodia has only two seasons divided into wet and dry. The wet season is typically from May to October and brings continual rain making travel more difficult to various areas. But it also has a lot less tourists with lower prices. If you’re planning to see a floating village on the Tonle Sap, this would be the time the homes would be truly submerged. However travel to Mondulkiri to visit an elephant sanctuary will be much more difficult, as road travel is not as safe. There are also more mosquitos during this time which increases risk for illness.

The dry season is usually from November through April. While we visited in February, we experienced very little rain. In Mondulkiri there was no rain at all, and barely any mosquitos in sight. Because the weather was more dry, overall it looked a lot less green. It was also high season for tourists, meaning costs were a lot higher. In the end it all depends on your preference, budget and itinerary.

Packing List for Cambodia

In an effort to be prepared for mosquitos and tropical humid weather, we did some research on what to pack. We felt most comfortable in loose-fitting and breathable clothes. For myself I wore a lot of maxi skirts, and harem pants. Our daughter wore a lot of sundresses and capri leggings. For men, just a t-shirt and shorts will do.

Because mosquitos are attracted to darker colors and floral patterns, I tried to wear lighter colored whites and neutrals, and stayed away from colorful prints and blacks. If you really want to be hardcore you can always wear a bug jacket.

Mosquito Repellent

I did a lot of research prior to the trip on best repellents to use on both adults and our daughter. Now after experiencing these products during the trip, we definitely vouch these Sawyer products. They were extremely effective at keeping away the mosquitos. Generally I’m pretty adamant about not using anything with chemicals, but made an exception to avoid any possible illness. We mostly used products with Picaridin, as they were safer to use on everyone. For our daughter we also used really convenient wipes which made it easier to apply.

Comfortable shoes were also important as we did a lot of walking and exploring. I always swear by my Tevas and also my Supergas. Both are always much more comfortable for many hours of walking.

Other Important Items

Aside from these specific items for Cambodia, we also made sure to pack a full health kit for any ailment, charcoal pills to battle any sickness, and backup antibiotics in case of extreme illness. Of course don’t forget sunscreen to protect from the sun. We keep all our cash and valuables in a neck wallet, especially in bigger cities where snatching is more common. We also use an Osprey backpack that fits everything we need and allows us to carry-on only.

See more: How to Prep for Your Cambodia Trip

Pub street life during the day

10 Days in Cambodia Itinerary: Days 1-4 in Siem Reap

The beginning of your 10 day journey in Cambodia starts in the ancient city of Siem Reap. Millions of tourists flock here every year to visit the Angkor temples. In this itinerary, you will see many main spots, as well as some off the beaten path temples. You can customize as you wish based on your travel style, but we typically pack more in.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Depending on when your flight arrives will determine what you do will do on your first day. Because our flight arrived later at night, we basically got to the hotel and relaxed, preparing ourselves for an early start the next day.

Mane Village Suites

There are so many great options for various budgets in Siem Reap. We ended up staying at Mane Village Suites, a mid-range option that was still a wonderful and comfortable stay. It had a great location, a nicely-sized suite which fit all five of us with so much room to spare. They had delicious Khmer cuisine with a nice outside bar near the pool. Included was free tuk tuk service to Pub street, just a quick 5 minute trip away. It was within walking distance from some great food options, and also not too far from the Angkor temples.

The gorgeous bar and restaurant area at Mane Village Suites

Other Hotel Options in Siem Reap

Golden Temple Residence: A beautiful boutique style hotel in a convenient location. Gets great reviews and perfect for families! Breakfast is included.

The Night Hotel: A great value within walking distance of several sites within the city. Breakfast is included.

Looking for more options? See more.

The entrance to Angkor National Museum

Day 1: Angkor National Museum, Pub Street, Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour

The best way to start off in Siem Reap is to first visit the Angkor National Museum. It will give you valuable insight and good foundation before touring the temples. We were able to understand more behind the history and have more context as we explored. However if you’re already well versed on the history then you can skip it. It’s easy to get here by tuk tuk and plan for a few hours here. You can purchase an audio tour for an additional cost which adds on to the time, but gives a more thorough experience. There’s also a cafe inside for snacks and drinks. The entrance fee was $12 for adults. Note: A lot of the exhibits didn’t allow photos

Lunch

After the museum tour it’ll be lunch time. Our tuk tuk driver brought us to Pub Street which has several options. He made some recommendations and we decided upon Amok Restaurant, located right in the heart of it. The food was a bit pricey for Siem Reap, but overall very delicious. The seating outside is so nice and there are a lot of shops nearby to check out while waiting for your food.

