Cambodia tours are built by local travel specialists to offer a great travel experience with an insight into the country’s distinctive culture and history and attractive destinations. Itineraries are for suggestion and our tailor-made service is just one click away!
Cambodia is a land where time feels beautifully suspended between past and present. Known for the awe-inspiring Angkor temples and its serene countryside, this kingdom is much more than its ancient ruins. From the lively rhythm of Phnom Penh’s riverside boulevards to the tranquil beaches of Kep and the floating villages on Tonlé Sap, Cambodia unfolds as a destination for travelers who seek depth — history, humanity, and a quiet kind of wonder.
Its people, warm and resilient, welcome visitors with genuine smiles and stories of cultural pride. Beyond temple visits, Cambodia offers refined eco-retreats, boutique hotels, and culinary experiences that blend Khmer flavors with contemporary finesse — a sign of the country’s evolving travel scene.
The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to April, when the weather is dry and comfortable — perfect for exploring temples, cycling through ancient ruins, or relaxing by the Mekong. December and January bring the most pleasant temperatures, ideal for sightseeing in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
The green season, from May to October, has its quiet charm too. Afternoon rains bring cooler air, vibrant rice fields, and fewer tourists — a great time for photographers or those seeking a more tranquil experience.
Best Places to Visit
January marks the peak of Cambodia’s cool, dry season. Siem Reap and the Angkor temples bask under clear blue skies, making exploration comfortable and photogenic. Phnom Penh’s riverside cafes and royal landmarks are equally inviting, while southern beaches like Sihanoukville and Koh Rong boast sunshine and calm seas.
Recommended Travel Styles
Perfect for cultural exploration and temple-hopping, as well as beach relaxation. The mild weather makes long sightseeing days enjoyable and provides ideal beach conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Victory over Genocide Day (January 7): A national day commemorating the fall of the Khmer Rouge. Ceremonies are held in Phnom Penh and major towns. Tip: It’s a solemn occasion — observe respectfully and avoid loud festivities.
– New Year Celebrations (January 1): Hotels and restaurants across tourist areas host special events and fireworks. Tip: Book early in beach destinations as it’s high season.
Best Places to Visit
February continues with dry, sunny weather. Siem Reap remains excellent for temple visits, and Phnom Penh’s street life flourishes. The southern islands, like Koh Rong Sanloem, are still ideal for quiet tropical escapes.
Recommended Travel Styles
Best suited for temple exploration, city sightseeing, and romantic or family beach breaks. Temperatures are warm but not extreme, making it one of the most pleasant months for travel.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Meak Bochea Day (date varies, usually February): A Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha’s teachings. Pagodas hold candlelit processions. Tip: Join respectfully, dress modestly, and remove shoes before entering temples.
Best Places to Visit
The hot season approaches, but March remains manageable for travel. The Tonle Sap region and Phnom Penh remain pleasant, while early mornings at the Angkor temples offer ideal photography conditions. Coastal areas retain good conditions.
Recommended Travel Styles
Cultural and historical travel is still great, as is relaxed exploration with afternoon breaks. Combine temple visits with a short beach retreat to escape the midday heat.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– International Women’s Day (March 8): Widely recognized with local events, concerts, and exhibitions in Phnom Penh. Tip: Check local cultural centers for performances or community celebrations.
Best Places to Visit
April is hot and lively — Cambodia’s festive month! Siem Reap’s temples glow in the sun, but early mornings and evenings are best for exploring. Head south for sea breezes in Kep or Koh Rong.
Recommended Travel Styles
Perfect for cultural immersion and festive experiences. Pair temple tours with leisurely coastal stays to cool off.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Khmer New Year (around April 13–16): Cambodia’s biggest celebration! Expect water splashing, traditional games, and street parties nationwide. Tip: Many businesses close, so plan ahead and enjoy the cheerful chaos.
– Visak Bochea Day (date varies): Celebrates the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, marked by peaceful ceremonies in pagodas.
Best Places to Visit
May transitions into the wet season, but the countryside turns lush. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are still good in early May; Sihanoukville’s beaches remain enjoyable before heavier rains.
