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October in Cambodia marks the shift from the rainy season to drier months. While heavy rains still occur, especially early in October, temperatures are lower than the peak summer months. October also brings important cultural events like Bon Pchum Ben and Coronation Day, offering a deeper look into Cambodian traditions. From visiting ancient temples to exploring local markets, there are several things to do in Cambodia in October. This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Cambodia in October, from the best things to do to must-visit places, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Top 15 Things To Do In Cambodia In October
From ancient temples and floating villages to colorful festivals and nature escapes, here’s a curated list of the best things to do in Cambodia in October.
1. Visit The Royal Residence At Phnom Penh Palace
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a great place to visit in October as the rainy season winds down, making exploring easier. The palace’s golden spires and intricate carvings reflect Cambodia’s rich history and craftsmanship. The Silver Pagoda houses valuable treasures, including a life-sized gold Buddha adorned with diamonds. With fewer crowds than in peak months, visitors can take their time to appreciate the details and learn about the country’s royal traditions.
Location: Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh
Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 AM and 2 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 5,000 KHR / ₹95
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phnom Penh
2. Visit Angkor Wat
Photo: Random username 083794703875938 / Wikimedia Commons
October is a good time to visit Angkor Wat as there are fewer tourists compared to the peak months of November-March. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its Khmer architecture and intricate stone carvings, making it a highlight among places to visit in Cambodia for a honeymoon. Early mornings bring cooler air, creating the perfect atmosphere to watch the sunrise over the temple. This magical experience not only offers breathtaking views but also adds a romantic touch, making visiting and watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat one of the best things to do in Cambodia in October.
Location: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap
Timings: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: 148,000 KHR / ₹2,775 (For 1 day)
3. Explore Khmer Art At The National Museum
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh houses over 14,000 artefacts, showcasing the depth of Khmer art and history. The museum also plays a role in religious practices, with its Buddhist and Hindu sculptures serving as objects of worship. Recently the museum welcomed the return of 14 significant sculptures from the U.S., including a 10th-century depiction of the goddess Uma from Koh Ker, highlighting ongoing efforts to repatriate Cambodian cultural heritage.
Location: Street 13 & 178, near Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 12,150 KHR / ₹225
Suggested Read: National Museum Phnom Penh
4. Witness An Apsara Dance Performance
Photo: shankar s / Wikimedia Commons
Pchum Ben, held in mid-October, is a significant Cambodian festival where people visit pagodas to honour their ancestors with offerings. Apsara dance, often performed during this time, is vital to Cambodian culture. The dance tells ancient stories through elegant movements and hand gestures. Witnessing the shows in Siem Reap’s theatres and hotels is one of the best things to do in Cambodia in October.
Location: Varios
5. Enjoy A Traditional Cambodian Spa Treatment
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A Cambodian spa treatment is one of the cool things to do in Cambodia in October. Traditional Khmer massage uses pressure and stretching to ease tension, while many spas also offer herbal treatments and oil massages. With occasional rain showers, October is a good time to enjoy a spa session as an indoor activity. After months of monsoon rains, the cooler weather makes relaxation even more enjoyable, providing a break from exploring temples and markets.
Location: Various
Cost: 100,000 KHR / ₹1,875
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cambodia
6. Visit Banteay Srei For Its Detailed Stone Carvings
Photo: Tsui / Wikimedia Commons
Banteay Srei, known as the “Jewel of Khmer Art,” is a great place to visit in October when the countryside is still green from the rainy season. This smaller temple is famous for its intricate carvings on pink sandstone, showcasing remarkable Khmer craftsmanship. Located further from Siem Reap, the scenic drive through villages and rice fields adds to the experience. The soft sunlight of October enhances the details of the temple’s carvings, making them even more striking.
Location: In the Angkor Archaeological Park
Timings: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: 148,000 KHR / ₹2,775 (For 1 day)
7. Experience The Elevated Views At Preah Vihar
Photo: William Brehm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
October is a great time to visit Preah Vihear, as the rainy season before makes the views from the cliff here even more striking. The cooler weather also makes the climb to the temple more manageable. With fewer tourists than other sites like Angkor Wat, it’s a quiet place to take in the detailed carvings and centuries-old history. Experiencing the elevated views of the Preah Vihear is one of the interesting things to do in Cambodia in October.
Location: Preah Vihear Temple at the Cambodia-Thailand border, atop a cliff on Phnom Tbeng
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Preah Vihear Temple
8. Explore The Pepper Farms
Photo: PsamatheM / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Repreentation Only
Kampot, Cambodia, is known for its scenic river, lush pepper plantations, and the inviting October post-monsoon weather, which makes it a wonderful time for biking in the countryside and visiting the salt fields. Kampot pepper, a renowned Cambodian spice, is grown in Kampot Province and has received Geographical Indication (GI) status, highlighting its unique quality and origin. Visiting Kampot’s pepper farms offers insight into traditional cultivation methods and the region’s agricultural heritage. If you are searching for places to see in Cambodia in 3 days, Kampot is an excellent addition to your itinerary, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.
