If you’re thinking of visiting Cambodia in April, you’re in for a vibrant and exciting experience! April brings sunny skies, fun festivals and plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful temples, beaches and highlands. This guide will help you navigate Cambodia’s weather, highlight the best events, suggest top destinations and provide helpful tips to ensure you have a great trip!
Weather in Cambodia in April
April is the end of the dry season and also the hottest month of the year in Cambodia. The sky is always clear and sunny, there is no rain and daytime temperatures can reach 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F), especially in urban areas or tourist areas such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Although the heat can be quite harsh, during this time you can admire the beautiful sunsets and sunrises in Cambodia.
The weather is also very suitable for visiting the beaches and beautiful tropical islands such as Kep, Kampot and Koh Rong. The weather in the evenings will be cooler and more pleasant so visitors can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. In particular, April is also the peak tourist season due to the Chaul Chnam Thmey festival, the biggest festival of the year, so you need to plan accordingly to enjoy the trip to the fullest.
Weather in Cambodia in April
> > > Considering the intense heat and festive atmosphere of April, you might wonder when the best time to visit Cambodia actually is. Let’s dive into the ideal seasons for exploring this captivating country!
Major events and festivals in Cambodia in April: Khmer New Year
April is a particularly exciting month to visit Cambodia because of Khmer New Year, known locally as Chaul Chnam Thmey, the country’s most important traditional holiday. Celebrated annually for three official days (usually April 13-16), the festival often lasts up to a week in many parts of the country. Khmer New Year symbolizes the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a prosperous new lunar year. It is an occasion for Khmer people to send their best wishes, express kindness and gratitude to their ancestors and those who have contributed to the country and people.
During the festival, the whole country will become extremely bustling with rituals, cultural and artistic performances and traditional ceremonies. On New Year’s Eve, everyone in the family will gather, sit cross-legged in front of the ancestral altar, burn incense and bow three times to send off the old Teveda and welcome the new Teveda, hoping for blessings. They believe that Tevada is a fairy sent from heaven to take care of people during this time. After that, people will celebrate three official holidays in a joyful and exciting atmosphere.
Khmer New Year, or Chaul Chnam Thmey is the most vibrant festival in Cambodia
During these days, people often go to the temple to pray for a peaceful and prosperous new year. They bring fresh flowers and offerings to the temple to listen to sermons from early morning, then perform the Buddha bathing ceremony, plant flags and flowers on the sand stupa and pour them out onto the street, splashing water on each other to welcome the new year. Instead of wishing each other good luck at the beginning of the year, Cambodian people will enthusiastically welcome the new year with the water splashing ceremony. Regardless of adults, children, or tourists, everyone participates in the joyful water-splashing ceremony in friendship.
> > > After enjoying the vibrant celebrations of Khmer New Year, why not explore more of this beautiful country through carefully planned Cambodia tours? Check out our recommended tours and let us help you discover the best of Cambodia!
Best places to visit in Cambodia in April
Coastal provinces
To escape the heat of April, the coastal towns of southern Cambodia are ideal places. Visit Sihanoukville, the most famous coastal city in Cambodia. This is not only a weekend getaway near the capital Phnom Penh but also a popular destination for tourists, with clean beaches, vibrant restaurants and bars and many attractive entertainment games.
If you do not like the noise and bustle of Sihanoukville, visitors can choose other famous coastal city of Cambodia – Kep city or nearby islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Samloem. They have pristine beaches with long white sand banks and clear blue water, very suitable for activities such as diving. In particular, crabs in Kep have become a brand, a famous specialty that captivates tourists with attractive dishes such as crab fried with Kampot green pepper.
Koh Rong Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia
Bokor Highlands
Located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, Bokor always has a cool climate all year round. This place has a wild and green mountain landscape, the high mountains surrounded by white clouds create a mysterious feeling. Standing on the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand. Besides the majestic nature, you also have the opportunity to observe rare flora and fauna, the ancient temple Wat Sampov Pram and the statue of Saint Ya Mao. Don’t miss the Bokor Palace Hotel hotel-casino complex from the French colonial period to enjoy 5-star resort services.
