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Things to Do in Cambodia in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
March Weather in Cambodia
Long-run averages for March in Phnom Penh
94°F (34°C)
High Temp
75°F (24°C)
Low Temp
1.4 inches (36 mm)
Rainfall
66%
Humidity
12
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Extreme UV radiation - sun protection is non-negotiable at all times of day.
Making the most of March in Cambodia? Browse tours and activities in Cambodia on GetYourGuide.
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Sunshine dominates. You will see the stone faces of the Bayon temple at Angkor Wat bathed in clear, sharp light, without the haze that settles in later months.
- + The humidity is still manageable, first thing in the morning. You can tackle the steep steps of Phnom Bakheng for sunrise without feeling like you are wading through soup.
- + River and lake levels are decent, meaning the floating villages around the Tonle Sap Lake, like Kompong Khleang, are still accessible by boat before the dry season fully draws down the water.
- + It is the last comfortable window for multi-day jungle treks in places like the Cardamom Mountains before the rains and leeches make things challenging.
Considerations
- − The heat is no joke by midday. The sun on the laterite causeways of Angkor Thom feels like a physical weight, and temple-hopping after 11 AM becomes a test of endurance.
- − This is the absolute tail end of the dry season, so landscapes, outside the irrigated rice paddies, start to look parched and dusty. Do not expect the lush, green Cambodia of postcard fantasies.
- − A certain tourist fatigue can set in at major sites. After months of dry-season crowds, some vendors and tuk-tuk drivers might seem a bit less patient, a bit more transactional.
Short on time in March? See day trips around Cambodia on GetYourGuide.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
Cambodia in March sits at a hinge point in the seasonal calendar. The heat is building, with average highs reaching 94 degrees Fahrenheit. But the heavy rains of the coming monsoon are still weeks away. This is a month of transition. The landscape retains a parched, golden hue from the long dry season, and the air feels still and warm, carrying the scent of dry earth and charcoal from roadside grills. Locals move with a measured pace, seeking the shade of wide-leafed trees during the midday zenith. Evenings bring a palpable relief as temperatures dip to more comfortable levels. Compared to the saturated greens and daily downpours of the summer, March in Cambodia has a last, clear window of reliably dry days for expansive exploration. The climate data shows this month receives an average of 1.4 inches of rain, a significant increase from the bone-dry February but still a fraction of what falls from May onward. This shift means you might feel the humidity begin to gather, a faint stickiness in the afternoon that hints at the coming change. For visitors, it translates to long days of sunshine good for temple circuits and river journeys, with a very low chance of a plan-altering storm. It is a strategic time to experience Cambodia, after the peak tourist crowds have diminished but before the rhythm of the land is dictated by the monsoon's schedule.
Siem Reap Angkor Airport Taxis (from Airport to Hotel)
transportAfter the drone of the aircraft fades, you step into the Siem Reap air, thick with warmth and the distant smell of woodsmoke. Your pre-booked taxi driver waits with a sign, offering a swift escape from the airport bustle into a vehicle chilled by air conditioning. You will watch the world transform outside your window, from scrubland to the first glimpses of guesthouses and neon beer signs lining the road into town.
It guarantees an immediate, hassle-free introduction to Siem Reap, letting you begin your Cambodian exploration without the friction of haggling in the heat.
Insider tip: Have your hotel's name and address written in Khmer on your phone to show the driver, as English spellings can vary.
Private 3-Days tour at comfortable areas
guided_experienceThis private tour carves a deliberate path through the Siem Reap region over three days, moving beyond the main temple crowds to quieter, equally profound sites. You will hear the intricate stories of bas-reliefs whispered by your guide, feel the cool of ancient stone corridors, and discover lesser-known ruins where the only sound is the rustle of lizards in the undergrowth.
It provides a curated, in-depth immersion into Khmer heritage at a relaxed pace, with the flexibility to linger where you feel a connection.
Insider tip: Request an early start each day to explore the major temples like Angkor Wat in the relative cool of the morning, before the sun reaches its peak intensity.
