Tourists to Cambodia are attracted by the opportunity to feel like Lara Croft among the majestic temples of Angkor, where every stone is steeped in history. The snow-white beaches of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong beckon with their silence and exoticism, where monkeys stealing coconuts can be found in the neighborhood. You can also test your courage here by tasting local dishes, such as crispy fried tarantulas. So, when is the best time to go to Cambodia to see and try more?
Spring in Cambodia
In spring, Cambodia welcomes tourists with real tropical warmth. The air temperature ranges from +25°C to +34 °C, and the water temperature stays at around +28 °C. At this time, tourists can visit southern resorts such as Kep and Kampot, as well as the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. This is the best time to have a beach-style vacation in Cambodia. You can sunbathe indefinitely, lazily swing in a hammock under palm trees and explore the picturesque beaches, which seem to be specially created for postcards.
For active recreation in Kampot, you can rent a kayak and walk along the quiet Tuk Chow River, enjoying the views of the mangroves. Or visit Rabbit Island, which has nothing in common with rabbits, but pleases with wildlife and sparsely populated beaches.
If your trip falls in the middle of April, then get ready for the Khmer New Year. During this event, the whole of Cambodia turns into one big celebration. The celebration is especially luxurious in Siem Reap. Only it is better to book accommodation in advance so as not to be left without a roof over your head in the midst of fun.
Cambodia in summer
The summer holiday season in Cambodia is rainy and monsoon. The temperature reaches +32 °C during the day, and drops to +23°24°C at night. You will not have time to hide under the palm trees, as the sun will come out again in a minute. During this period, spending time on the beach is not very comfortable, so prices in the country are noticeably falling. Only in the central resort of Sihanoukville, the summer months are the perfect time for a family vacation. There are few people, almost no precipitation and it is very warm. Since summer is the period of rice harvesting, you can go to the plantations and watch this process. You can also go to Phnom Penh on excursions to St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the National Museum. So you won’t have to be bored on vacation.
Features of holidays in Cambodia in autumn
Autumn brings stable weather, rains are less frequent and become less intense. Although there may still be sudden downpours in October, this is already a good time for a beach holiday and exciting excursions. One of the mandatory points of your program should be the Banteaichma Temple, located just 40 minutes from Sisophon. This ancient temple of the XII-XIII centuries impresses with its architectural beauty and atmosphere.
The end of autumn is the period when it is better to fly to Cambodia to visit the unique floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Life goes on as usual here, and the locals will be happy to tell you about their traditions. Don’t forget about Siem Reap and its famous temples, Neak Pean, located in the middle of the lake, and Bayon with huge statue faces.
Winter in Cambodia
In winter, Cambodia has the perfect weather for travel. The temperature ranges from +20 °C to +30°C, and rains are extremely rare. This is the time when the season in Cambodia is in full swing. Ideal conditions are coming for tourists at all resorts:
- Sihanoukville is a popular beach resort with snow-white beaches and ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling. While staying here, it is worth visiting the Ta-Prum Temple, where giant trees literally sprout through ancient ruins. Take a look at Banteisrey, where the bas-reliefs depict scenes from myths and everyday life.
- Siem Reap is the main tourist center. Travelers who want to see Angkor Wat and the Angkor Temple complex, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, come here.
- Cap — a town worth visiting for gourmets of exotic dishes. It is known for fresh seafood and crab markets.
- Kahkong is a paradise for ecotourists, surrounded by mangrove forests and Cardamom Mountains. An ideal place for trekking and hiking. Chi Phat settlement is located here, surrounded by dense forests and mountain rivers.
- Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, where the royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are located. Cambodian silk and traditional musical instruments can be bought at local markets.
If you plan to spend your Christmas holidays in one of these resorts, you should book the tour in advance.To tell the truth, seasonality in Cambodia is a very conditional concept. Here you can swim, sunbathe and go on excursions at any time of the year. The whole country is like one big adventure, only with different happy endings.