Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
March is a great time to explore Cambodia, with warm days and little rain creating ideal conditions for travel. There are many things to do in Cambodia in March, from watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat to gliding through floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace and National Museum showcase Cambodia’s rich history, while Kampot’s pepper farms offer a glimpse into traditional spice cultivation. Evenings can be spent enjoying fresh seafood by the coast or watching Phare, the Cambodian Circus, which blends acrobatics with storytelling for an unforgettable experience.
10 Best Things To Do In Cambodia In March
Here are the best things to do in Cambodia in March, from cultural sites to outdoor adventures:
1. Explore Angkor Wat And The Angkor Archaeological Park
Photo Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
March is an ideal time to visit Angkor Wat, as the dry season ensures clear skies and comfortable exploration. Arriving before sunrise allows visitors to witness the temple’s silhouette against a golden sky, creating a breathtaking scene. The detailed carvings on the temple walls depict ancient Hindu epics. Beyond Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm stands out with massive tree roots intertwined with its crumbling walls, offering a striking contrast between nature and architecture. A three-day Angkor Pass allows visitors to explore these sites at a comfortable pace, while hiring a knowledgeable tuk-tuk driver can help uncover less-visited corners of the vast complex.
Location: Siem Reap
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
2. Visit The Royal Palace And National Museum In Phnom Penh
Photo Hanay / Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is an architectural landmark, with golden roofs and traditional Khmer design reflecting Cambodia’s regal history. Inside its grounds, the Silver Pagoda holds a sacred emerald Buddha and a golden Buddha encrusted with thousands of diamonds. The temple floor, lined with over 5,000 silver tiles, adds to its grandeur. Manicured gardens surround the palace, offering shaded pathways for a peaceful walk. Just a short distance away, the National Museum houses the country’s most significant collection of Khmer artefacts. Ancient statues, bronze sculptures, and Angkorian relics provide insight into Cambodia’s artistic and religious history.
Location: Phnom Penh
Timings: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3. Visit Tuol Sleng And Choeung Ek
Photo: Michael Gruijters / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Understanding Cambodia’s recent history requires a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that became a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Its preserved cells, survivor testimonies, and photographic records offer a sobering look at this dark period. A short drive away, Choeung Ek, known as the Killing Fields, serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives. The site features a Buddhist stupa filled with thousands of skulls, each telling a story of Cambodia’s past. Walking through the peaceful grounds, visitors can reflect on the resilience of the Cambodian people and the country’s journey toward healing.
Location: Phnom Penh
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
4. Relax On The Beaches Of Sihanoukville And Nearby Islands
Photo: mitry Makeev / Wikimedia Commons
Along Cambodia’s coastline, Sihanoukville offers a mix of lively beaches and quieter retreats. Otres Beach provides soft white sand and clear waters, while Serendipity Beach is more energetic, with beachfront restaurants and entertainment. For a more secluded escape, Koh Rong island has turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a great place for snorkeling. At night, the sea lights up with bioluminescent plankton, creating a mesmerising glow. Nearby, Koh Rong Samloem is even more peaceful, with hidden beaches and simple wooden bungalows tucked into the jungle.
Location: Sihanoukville & Koh Rong
Timings: 24*7
5. Experience The Countryside In Battambang
Photo: Bärwinkel,Klaus / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Battambang’s countryside provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life, best experienced on the famous bamboo train. This simple wooden platform, powered by a small engine, speeds along old railway tracks through rice fields and villages.Within the town, well-preserved French colonial buildings now house art galleries and cafés. Phnom Sampeau, a limestone hill just outside the city, holds caves where millions of bats emerge at dusk, forming a moving ribbon across the sky. The local markets are filled with Cambodian street food, including rice dishes, tropical fruits, and crispy fried snacks.
Location: Battambang
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
6. Visit Pepper Plantations In Kampot
Photo: PsamatheM / Wikimedia Commons
Kampot’s fertile soil produces one of the world’s finest peppers, grown on traditional wooden poles across lush plantations. Visiting a pepper farm offers a chance to see the harvesting process, where farmers carefully select black, white, and red peppercorns at peak ripeness. The strong yet complex flavour of Kampot pepper makes it a prized ingredient in gourmet kitchens worldwide.Beyond the plantations, Kampot’s riverside setting provides a relaxing backdrop for sunset boat cruises. Floating along the calm waters, visitors can see the silhouettes of distant mountains while fireflies flicker along the riverbanks.
Location: Kampot
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
7. Take A Boat Trip On Tonle Sap Lake
Photo Deror_avi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, supports entire communities that live on floating houses. A boat trip through Kompong Phluk or Chong Kneas reveals daily life on the water, where families cook, fish, and trade from small wooden boats. The sight of colourful stilt houses rising above the water creates a fascinating contrast with the surrounding wetlands. Further into the lake, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a haven for rare water birds, including painted storks and spot-billed pelicans. Early morning excursions provide the best chance to spot these birds in their natural habitat while gliding across the vast, mirror-like waters.
Location: Siem Reap
Timings: Morning to late afternoon
8. Join A Traditional Khmer Cooking Class
Photo: Turaids / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Immerse yourself in Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage by joining a traditional Khmer cooking class. Guided by skilled local chefs, participants learn to prepare iconic dishes such as fish amok, a fragrant curry steamed in banana leaves, and lok lak, a savoury stir-fried beef dish. The experience includes mastering essential techniques like extracting fresh coconut cream and balancing authentic flavours with local herbs and spices. After the hands-on session, everyone gathers to enjoy their homemade meal in a warm, traditional setting, making it a memorable way to connect with Khmer culture through its cuisine.
Location: Siem Reap / Phnom Penh
Timings: 2–3 hours
9. Watch Phare, The Cambodian Circus In Siem Reap
Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is more than an acrobatic show—it tells powerful stories inspired by Cambodian history and folklore through movement, music, and drama. The performers, trained through a social program supporting underprivileged youth, showcase breathtaking stunts, fire juggling, and theatrical storytelling. Each performance features a different narrative, ranging from historical struggles to everyday Cambodian life, brought to life with energetic choreography. The intimate setting ensures clear views from every seat, while a post-show meet-and-greet allows visitors to connect with the artists. Handmade souvenirs available at the venue support ongoing arts education programs.
Location: Siem Reap
Timings: 7:30 PM Onwards
10. Explore Cambodia’s Markets
Photo: Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Markets in Cambodia offer a lively mix of traditional crafts, street food, and local produce. In Phnom Penh, the Art Deco-style Central Market (Phsar Thmey) is a landmark filled with jewellery, textiles, and souvenirs. Russian Market, another popular shopping spot, is known for its antiques, handcrafted sculptures, and custom-tailored clothing. In Siem Reap, the night markets provide an evening shopping experience with colourful stalls selling silk scarves, wood carvings, and traditional snacks. Vendors often prepare fresh dishes on-site, including sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and grilled meats with tangy dipping sauces.
Location: Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Morning till late evening
There are many things to do in Cambodia in March, from exploring ancient temples and historical sites to relaxing on sunlit beaches and tasting local cuisine. The dry season makes it easy to travel, whether you’re discovering Angkor Wat at sunrise or taking a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Plan your trip with TripXL to find the best experiences, transportation, and accommodation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Cover Photo: Amber De Bruin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
