Things to Do in Cambodia in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Cambodia
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season's final weeks mean consistently sunny mornings perfect for temple exploration from 6-10am before crushing heat
- Water levels at Tonle Sap Lake are at their lowest, creating unique floating village access and concentrated wildlife viewing at Prek Toal
- Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) mid-month brings incredible cultural immersion with traditional ceremonies, water blessings, and village festivities
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to December-February peak, while weather remains favorable for sightseeing
Considerations
- Afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially dangerous
- Increasing humidity builds toward rainy season - feels-like temperature often reaches 38°C (100°F) by 2pm
- Khmer New Year week (typically April 13-16) sees most restaurants and services closed, limited transport, and inflated prices for open establishments
Best Activities in April
Angkor Archaeological Park Sunrise Tours
April's dry conditions provide crystal-clear sunrise views over Angkor Wat with minimal cloud cover. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make the 5:30am start comfortable, and you'll complete major temples before the 35°C (95°F) afternoon heat becomes unbearable. Crowds are moderate as it's shoulder season.
Tonle Sap Floating Villages
April's low water levels create unique access to stilted houses and concentrated bird watching at Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. The dry season reveals the lake's dramatic seasonal transformation, with villages appearing to sit directly on land rather than water. Morning departures avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Battambang Countryside Cycling
April's dry roads and clear skies create ideal cycling conditions through rice paddies, traditional villages, and bamboo train routes. Morning temperatures of 28°C (82°F) with low humidity make 15-20 km (9-12 mile) rides comfortable before the afternoon heat hits.
Khmer New Year Cultural Experiences
Mid-April brings Cambodia's most important festival with traditional games, water blessings, and pagoda ceremonies. Villages come alive with music, dance, and elaborate food offerings. This authentic cultural immersion is impossible to experience any other time of year.
Koh Rong Island Day Trips
April's calm seas and minimal rainfall make it perfect for island hopping to pristine beaches. Water temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) with excellent visibility for snorkeling. Sea breezes provide relief from mainland heat, with coastal temperatures 3-4°C cooler.
Mondulkiri Elephant Sanctuary Visits
April's dry conditions make highland roads accessible while temperatures remain cooler at 1,000m (3,280 ft) elevation. Morning mist creates dramatic jungle scenery, and elephants are more active in the comfortable 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures before seeking shade.
April Events & Festivals
Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year)
Cambodia's most significant festival featuring three days of ceremonies, traditional games like chaol chhoung (Khmer baseball), elaborate temple offerings, and community water blessings. Villages host traditional dance performances and families gather for ancestral honoring rituals.
Bonn Chrat Preah Nongkoal
Traditional plowing ceremony marking the beginning of rice planting season, typically held at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Sacred oxen predict the coming harvest through their choice of foods, drawing thousands of locals and providing insight into ancient agricultural traditions.