A view of some of the houses along the Tonle Sap

Kompong Khleang Floating Village Tour

After lunch you’ll head back to your hotel to relax a bit. Around 2pm, our guide for the floating village tour picked us up. We booked the tour through Community First, a lovely organization that is ethical and sustainable. You’ll be in a comfortable minivan with a group of around 8 people total. It was such a wonderful experience and one of the highlights to our time in Siem Reap.

Sticky Rice, Cambodian Bakery

During the tour you’ll stop by a roadside vendor to try some sticky rice. Next up you’ll visit traditional Cambodian bakery where you’ll see how some of the desserts are made and take a brief tour. You’ll also get to snack on some of the sweets.

Bridge of Life School, Tonle Sap Boat Cruise

Then you’ll arrive in Kompong Khleang and drive into the village. First up is a tour of the Bridge of Life School, which helps local children get a good educational foundation. This will allow you to see how the tour cost is utilized to help the community. Finally the tour will end with a sunset boat cruise along the Tonle Sap, and a visit to a Vietnamese floating village. The group tour is a total of 5-6 hours and costs $35 for adults, and $25 for children under 12. You can book private tours as well for a higher cost.

See more details here: Tonle Sap Floating Village Tour

Dinner

We arrived back from the tour around 7pm, just in time for dinner. Since we were quite exhausted from the day we decided to eat at the hotel. However if you’re feeling up to it you can head to Pub Street. With a full day of temples the next day it was best to head to bed early.

Alternative Option
If you’re not interested in seeing a floating village you could do a cooking class like this one. In this 3 hour tour you’ll visit with a local family within a village and learn how to make a traditional meal. It’s another great family activity and way to have an authentic experience.

Exploring one of the wings of Angkor Wat

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Small Circuit Temple Tour, Pre Rup, Pub Street

Angkor Wat Temple and Sunrise

The next day starts extremely early with the sunrise at Angkor Wat. You’ll be picked up at your hotel around 4:30am and either head straight for the gate, or to get the tickets. The temple opens promptly at 5am and the earlier you get there, the better chance you have at getting a spot in front. Our tuk tuk driver picked us up at 4:20am since we still had to get tickets. We arrived to Angkor Wat around 4:45am and although we didn’t get to be in front, we still got a decent spot. Read more on how to capture sunrise at Angkor Wat.

After the sunrise you’ll have some time to explore Angkor Wat. We had some quiet time inside the temple before the real crowds began to arrive. There were some parts where nobody was around. Seeing the bas reliefs that we learned about at the museum was so unreal to see in person. It really is a spectacular place to see and it’s no wonder that millions of tourists come here every year.

Breakfast

When you finish taking your tour of Angkor Wat it’ll be time for breakfast. Our hotel packed some breakfast boxes so we went to one of the restaurants nearby and ordered some drinks to sit and eat. It saved a lot of time having our food already so we could move onto the next temple.

Optional Temple Tour
For those who like to have everything planned out, this 2 day temple tour including Angkor Wat Sunrise is a great option. You’ll get to see a lot of the temples we are covering in this itinerary with a guide and vehicle transport at an amazing value!

South Gate of Angkor Thom

Next up starts the Small Circuit temple tour. The South Gate of Angkor Thom is a beautiful entrance to the complex. Along the right and left side you’ll see the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) which you’ll learn about during your museum tour. Although it wasn’t even 10am, this area was already quite busy. Our tuk tuk driver dropped us off near the entrance so that we could walk through, then drove us to our next stop. It’s a lovely place for photos with the bridge, and the entrance itself is so detailed.

A glimpse of one of the many faces of Bayon

Bayon Temple

One of the most popular temples in Siem Reap is definitely Bayon, the temple with over 200 faces. We ended up spontaneously booking a tour guide here who gave us a wonderful photo tour and some history. It was one of our favorite temples in this complex and pretty amazing to walk through. It does get quite crowded unless you go early in the morning. We spent around 2 hours here which was perfect, but you can adjust as you wish.

