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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 10 Things To Do In Cambodia In October
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Cambodia in October for your next visit:
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.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹830 per person
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: 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 known for its Khmer architecture and stone carvings. Early mornings bring cooler air, making it a great time to watch the sunrise over the temple, which makes visiting and watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the best things to do in Cambodia in October.
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: ₹3,080 for a single-day pass
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Location: Krong Siem Reap
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.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹830 per person
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: 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.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 7 PM onwards
Location: Siem Reap
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.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
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.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Siem Reap
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.
Ideal Duration: Half a day
Entry Fee: ₹830 per person
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Preah Vihear Province
8. Explore The Pepper Farms
Photo: PsamatheM / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Repreentation Only
Kampot, Cambodia, is known for its river, pepper plantations, and October’s post-monsoon weather makes it a good time for biking in the countryside and visiting the salt fields as well.. 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.
Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Timings: 24*7
Location: Kampot Province
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.
Timings: Varies
Location: Tonle Sap Lake & Mekong River
10. Witness The Preparation For The Water Festivalz
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.
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Varies
Location: Phnom Penh
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
