Things to Do in Cambodia in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Cambodia
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Lush green landscapes at their most beautiful - rice paddies are brilliant emerald, waterfalls are at full power, and the countryside looks like a postcard
- Fewer crowds at major attractions like Angkor Wat - August sees 40% fewer visitors than dry season, meaning better photo opportunities and shorter lines
- Lower accommodation prices - hotels drop rates by 30-50% during rainy season, and you can often negotiate further discounts for stays longer than 3 nights
- Perfect mango season - Cambodian mangoes (svay) are at peak ripeness and cost just ៛2,000-3,000 ($0.50-0.75) each from street vendors
Considerations
- Heavy afternoon rains lasting 1-3 hours occur 15 days of the month, typically between 2pm-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor temple exploration
- Extremely high humidity makes 32°C (90°F) feel like 38°C (100°F) - even short walks become exhausting and clothes stick to your skin within minutes
- Rural roads become impassable - many countryside destinations like remote temples or floating villages require 4WD vehicles or may be completely inaccessible
Best Activities in August
Early Morning Angkor Wat Temple Exploration
August mornings (5am-9am) offer the best temple viewing conditions before afternoon rains and crushing heat. The temples are dramatically beautiful with lush jungle growth, and you'll have iconic spots nearly to yourself. Rain cleans the stone carvings, making intricate details pop. Afternoon rain provides natural air conditioning and creates mystical atmospheric shots.
Phnom Penh Museum and Indoor Cultural Tours
Rainy season is perfect for exploring Cambodia's world-class museums and air-conditioned cultural sites. The Royal Palace, National Museum, and Tuol Sleng are comfortable refuges during afternoon storms. Local guides are more available and eager for work, offering deeper insights. Museums are less crowded, allowing contemplative experiences with Khmer artifacts.
Mekong River Covered Boat Tours
August's high water levels make the Mekong spectacular for covered boat excursions. Rivers are full and fast, waterfalls are powerful, and floating villages are at their most authentic. Covered boats provide shelter from sudden downpours while offering unobstructed river views. Water levels allow access to typically unreachable tributaries and fishing communities.
Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes
August brings peak season for tropical ingredients - fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits are abundant and at lowest prices. Cooking classes happen in covered outdoor kitchens or indoor spaces, perfect for rainy afternoons. You'll learn to use seasonal ingredients like young coconuts, water spinach, and perfectly ripe mangoes. Classes provide cultural immersion during weather downtime.
Kampot Pepper Farm and Cave Exploration
Kampot province is lush and accessible in August, with famous pepper plantations at their greenest. Cave systems like Phnom Chhnork provide natural air conditioning and shelter from rain. The countryside is dramatically beautiful with misty mountains and flowing rivers. Local guesthouses offer some of Cambodia's best value during low season.
Floating Village Boat Tours
August water levels make floating villages most authentic and accessible. Tonle Sap Lake expands to 5 times its dry season size, and stilted houses appear to float on endless water. This is when communities are most active with fishing and daily water life. Tours offer genuine glimpses of water-based living rather than tourist performances.
August Events & Festivals
Pchum Ben Festival Preparations
Late August sees temple preparations for Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival. Locals begin cleaning pagodas, preparing special foods, and organizing community activities. You'll witness authentic Buddhist culture and can participate in temple preparation activities. Monks are especially welcoming to respectful visitors during this preparation time.