Baphuon, The Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King, Phimeanakas in Royal Palace

There are many temples close to Bayon which makes it easy to see more. Baphuon is a 3-level temple built for the god Shiva. It looks a bit like a pyramid and you can climb to the top. We briefly walked to the entrance, but due to lack of time we chose not to climb. Right in front of the temple are the Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King. These can be seen in a short amount of time. Next to it is Phimeanakas in Royal Palace and we did all 3 in less than an hour. The beauty is you can customize this tour as you wish, this is merely just a guide and overview of what we saw.

Ta Keo and Pre Rup

On the way to Ta Phrom we stopped at Ta Keo and Pre Rup. Ta Keo is a really tall temple and the climb up is quite scary. The stairs are still rustic and not very wide, so you almost have to climb up while holding onto the side. It’s not very kid-friendly so our daughter did not go up with us. Once at the top though it truly does have some wonderful views!

After Ta Keo we briefly stopped at Pre Rup. This is a great one to see during sunset, since it has a reddish color from the brick. We did not get to spend as much as we’d like to here, an hour would have been perfect.

Inside a more quiet part of Ta Prohm temple

Ta Prohm

The last temple of the day is Ta Prohm aka the Tomb Raider temple. We made a brief stop for lunch at one of the restaurants nearby, then started our tour. We spent around 2-3 hours here which was sufficient and didn’t feel rushed. The tree interweaving throughout the temple structure was so interesting to see. All of the famous photo spots get overwhelmingly crowded, so we recommend actually walking around and discovering some off the beaten path areas. They are just as intriguing to see and without all the tourists waiting to take the perfect shot.

Pub Street

We wrapped up our full day temple tour around 5pm. You could head somewhere to watch the sunset, Sra Srang and Pre Rup are a few options. Or you could head to Pub Street to eat and shop the night markets. Since we were pretty templed out for the day, we decided to check out one of the night markets within Siem Reap. We also grabbed some pizza at Flying Zebra Pizza, a perfect casual place for families. Walking the street is an experience in itself, with the markets, fish massage places, vendors selling street food like bugs, and an overload of neon decor. You must stop here at least once during your time here!

The beautiful pink sandstone and details of Banteay Srei

Day 3: Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng Sunset

After a few days in Siem Reap, you’ll be ready for the temples further away. With these ones you’ll need a car since they are outside the city. Our tuk tuk driver included the transportation in our 3 day package after customizing what we wanted to see, but you could also book a separate tour just for this day.

Banteay Srei

The day starts around 8am where you’ll head to Banteay Srei, one of my favorite temples out of all that we’ve seen. Nicknamed the “Citadel of Woman,” it’s made out of pink sandstone with intricate Khmer artisan details all throughout. It takes about 30 minutes to get here by car and is a lot less crowded than the temples within the main Angkor park. We spent about 1.5 hours here which was the right amount of time.

Koh Ker

The next temple stop of the day is Koh Ker, located within a remote jungle in Preah Vihear. The drive there is another 1.5 hours, but it’s definitely worth the trip. There is still a lot undiscovered in this temple complex due to landmines still prevalent around some parts. It’s a bit of a walk through ruins in order to reach the 7-tiered main pyramid structure, and a steep walk up several flights of stairs to the top. Along the way you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of the jungle all around, so it feels like quite an adventure. Luckily since we had family with us, our daughter stayed behind to rest. We spent a little over an hour here and felt it was sufficient, although it’s always nice to have more time!

Overview of the ruins of Beng Mealea temple

Beng Mealea

After our time at Koh Ker we had lunch nearby the next spot. Another temple that feels straight out of a movie is Beng Mealea. It feels very similar to Ta Prohm, with overgrown tree roots vines overtaking the temple ruins. There has not been much renovated here except a walkway to guide you through this mysterious maze. Inside the temple it’s very green with a lot of moss and trees growing within. It’s a spectacular sight to see and one you don’t want to miss here. We truly enjoyed these further temples even more so than the usual ones, especially with less people.

