Things to Do in Cambodia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Cambodia

35°C (95°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 75 mm (3 inches) across 6 days, meaning clear skies for Angkor Wat sunrise and temple exploration
Perfectly timed for Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) celebrations mid-April preparation period - temples are being cleaned and decorated, creating unique cultural photography opportunities
Mekong River reaches optimal levels for boat trips to floating villages - water is high enough for comfortable navigation but not flooding season chaos
Ideal weather for Cardamom Mountains trekking - dry trails, clear mountain views, and wildlife more active near water sources making spotting easier

Considerations

Extremely hot midday temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) with UV index of 10 - temple exploration becomes uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
Peak tourist season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than low season, especially around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Dust levels are highest during dry season, particularly problematic for those with respiratory issues when visiting rural areas and unpaved temple complexes

Best Activities in March

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Exploration

March offers the best conditions for temple exploration with minimal rainfall and clear skies perfect for sunrise photography. Start at 5am for Angkor Wat sunrise when temperatures are coolest at 24°C (75°F). The dry season means less mud on temple steps and clearer reflection pools. Avoid midday visits when stone surfaces become scorching hot.

Booking Tip: Purchase temple passes online in advance to skip queues. Three-day passes offer best value at typically $62. Book tuk-tuk drivers through your accommodation for reliability. Start before 6am and finish temple touring by 11am to avoid peak heat. Reference booking widget for guided tour options.

Mekong River Floating Village Tours

March water levels are perfect for accessing Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas floating villages. The dry season means calmer waters and better visibility for observing daily life on stilted houses. Morning tours between 7-10am offer cooler temperatures and active village life before midday heat drives people indoors.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $25-45 including boat transport. Book through licensed operators with life jackets and insurance. Avoid tours during 12-3pm peak heat. Morning departures offer better cultural interaction and photography lighting. See current options in booking section below.

Cardamom Mountains Eco-Trekking

Dry season provides optimal trekking conditions with clear trails and no leeches. March temperatures in the mountains are 5-8°C cooler than lowlands, making multi-day treks comfortable. Wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, improving spotting chances for gibbons and hornbills. Rivers are crossable without wet season danger.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost typically $80-150 per day including guides and meals. Book minimum 2 weeks ahead through eco-tourism operators. Bring sleeping bag rated for 18°C (64°F) mountain nights. Dry season means reliable transportation access to trailheads. Check current trekking tours in booking widget.

Phnom Penh Cultural and Historical Tours

March heat makes indoor attractions like Tuol Sleng and Royal Palace more appealing during midday hours. Early morning Mekong riverfront walks are pleasant before temperatures soar. The dry season means better access to Killing Fields site with less mud and clearer pathways. Evening food tours become essential as street vendors are most active after 5pm.

Booking Tip: Combine indoor historical sites during 11am-3pm peak heat with outdoor activities in early morning and evening. Guided historical tours typically cost $30-60. Book air-conditioned transportation for comfort. Evening food tours start around 5pm when temperatures drop. See current cultural tours in booking section.

Kampot Province Pepper Farm and Cave Exploration

March is pepper harvesting season in Kampot, offering authentic farm visits with active harvesting and processing demonstrations. Dry weather ensures cave systems like Phnom Chhnork are accessible without flooding concerns. Cooler riverside locations provide relief from heat while exploring traditional architecture.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Phnom Penh typically cost $45-75 including transportation. Book tours that combine pepper farms with cave visits for efficiency. March harvesting season offers most authentic farm experiences. Riverside lunch stops essential for heat relief. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Ratanakiri Province Adventure Tours

Remote northeastern province accessible via dry season roads that become impassable during rains. March offers clear access to volcanic crater lakes, ethnic minority villages, and pristine waterfalls. Cooler highland temperatures make jungle trekking feasible. Dry season wildlife viewing is optimal around permanent water sources.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours typically $100-180 per day including 4WD transport, essential during dry season for dusty roads. Book minimum 3 weeks ahead due to remote location logistics. Internal flights to Ban Lung save 8-10 hours driving. Dry season is only reliable time for road access. Check current adventure tours in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Phchum Ben Preparation Activities

While the main festival occurs in September/October, March sees temple preparation activities and merit-making ceremonies. Locals begin temple cleaning and decoration projects, offering unique cultural observation opportunities without the main festival crowds.

Mid to Late March

Khmer New Year Preparation Period

Mid-March begins the preparation period for Chaul Chnam Thmey (April 13-15). Temples undergo deep cleaning, homes are decorated, and traditional games are practiced in villages. This preparation period offers authentic cultural immersion without the chaos of the actual celebration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 10 with intense reflection off temple stones and water

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts for temple visits - required for covering shoulders while providing sun protection

Wide-brimmed hat essential for 35°C (95°F) midday temperatures with minimal shade at temple complexes

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high heat and humidity cause rapid dehydration, especially during temple climbing

Portable umbrella for dual sun/rain protection during brief afternoon showers and intense sun exposure

Breathable hiking boots for temple exploration - stone steps can be slippery and sharp, sandals insufficient for serious exploration

Quick-dry pants in dark colors - lighter fabrics show dust easily during dry season temple visits

Insect repellent with DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources including temple moats

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for midday temple breaks when shade temperatures still reach 32°C (90°F)

Water purification tablets as backup - increased water consumption in heat means higher risk if bottled water unavailable

Insider Knowledge

Angkor Wat sunrise viewing gets crowded by 5:30am - arrive by 5am and position on the left side of the reflection pools for fewer people in photos

Temple pass offices open at 5am - buy your pass the morning of your visit to avoid previous day crowds and get immediate access

Local markets close during midday heat (11am-2pm) - shop early morning or late afternoon when vendors return and prices drop for end-of-day sales

Tuk-tuk drivers expect water and snack money during hot season - budget extra $3-5 daily as drivers wait in extreme heat while you explore

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting full-day temple exploration during peak heat - many tourists get heat exhaustion trying to see everything in one day instead of splitting across early morning and late afternoon

Wearing dark clothing in direct sun - black shirts can reach 50°C (122°F) surface temperature, choose light colors despite dust concerns

Booking accommodation without air conditioning to save money - March heat makes AC essential for recovery sleep, false economy that ruins trip experience