Recommended Travel Styles
Best for cultural tours, photography, and temple exploration — with fewer tourists. It’s also a rewarding month for rural visits, as rice planting begins.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Royal Ploughing Ceremony (date varies, usually May): A symbolic event predicting the year’s harvest, held in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace. Tip: Arrive early for the morning procession.
– King’s Birthday (May 14): It is a royal observance, marked by ceremonies at the palace and some official events.
Best Places to Visit
The rainy season begins, bringing short, refreshing downpours mostly in the afternoon. Siem Reap’s temples look magical under moody skies, and the countryside becomes vibrant green.
Recommended Travel Styles
Ideal for slow-paced cultural travel and off-peak exploration. Photographers will love the dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds.
Key Festivals or Holidays
June is relatively quiet for festivals, making it a good month for those seeking tranquility and lower prices.
Best Places to Visit
Rain becomes more regular but rarely disrupts entire days. Siem Reap’s landscapes are lush and photogenic. The southern islands are still accessible, though with occasional showers.
Recommended Travel Styles
Best for budget-friendly travel, temple photography, and cultural discovery. Expect relaxed crowds and lower accommodation rates.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Buddhist Lent (start date varies, usually July): Monks retreat to monasteries for study and meditation. Pagodas may host candle offerings. Tip: Visit local temples to witness authentic rituals respectfully.
Best Places to Visit
Rainfall continues, but the lush scenery and calm atmosphere make Siem Reap and Battambang particularly beautiful. Phnom Penh’s cafes and museums are cozy retreats during showers.
Recommended Travel Styles
Excellent for cultural travel, culinary exploration, and slow travel experiences. Perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and fewer crowds.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Hun Sen’s Birthday (August 5): A public holiday with official ceremonies but limited public events. Tip: Expect some closures of government offices.
Best Places to Visit
Showers persist, but countryside landscapes are at their greenest. Siem Reap’s temples and the floating villages of Tonle Sap are stunning, with fewer tourists.
Recommended Travel Styles
Best for cultural and spiritual journeys, photography, and community-based tourism. Roads may be muddy, but local life feels authentic and welcoming.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Pchum Ben Festival (late September or early October): One of Cambodia’s most sacred holidays, honoring ancestors with offerings at pagodas. Tip: Respect local customs and avoid photographing ceremonies without permission.
– Constitution Day (September 24): Marks Cambodia’s constitutional monarchy; official ceremonies take place in Phnom Penh.
Best Places to Visit
Rain eases and the country is gorgeously green. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang are ideal now, while southern beaches start reopening for the dry season.
Recommended Travel Styles
Perfect for temple exploration, cultural tours, and landscape photography. Comfortable travel returns as the weather stabilizes.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– End of Buddhist Lent (date varies): Monks leave monasteries, and communities hold candlelight ceremonies.
– Kathen Festival (following Lent): A Buddhist robe-offering celebration, especially colorful in rural areas.
Best Places to Visit
November ushers in the cool, dry season — one of the best times to visit. Siem Reap’s weather is ideal, Phnom Penh shines with festivals, and the Mekong region is vibrant.
Recommended Travel Styles
Perfect for temple tours, river cruises, and cultural city exploration. Warm days and clear skies make it the prime travel season.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Bon Om Touk (Water Festival): Cambodia’s grandest celebration, marking the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. Boat races, fireworks, and festivities light up Phnom Penh. Tip: Book early — accommodations fill fast.
– Independence Day (November 9): Parades and fireworks honor Cambodia’s independence from France.
Best Places to Visit
Dry, sunny, and pleasant — December is perfect everywhere. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the beaches of Kep and Koh Rong all enjoy ideal weather.
Recommended Travel Styles
The ultimate month for all-around travel: cultural discovery, beach holidays, and scenic exploration. Great for families and couples escaping winter elsewhere.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Peace Day (December 29): Commemorates the end of the civil war, marked by reflection and small cultural events.
– Christmas & New Year Celebrations: Though not traditional, major cities and resorts embrace festive decorations and dinners. Tip: Book early for year-end stays in coastal or temple destinations.
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Kep | ||
| Phnom Penh | ||
| Siem Reap | ||
| Sihanoukville |
Thank you for trusting Asia Pioneer Travel.
The beautiful memories we shared during that time are truly precious, and we will cherish them forever.