Phnom Bakheng Sunset

To finish off a busy day exploring the temples you’ll watch the sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple. Because we had to drive from Beng Mealea temple, which takes about 1.5 hours, we could not get here too early. It’s recommended to start lining up on the mountain at 4:30pm in order to be in the group of 300 people that can go up at a time. We got here around 5pm and just made it in time to watch the last bit of the sunset. Although this is quite touristy, it was definitely one of those things you’ll want to do here. Some great alternate sunset spots are Sra Srang, Pre Rup, and even Angkor Wat.

Explore more: A Guide on Siem Reap Temples

The energy of Pub street at night

Last Night in Siem Reap

The full day of temples had us pretty exhausted, but we wanted to make the most of our last night in Siem Reap. So we headed out to Pub Street again for food and check out more of the nightlife. If you’re feeling up to it you could do a street food tour like this one. In the tour you’ll get to sample authentic snacks (including bugs!), desserts, and Khmer cuisine.

Looking for more ideas on what to do in Siem Reap? Here are a few options!
• Phnom Kulen Waterfall Day Tour: A 6 hour tour to the “Holy Mountain” of Phnom Kulen National Park where you’ll see the River of a Thousand Lingas and the statue of the Grand Reclining Buddha. You’ll also get to relax in the pools by Phnom Kulen Waterfall. A relaxing escape from the city!
• Phare Circus Show: This came highly recommended and we are sad to have missed it. It’s a performance of modern theater and traditional Cambodian performing art, and proceeds help to support local artists. A great family activity for the evening!

Day 4: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

The morning of Day 4 wraps up our time in Siem Reap. We had a bit of time in the morning, so we decided to head back to Angkor Wat to explore some of the parts we missed. You could do whatever you’d like with this time, even explore another temple you haven’t seen! During our second visit we were lucky to be able to be blessed by a monk. It happened to be a Buddhist holiday, so there were a few monks within the temple giving blessings. It was a nice surprise and unique experience to have.

Terra enjoying the corridors of Angkor Wat

The back area of Angkor Wat

Afterwards we said our goodbyes to Roben, our amazing tuk tuk driver who took care of us all three days. The rest of the day was basically travel to Phnom Penh by bus. If you’d like to save some time you can fly, but we decided to take the bus for the experience and to see a bit more of the country. We booked a Cambodia Post VIP minivan which went pretty smoothly without issues. Booking transport in Cambodia is a bit of a hit or miss, but we only had good experiences with this company. You can book online through BookMeBus.

See more on our adventure here: 3 Days in Siem Reap

Farm to Table restaurant interior

Arrival in Phnom Penh

Since we arrived in Phnom Penh around 6pm, we really didn’t get to see much. If you want to adjust this itinerary you could add an extra night here. For us it was merely a stopping point to get to the next location. The Killing Fields and S21 Prison are two important parts of Cambodian history. Although we really wanted to visit, since we had our daughter with us we did not feel it was appropriate to take her at such a young age. Therefore we have saved more of Phnom Penh for a return trip.

Where to Eat in Phnom Penh

We did have a lovely dinner while here. A local had recommended Farm to Table, a rather eclectic spot with locally sourced food that was healthy and fresh. It was a nice change from all the usual cuisine we had on the trip so far. Around the restaurants were chickens freely roaming about, which made for an interesting meal. The seating was super comfortable since we chose a set of couches around a table. It almost felt like dining in someone’s charming backyard. Definitely recommend for something that isn’t traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

There are so many options for hotels in Phnom Penh that it can be a bit overwhelming to choose just one. But after many hours of digging around reviews, I ended up choosing TeaHouse Asian Urban Hotel for it’s location and value. Since we had a 7am bus trip the next morning we wanted to be close enough for a smoother morning. The hotel itself wasn’t luxury by any means, but definitely a solid choice for those who are looking for a budget option. They even packed our breakfast super early so we could eat during the ride.

Staying in Phnom Penh longer? Here are a few options for what to see!
• Phnom Penh Half Day Tour: A 4 hour tour of the Royal Palace, National Musuem and Wat Phnom including an English speaking guide.
• Mekong Islands Bike Tour: 4.5 hour half day tour exploring rural communities by bike gaining insight into the lives of locals. Includes transportation, bottled water and lunch.