Location: Kampot province (e.g. La Plantation, Bokor Road) and near Kep
Timings: 8 AM onwards
Entry/Fee: 7,000 – 9,000 KHR / ₹1,800 – 2,200 (For half day)
9. Cruise Through Tonle Sap And Mekong Waterways
Photo: dalbera / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the exciting things to do in Cambodia in October is to explore Cambodia’s waterways. The water level of Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers rises with monsoon rains, which makes cruising easier, giving you great views of the floating villages. You’ll see rare wetland birds and the Tonle Sap’s unusual flow reversal. The higher water levels make reaching remote areas of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve easier.
Location: Embark in Siem Reap (Tonle Sap) or Phnom Penh (Mekong)
Timings: 8 AM – 9 AM
Entry Fee: 116,000 KHR / ₹2,175 ( For 3 hours)
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Cambodia
10. Witness The Preparation For The Water Festivals
Photo: Codas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bon Om Touk, Cambodia’s Water Festival, happens in early November, but the excitement starts weeks before. Phnom Penh gets busy with boat-racing practice, music, and street parades in October. The city fills with energy as crews prepare for races on the Tonle Sap River. Walking along the waterfront, you’ll hear drums and cheers, making it a great time to experience local traditions before the main event.
Location: Phnom Penh’s Sisowath Quay & Tonle Sap–Mekong confluence
Timings: Varies
Entry/Fee: NA
11. Trek To Stunning Waterfalls In Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri
Photo: Dtfman / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking through the provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri is a must for nature lovers in Cambodia who want to experience excitement. Famous for their lush, rolling hills and thick forests, which are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, like Bou Sra, Chaa Ong, and Ka Tieng. The treks usually begin early in the morning and go on until late afternoon. This gives tourists plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, see wildlife, and even meet members of the local indigenous communities.
Location: Mondulkiri Province
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 10,000 KHR / ₹200
Suggested Read: Discover Waterfalls In Cambodia
12. Island Escape: Koh Rong Samloem
Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
Saracen Bay, which is off the coast of Sihanoukville, is home to Koh Rong Samloem. It is one of the unique things to do in Cambodia and the perfect tropical island getaway. This place is famous for its soft white sand beaches, clear blue water, and relaxed vibe, making it a great place to relax. From early morning to late afternoon, ferries go to and from the island. One-way and round-trip tickets cost different amounts. You can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, or just rest in a hammock under the palm trees.
Location: Saracen Bay, off Sihanoukville
Timings: 8 AM – late afternoon
Cost: 48,000 KHR / ₹900 for one‑way and 88,000 KHR / ₹1,650 for return
13. Visit The Lotus Silk Farm & Angkor Silk Workshops
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Lotus Silk Farm near Siem Reap and the Angkor Silk Workshops are both interesting places to learn about Cambodia’s textile history. You can see the complicated process of making beautiful fabrics from lotus stems and silk cocoons at these farms and businesses. You can go on guided tours that show you every step, from picking the wool to dying it and weaving it, using skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. The experience is both educational and inspiring, making it one of the best things to do in Cambodia with family.
Location: Lotus Silk Farm near Siem Reap
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Lotus Silk Farm) and 8 AM – 5 PM (Angkor Silk Farm)
Entry Fee: 10,000 – 20,000 KHR / ₹200 – ₹400
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Siem Reap
14. Join A Khmer Cooking Class
Photo: ELEVATE / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Taking a Khmer cooking class in Siem Reap is a great way to learn about Cambodia’s delicious food customs. Most classes take place in local homes, restaurants, or motels, so students get a real, hands-on experience. In just a few hours, you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes like fish amok, green mango salad, and sweet sticky rice desserts from skilled young cooks in the area. It is among the top things to do in Cambodia with kids, including a trip to a nearby market to pick out fresh food, which gives students a chance to learn about the flavours and foods that are important to Khmer cuisine.
Location: Primarily in Siem Reap—at local homes, restaurants, or resorts
Timings: 3 PM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Varies
15. Catch A Show By Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Phare, The Cambodian Circus, is a one-of-a-kind and fascinating show that uses theatre, acrobatics, music, and dance to tell strong stories from Cambodian history and culture. The shows happen in Siem Reap and are known for their energy, creativity, and positive effects on society. Many of the performers are past students of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an arts school that helps poor kids. Each performance is different, combining old and new elements to make a show that is both emotionally and aesthetically beautiful.
Location: Phare Ponleu Selpak venue in Siem Reap (near the riverfront)
Timings: 8 PM
Entry Fee: 10,000 – 15,000 KHR / ₹500 – 900
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Cambodia In April
October is a good time to visit Cambodia as the rains ease up and crowds thin out. If you’re looking for things to do in Cambodia in October, you can explore ancient temples, watch cultural performances, or try local dishes. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore Cambodia in October, where the higher water levels make boat trips easier, letting you see floating villages and flooded forests up close.
Cover Photo: Manfred Werner / Wikimedia Commons
