Things to Do in Cambodia in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Cambodia
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuine shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-35% compared to December-February peak, and you'll actually have negotiating power at guesthouses. Worth noting that tours and activities stay relatively stable in price, but the hotel savings alone make a significant difference.
- Angkor Wat at its most manageable - you're looking at maybe 60% of high season crowds, which means you can actually photograph Ta Prohm's tree roots without 40 people in your frame. Sunrise at Angkor Wat still draws crowds, but by 9am most tour groups have moved on and you'll have entire temple sections to yourself.
- The countryside is genuinely stunning right now - rice paddies around Battambang and Kampot are that brilliant green you see in photos, thanks to early rains. The Cardamom Mountains are lush without being inaccessible, and waterfalls like Kbal Chhay near Sihanoukville are actually flowing with decent volume.
- Mango season peaks in May - you'll find over a dozen varieties at markets for 2,000-4,000 riel per kilo (0.50-1.00 USD), and street vendors sell chilled sliced mango with salt and chili that's become my default afternoon snack. Locals say the keo romeat variety is best this month, and they're right.
Considerations
- Heat builds through the month - early May starts around 32°C (90°F) but by late May you're regularly hitting 35°C (95°F) with that 70% humidity. The kind of heat where you'll plan your day around air-conditioned breaks, and temple exploration between 11am-3pm becomes genuinely uncomfortable rather than just warm.
- Rain patterns are unpredictable in shoulder season - some years May stays mostly dry, other years the monsoon arrives early and you get proper downpours. Lately it's been trending toward more frequent afternoon storms, typically 3pm-5pm, lasting 45-90 minutes. Not trip-ruining, but you can't count on clear weather like you could in March.
- Coastal areas get less appealing as month progresses - beaches around Sihanoukville and Koh Rong start seeing rougher seas and reduced visibility for diving and snorkeling. By late May, many island boat services reduce frequency due to choppier conditions, and that gorgeous turquoise water turns a murkier green.
Best Activities in May
Angkor Archaeological Park temple exploration
May hits the sweet spot for temple touring - crowds have thinned considerably but weather hasn't turned into full monsoon yet. Mornings from 6am-10am are genuinely pleasant, with temperatures around 27-29°C (81-84°F) and soft light that's perfect for photography. The reduced crowds mean you can spend quality time at Bayon's faces without being rushed, and guides are more available and less hurried. Afternoon storms actually work in your favor - temples clear out completely around 3pm when locals see clouds building, giving you atmospheric shots with dramatic skies.
Countryside cycling tours around Battambang
This is actually my favorite time for cycling in Cambodia - the countryside is brilliantly green from early rains, temperatures in morning hours stay reasonable around 28-30°C (82-86°F), and rural roads are still dry enough for comfortable riding. You'll pass through rice paddies at their most photogenic stage, see water buffalo working fields, and stop at villages where daily life happens at a pace that hasn't changed much in decades. The afternoon rain pattern works perfectly - most cycling routes run 8am-1pm, getting you back before storms roll in.
Kampot pepper farm visits and river exploration
May weather is ideal for Kampot - warm but not oppressive, with enough rain to keep the pepper plantations lush and the river full. The famous Kampot pepper farms are fascinating this time of year as plants are actively growing, and you'll see the green peppercorns that make the region famous. Combine farm visits with river kayaking or boat trips in the morning when it's cooler, then retreat to riverside cafes during afternoon heat. The countryside around Kampot is stunning right now, with those distinctive limestone karst formations rising from green fields.
Phnom Penh food market tours and cooking classes
May is actually excellent for food-focused activities in Phnom Penh - seasonal fruits are at their peak, morning markets are vibrant, and you'll spend most time in covered areas or air-conditioned cooking schools. The capital's food scene has exploded in recent years, and morning market tours show you ingredients and street food that tourists typically miss. Cooking classes run 3-4 hours, usually 9am-1pm, teaching you to make authentic dishes like fish amok, lok lak, or green mango salad. The indoor nature of these activities makes them perfect for May's unpredictable afternoon weather.
Koh Rong island relaxation and jungle trails
Early May is your window for islands - seas are still relatively calm, boats run on schedule, and you'll have beaches significantly less crowded than high season. That said, avoid late May when conditions deteriorate. Focus on jungle hiking and beach time rather than water sports, as visibility for snorkeling drops through the month. The interior jungle trails on Koh Rong are actually more pleasant in May humidity than the scorching dry season heat, and waterfalls have decent flow. Beach lounging works best morning and late afternoon, with midday spent in hammocks or exploring shaded trails.
Tonle Sap floating villages and birdwatching
The lake is rising in May as rains begin, making this an interesting transition time for floating villages. Water levels increase dramatically through the month, and you'll see how communities adapt their homes and routines to seasonal flooding. Birdwatching is still decent in early May before migration patterns shift, particularly around Prek Toal reserve. Morning boat trips offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife activity, plus you'll see village life at its most active as fishermen return and markets operate. The scale of Tonle Sap is genuinely impressive - it's one of those places that photographs don't quite capture.
May Events & Festivals
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Pithi Chrat Preah Nengkal)
This ancient Brahman ritual marks the official start of rice planting season and typically falls in early May, though exact dates follow the lunar calendar and are announced by royal astrologers. The King or his representative conducts ceremonial ploughing near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and sacred oxen are offered seven types of food and drink - their choices supposedly predict the year's harvest and economic fortune. It's genuinely fascinating if you're interested in Cambodian culture and tradition, though the ceremony itself is formal and viewing areas are crowded. Locals take predictions seriously and discuss them for weeks afterward.
Visak Bochea (Buddha's Birthday)
This major Buddhist holiday celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death - all believed to have occurred on the same date in different years. Temples across Cambodia host special ceremonies, with locals bringing offerings, lighting candles, and participating in evening processions. Angkor Wat and major Phnom Penh temples like Wat Phnom see particularly large celebrations. It's a public holiday so expect some businesses closed, but it's actually a wonderful time to experience Cambodian Buddhism in practice. The evening candlelit processions at temples are atmospheric and welcoming to respectful visitors.