The Mondulkiri Project main building and protected forest

Days 5-7: Elephant Sanctuary and Nature Lodge in Mondulkiri

The next morning begins the long 6 hour journey to Mondulkiri Province, all the way on the eastern part of the country bordering Vietnam. Although it’s out of the way, it was definitely one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had.

How to Get to Sen Monorom

From Phnom Penh

I booked the first TCT Mondulkiri Express bus from Phnom Penh through BookMeBus so we would arrive in Sen Monorom around 1pm. The cost was around $10 USD per person for a one-way ticket. The trip takes between 5-6 hours and is rather bumpy. In Cambodia you’ll notice there are a lot of accidents along the way, we witnessed a few just in this trip! I read many bad reviews from bus companies here, but TCT got the best reviews overall.

From Siem Reap

You can also go straight to Mondulkiri from Siem Reap. The trip is between 8-9 hours and costs around $20 USD per person. We highly recommend not booking an overnight bus as it’s not the safest with road conditions. Try to book an early time so you can get there by afternoon.

Getting to Your Hotel

Once you arrive in Sen Monorom, you can take a tuk tuk to the eco lodge. Just let them know the name of the place or show the address and they should know it.

Bungalow at the Tree Lodge

View of the bungalows from the main terrace

Walking the lodge path during sunset

Where to Stay in Sen Monorom

Lodging is pretty slim in Sen Monorom, but definitely a unique experience. We booked with Tree Lodge Cambodia, a totally awesome eco nature lodge within the jungle. Since the owner of this also manages the elephant sanctuary, it was very convenient, especially with kids! We got a bit of extra sleep and enjoyed breakfast before they drove us straight to the sanctuary.

Our bungalow wasn’t fancy by any means, but the perfect relaxing experience with sounds of wildlife all around. The sunsets here were glorious, and we loved spending our evenings watching it from the main terrace. We had geckos join us for dinner, avocado and banana trees right outside our place, and breathed in the freshest forest air. This will definitely be a highlight of your trip and one you’ll never forget.

Looking for additional options? See more.

Terra and dad feeding the elephant

Up close and personal with one of the elephants

Giving one of the elephants a bath, she loved it!

Mondulkiri Project

The main reason we came all the way to Sen Monorom was to see an elephant sanctuary. But I wanted to make sure it was an ethical one, so after some research I came across the Mondulkiri Project. They have five elephants that roam a protected forest area. They also employ locals and help the community rather than cause harm. The owner, Mr. Tree, is very passionate about conservation and taking care of wildlife. You will learn more about this organization and the local Bunong tribe at the beginning of the tour.

The Elephant Sanctuary

They also offer 1-2 day elephant sanctuary packages. One option is just spending the day with elephants. You’ll first be introduced to all of them and hear a little about their personalities. Then you’ll be able to feed and interact with them a bit in their natural surroundings. After this will be a brief lunch break of Khmer cuisine. Then you’ll get an hour to rest in the hammocks with beautiful views of the jungle. The day ends with bathing the elephants and taking a final walk through the forest.

This was an unforgettable experience and learning experience for us. It was refreshing to see the passion involved with caring for the elephants and forest. Read more about our experience at this ethical elephant sanctuary in Cambodia.

Tree Lodge Cambodia

After spending a long and incredible day at the elephant sanctuary, we headed back to the lodge for another night. Because there was a restaurant right there we were able to eat and enjoy the sunset over the terrace. They had a combo of both Khmer and Western cuisine which was a nice variety. Also available were fresh fruit shakes and other drinks at such a great price! We loved our lazy nights here hanging in the jungle with nature.

Beautiful sunrise at Fish Island Bungalows

Days 7-8: Kampot

The next morning we left around 7am on a bus back to Phnom Penh. We had planned to transfer to another bus there to head to Kampot, all the way on the opposite side of the country. However the bus was cancelled. Thankfully I had some backup options and contacted the same taxi driver who would be driving us to Sihanoukville the following day. Fortunately he came to the rescue and we made it there! Kampot was another stopping point on the way to Koh Rong Sanloem, and we wished it was more than that. In a mere 24 hours here we saw a lot and instantly fell in love.