Bokor is famous for its mysterious beauty
Siem Reap
Despite the hot weather, Siem Reap is still a popular tourist destination in April, especially during Khmer New Year. The sun shines brightly at sunset and sunrise, and you can take in spectacular views of Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm from a hot air balloon. On cooler evenings, visit Pub Street, where you can mingle in lively restaurants and bars and enjoy a cold beer. Siem Reap’s night market and riverside festival are also great options, with vibrant street food and traditional dances.
You can try the unique hot balloon ride in Angkor Wat
> > > After exploring vibrant Siem Reap, continue your journey with our itinerary, “Siem Reap 6 Days Discovering the Angkor Temples,” designed to showcase Angkor’s stunning temples.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh, offers visitors a vibrant cultural experience in April. Visit iconic attractions like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak temperatures, or head to the malls, cafes and restaurants for a more leisurely day of exploring. During Khmer New Year, the city’s riverside area along Sisowath Pier transforms into a festive hub, filled with street vendors, cultural performances, live music and celebrations.
Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
Some tips for your Cambodia trip in April
Traveling to Cambodia during the hottest month requires careful planning. Consider these tips to maximize your comfort and enjoyment:
- Since the weather is quite hot, plan outdoor activities such as sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon. If you want to go out at noon, choose indoor, air-conditioned places to rest.
- April is Khmer New Year, the biggest festival of the year, so accommodations and other services fill up quickly, especially in the capital and tourist destinations. Therefore, you should book at least 2 weeks in advance to get the best rates and availability.
- During the holiday, some banks and agencies may be closed, so you need to prepare in advance for currency exchange, travel schedules and some other essential services.
- The Khmer New Year festival includes religious ceremonies and cultural activities, so you should dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. You can participate in water games and interact with the locals, but do so in a respectful and polite manner.
Traveling to Cambodia in April brings sunny skies, vibrant cultural festivals, and memorable experiences. Yes, it’s hot but with the right preparation and planning, you’ll have no trouble enjoying the beautiful temples, coastal towns, and vibrant lanterns of Khmer New Year. Hopefully, with this detailed guide, you’re now ready to make the most of your trip. Ready to plan your Cambodia adventure this April? Contact us today and let us help you create the perfect trip!
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Hi IDC Travel team,
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia this April and found your blog post incredibly helpful! I’m excited about experiencing the Khmer New Year. Are there specific cities or regions where the festivities are particularly vibrant or unique? Any recommendations on where to be during this time? Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Hi Luca!
Thanks so much for reading the blog and for your thoughtful questions – happy to help you make the most of your April trip to Cambodia! It seems that you are coming in the right time! Khmer New Year (usually around April 13–16) is celebrated nationwide, but Siem Reap is one of the best places to experience it. The city organizes water fights, traditional games, and cultural performances, especially around Pub Street and Angkor Wat. Phnom Penh is also festive, but things quiet down a bit more as locals head to their hometowns. If you’re looking for a more local and immersive feel, rural towns can be a lot of fun too. Hope you have a great time in Cambodia!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team.
Loved this guide, super informative and honest. I’m arriving in Phnom Penh just before Khmer New Year and can’t wait to see the traditional dances and join the celebrations. I’m also heading to Battambang afterwards. Is transportation around that time affected by the holidays? Should I book buses and trains in advance?
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re really glad you found the guide helpful. Since Khmer New Year is one of the biggest holidays of the year, transportation can definitely get busier than usual. We recommend booking your buses or trains to Battambang in advance, especially a few days before and after the main days of the New Year (April 13–16), just to be safe.
If you need help with tickets or recommendations for reliable transport options, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help! Safe travels and enjoy every moment of the celebrations!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team