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There are many things to do in Cambodia in September, with the cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a fresh look to the landscapes. Tonlé Sap Lake reaches its highest water levels, making boat trips more scenic, while Angkor Wat feels quieter, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Waterfalls flow at their strongest, markets are filled with fresh harvests, and countryside roads lead to remote temples. These offer a different side of Cambodia away from the usual tourist paths, perfect for a tranquil escape.
10 Things To Do In Cambodia In September
Here are the best things to do in Cambodia in September, from exploring ancient temples to witnessing full rivers and thriving markets:
1. Explore Angkor Wat Temples
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
As September’s rains bring fresh greenery to Cambodia, Angkor Wat transforms into a breathtaking landscape. Here ancient stone structures stand against vibrant forests. With fewer visitors during this season, you can walk through the vast temple complex without the usual crowds. This allows for a deeper appreciation of intricate carvings and centuries-old architecture. The occasional rain shower enhances the reflections in water-filled courtyards, creating stunning photography opportunities. Though mornings remain the best time to explore, the cooler post-rain air also makes afternoons more comfortable. Sunrise and sunset visits are especially rewarding, with dramatic skies casting a golden glow over the ruins.
Location: Siem Reap
Entry Fee: $37+ / ₹3,200
Timings: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace
Photo: Hanay / Wikimedia Commons
Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace remains one of the most magnificent places to visit in Cambodia’s capital. The towering golden rooftops shine even on cloudy days, while the beautifully maintained gardens become even more vibrant after rainfall. Inside, the Silver Pagoda houses one of the country’s most sacred Buddha statues. This is surrounded by a floor covered in thousands of silver tiles. Since September is a quieter month, you can explore the ornate throne halls and ceremonial buildings at a relaxed pace. To make the most of your visit, arrive early when temperatures are lower and the palace grounds are less crowded.
Location: Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: $10 / ₹870
Timings: 8 AM – 11 AM, 2 PM – 5 PM
3. Experience Tonlé Sap Lake’s Floating Villages
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons
As water levels rise in September, Tonlé Sap Lake swells to nearly five times its dry-season size. This creates a perfect opportunity to witness the unique floating villages that adapt to this dramatic seasonal change. Wooden houses rest on towering stilts or float directly on the water, while local markets, schools, and even temples drift alongside them. Boat tours provide an intimate look at this fascinating way of life, where families rely entirely on fishing and water-based agriculture. With the lake at its fullest, navigation becomes smoother, allowing for deeper exploration of village canals.
Location: Near Siem Reap
Entry Fee: Boat tour $20+ / ₹1,740
Timings: Daylight hours
4. Relax On Koh Rong Island
Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
Although September brings occasional rain showers, Koh Rong’s white sandy beaches and clear blue waters remain a spectacular retreat. This is especially for those looking to avoid peak-season crowds. The lush, rain-fed jungles surrounding the coastline provide excellent hiking trails. It offers sweeping views of the island’s pristine shores. Brief afternoon downpours give way to sunlit skies, making it easy to enjoy long walks along the beach or quiet moments in a beachfront café. At night, the absence of light pollution allows the bioluminescent plankton to glow even more vividly.
Location: Koh Rong
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Ferry schedules vary
5. Discover Battambang’s Countryside
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
With September’s rains nourishing the landscape, Battambang’s countryside becomes a lush and scenic expanse of rice fields and rivers. The famous bamboo train offers a thrilling open-air ride through these picturesque surroundings. Here small villages, pagodas, and farmland stretch as far as the eye can see. Ancient temples like Wat Banan provide an off-the-beaten-path alternative to Angkor. At the same time, Phnom Sampeau’s bat caves offer a mesmerising natural spectacle at dusk. Between rain showers, exploring the town’s French colonial architecture, vibrant art scene, and cosy cafés adds to the experience.
Location: Battambang
Entry Fee: Bamboo train ride $5 / ₹430
Timings: Daylight hours
6. Sample Cambodian Cuisine
Photo: Anilakeo / Wikimedia Commons
As the harvest season begins in September, Cambodia’s local markets burst with fresh produce, making it one of the best times to explore the country’s diverse cuisine. Taking a cooking class in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh provides an opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. These include amok, a fragrant coconut curry, or lok lak, a flavourful beef stir-fry. Markets showcase an array of tropical fruits at their peak, including mangosteen, longan, and rambutan. With the slightly cooler temperatures that follow rainy afternoons, enjoying a bowl of kuy teav, a comforting noodle soup, becomes even more satisfying.
Location: Nationwide
Price: Street food $1+ / ₹87
Timings: Available all day
7. Visit Kep And Kampot
Photo: Mx. Granger / Wikimedia Commons
While the frequent rains of September add a refreshing touch to Cambodia’s coastal regions, the towns of Kep and Kampot remain perfect destinations. Kep’s famous crab market is a must-visit, offering the chance to enjoy freshly caught seafood. It is perfectly seasoned with the region’s prized Kampot pepper. Just a short drive away, Kampot’s riverfront provides a peaceful setting for boat cruises past limestone mountains and lush plantations. Though brief showers may interrupt outdoor activities, they provide the perfect excuse to retreat into one of the town’s charming cafés. Visiting these destinations is one of the best things to do in Cambodia in September.
Location: Kep & Kampot
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Daylight hours
8. Explore Kulen Mountain Waterfalls
Photo: Mig Gilbert / Wikimedia Commons
With the rainy season in full swing, Phnom Kulen’s waterfalls surge with powerful cascades. This makes September an ideal time to visit this sacred mountain. The main waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle, forms a natural pool where visitors can cool off in refreshingly clear waters. As you venture further, you’ll find ancient riverbed carvings at the River of a Thousand Lingas. This is along with Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha, carved directly into the rock at Preah Ang Thom. The mountain’s higher elevation provides cooler temperatures. Early morning visits offer a chance to experience the area’s rich wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and tropical flora.
Location: Phnom Kulen National Park
Entry Fee: $20 / ₹1,740
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
9. Reflect At Tuol Sleng And Killing Fields
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons
For a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s past, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is an essential experience. The former high school turned Khmer Rouge prison holds haunting reminders of a dark period in the country’s history. Choeung Ek’s peaceful, tree-lined memorial offers space for quiet reflection. September’s overcast skies and light rain create a fitting atmosphere for these visits. While emotionally difficult, these sites provide valuable historical context, deepening one’s appreciation for Cambodia’s resilience and cultural revival.
Location: Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: $5+ / ₹435+
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
10. Visit Preah Vihear Temple
Photo: Phnom Penh Office / Wikimedia Commons
Set atop a towering cliff in Cambodia’s northern province, Preah Vihear Temple offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. September’s post-rain clarity ensures breathtaking views over the plains below. Built over centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage site features intricate sandstone carvings and expansive causeways leading to its sacred sanctuaries. The road to the summit can be steep. Though, motorbike taxis and four-wheel-drive vehicles make the journey easier. While afternoon showers are common, morning visits provide a better chance of clear skies, allowing visitors to take in the temple’s grandeur without distractions.
Location: Preah Vihear Province
Entry Fee: $10 / ₹870
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
The things to do in Cambodia in September make it a great time to visit, with quieter attractions, full rivers, and stronger waterfalls. While the rains shape the experience, they also bring cooler air and fewer tourists. Markets are busier with fresh harvests, and many sites feel more open without the usual crowds. Plan your trip with TripXL and discover Cambodia at its best this time of year.
Cover Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