Where to Stay in Kampot, Cambodia

There are a lot of great options of places to stay in Kampot. I had a hard time choosing, but ended up booking Fish Island Bungalows. It’s a family-owned place with exceptional service. They also made the best home-cooked food with a delicious breakfast included. If you love charming places with an authentic flavor, then you’ll definitely enjoy your stay here. You’ll be well taken care of by Mr. Leng and his family. He even brought us into town and helped us buy some pepper at a local market, and also to see the salt fields.

How to Get to Kampot

The easiest way to get to Kampot is by bus from Phnom Penh. You can also take a private taxi, which is what we ended up doing. Since buses are not fully reliable, we recommend going by private car. It’ll be most comfortable too. There’s also a train that goes from Phnom Penh, but it takes much longer and is on a restricted schedule. It does offer some nice views of the countryside though along the journey.

Entrance to Wat Traeuy Kaoh on Fish Island, Cambodia

What to Do in Kampot

Kampot is a rather sleepy town, but still has a lot to see and do. There is a lot of French colonial influence in the architecture here. You can see a lot of it while visiting the old market. Since this region is known for their pepper, visiting a pepper plantation is a must if you’re here for longer than a day. You can also go on a sunset and firefly cruise along the river, and rent a motorobike to visit Kep.

There are salt fields here as well and catching a glimpse before they harvest during sunrise or sunset is the best way to see them. Bokor National Park is just a short trip away with beautiful forests, Buddhist wats, and stunning views from Bokor Mountain. Along the river is lively with street food, shops and floating restaurants. These are just a few ideas of what to do while here. See how we spent less than 24 hours in Kampot.

Blue boat along the beach in Cambodia

Days 8-10: Koh Rong Sanloem

After spending the night in the relaxing Fish Island area of Kampot, we departed for our final destination. Ending this super packed 10 days in Cambodia with some beach time is the perfect way to wind down. Luckily the trip from Kampot only takes less than 2 hours, and in no time you’ll set foot in paradise.

How to Get to Koh Rong Sanloem

It’s fairly easy to get to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. There are ferries that depart from the pier in Sihanoukville quite frequently. Depending on where you are staying will determine which ferry to take. Most dropoff in Saracen Bay, the most busy and easily accessible part of the island. We recommend staying here if you have kids for the ease and convenience.

We ended up taking Speed Ferry Cambodia which dropped us off at Paradise Pier, a few minute walk from our resort. Some other ferries to take are Island Speed Ferry, GTVC Speedboat, and Buva Sea. You can also take the slow boat, although this takes much longer and we do not recommend.

Where to Stay in Koh Rong Sanloem

Koh Rong Sanloem has several areas to stay with different vibes. The most popular area is Saracen Bay, which is the easiest to get to. There is also Lazy Beach on the other side of the island which requires an additional boat service, or a walk through the jungle to get to. Sunset Beach is another area with more secluded Robinson Crusoe type feel. M’Pai Bay is another area popular with budget travelers and backpackers. It’s a great choice for those looking for more of a party scene.

We stayed at Sky Beach Resort, a fairly new place with only five bungalows. They arrange a variety of tours for snorkeling and glowing plankton and had free stand-up paddle boards to use. They had basic lounge chairs on the beach, but would have been nice if they had hammocks as well. There’s a restaurant and small mini-mart here which was very convenient. Overall we loved our stay and it was very easy to get to from the pier.

What to Do in Koh Rong Sanloem

Other than relaxing on the beach, there’s a lot to do on the island. You could do many water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkeling. There are several hikes to do around the island and to other parts. Certain resorts have seafood BBQ dinners which is fun and delicious. You can also go on a glowing plankton tour at night after dinner. We did a day long boat tour to M’Pai Bay Village and spent time there watching the sunset. Either way you’ll have an amazing time on this remote paradise! See more details in our guide to Koh Rong Sanloem island.

Terra jumping for joy on the beautiful beach of Koh Rong Sanloem

The Best 10 Days in Cambodia

Cambodia is a wonderful country with a lot of beauty to discover. This 10 day itinerary covers a lot of different areas, but there is still so much more to see. Next time we would love to explore Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kratie and the northern parts near Thailand. It’s such a kid-friendly place and your kids will enjoy the mix of everything. The warmth and kindness of the people shines through and will forever change you. There are many reasons to go to Cambodia, and we hope this guide helps to inspire your next trip!

Have you been to Cambodia? If so, we’d love to hear more about your trip!

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