Siem Reap: One-Way Transfer from Hotel to Airport (SAI)
otherAs your time in Siem Reap concludes, this reliable transfer ensures you won't miss your flight. The driver arrives at your hotel lobby, helping with bags before you slip back into the familiar, air-conditioned interior for the reverse journey. You will watch the busy street life of Cambodia recede, replaced by the flat, sun-bleached fields surrounding the airport.
It removes the uncertainty of your departure, allowing you to savor your final moments in Cambodia without transport worries.
Insider tip: Confirm your pickup time with the operator the evening before, and be ready in the lobby at least five minutes early.
From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip
day_tripThis three-day journey juxtaposes the impressive stone grandeur of Angkor with the living, watery world of Tonlé Sap Lake. One day you will taste the stillness of a dawn reflected in Angkor Wat's moat, and another you will hear the putter of a longtail boat carrying you past floating houses, smelling the freshwater lake and seeing fishermen mend their nets.
It captures the two defining landscapes of the Siem Reap region, the ancient imperial stone city and the contemporary communities sustained by the great lake.
Insider tip: On the lake day, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. The reflection off the water intensifies the sun's effect.
Private Temples Guided Tour (Angkor Wat, Ta Prom & Angkor Thom)
culturalA private guide leads you through the narrative heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, from the towering faces of the Bayon in Angkor Thom to the strangler-fig embrace of Ta Prohm. You will touch the weathered sandstone, hear the guide decipher stories of gods and kings in the intricate carvings, and stand in the quiet, dappled light filtering through the jungle canopy.
It unlocks the layered history and symbolism of Cambodia's most well-known temples through personalized commentary you cannot get from a guidebook.
Insider tip: At Ta Prohm, explore the corridors away from the main photo spot near the entrance to find quieter, equally dramatic tree-and-stone fusions.
Phnom Penh Bike & Boat Sunset Tour / E-Bike Available
adventureThis tour has a dynamic perspective on Phnom Penh, beginning with a cycle along the busy riverfront where you will feel the cool breeze off the Tonlé Sap and hear the clatter of street kitchens. It culminates in a serene boat cruise at dusk, where you will watch the sky turn violet over the Royal Palace and taste a cool local beer as the city lights begin to glitter.
It combines active exploration of the city's streets with a peaceful, golden-hour retreat onto the water for the classic Phnom Penh sunset.
Insider tip: Choose the e-bike option if you are unaccustomed to the heat. It provides a gentle boost that makes the ride entirely pleasurable.
Where to Stay in Cambodia in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
Public Holidays in March
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
ទិវានារីអន្តរជាតិ
Known in English as International Women's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
ទិវានារីអន្តរជាតិ
Known in English as International Women's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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View Cambodia Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
For Angkor Wat sunrise, skip the main pond crowds. Locals and savvy guides head west. The reflection pool on the *west* side delivers unobstructed tower views. No crowds. Better light.
The best coffee in Cambodia isn't in cafes. Find street vendors with metal drip filters. Order *cafe tuk dah* (strong coffee) with *ket* (sweet condensed milk). Thick, potent, and cheap. Pennies only.
In Phnom Penh, skip the generic riverfront. Head to the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) rooftop instead. Arrive as the sun sets over the Royal Palace. Golden light fills the space. Colonial-era fans move the air.
Heading to the islands? Bring cash. ATMs on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem fail often. Many bungalows and boat tickets are cash-only. Don't get stranded.
Avoid These Mistakes
Avoid seeing too many temples in one day. Starting late makes it worse. The heat will win. Pick two, maybe three. Take a long, air-conditioned lunch break between them.
Never underestimate the sun. Even cloudy days carry extreme UV levels. Sunburn on your first day ruins a week. Apply sunscreen. Reapply often.
Never drink tap water. Skip ice from unknown sources. Stick to bottled or purified water. Take ice only in reputable establishments. Your stomach will thank you.
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