Things to Do in Cambodia in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Cambodia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak temple photography conditions as post-rain light creates stunning golden hour shots at Angkor Wat between 6:00-6:30am with minimal crowds
Countryside flooding creates mirror-like rice paddies perfect for cycling tours through Siem Reap province - locals call this 'glass season'
Tourist numbers drop 40% after September school holidays end, meaning shorter queues at Bayon Temple and better rates at guesthouses
Mekong tributaries reach optimal levels for floating village tours in Tonle Sap - water depth allows boats to reach areas inaccessible during dry season

Considerations

Afternoon downpours between 2:00-4:00pm can interrupt temple exploring 60% of days - indoor backup plans essential
Remote roads to Preah Vihear and Koh Ker temples may be impassable after heavy rain - check conditions with locals before booking day trips
High humidity makes traditional stone temple climbing more exhausting - start major temple visits before 9:00am

Best Activities in October

Angkor Archaeological Complex Temple Tours

October's post-rain atmosphere creates mystical morning mist around temple ruins while tourist crowds remain manageable. The moat around Angkor Wat reflects perfectly after overnight rain. Temple stones appear more vibrant when wet, and the surrounding jungle is lush green. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make sunrise temple visits comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book small group tours 7-10 days ahead for ฿1,800-2,800 per day including transport and guide. Choose tours starting at 5:00am to avoid afternoon rain and heat. See current temple tour options in the booking section below.

Mekong River Floating Village Expeditions

October water levels are perfect for accessing Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas floating villages. Rain-fed tributaries allow boats to navigate between stilt houses and flooded forests. Fish populations peak during flood season, making this ideal for witnessing traditional fishing methods. Cool morning temperatures make 4-hour boat trips comfortable.

Booking Tip: Half-day floating village tours range ฿1,200-2,000 including boat and local guide. Book morning departures (8:00am-12:00pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Licensed boat operators required for safety. See current river tour options in booking section below.

Siem Reap Countryside Bicycle Routes

Post-monsoon countryside cycling offers mirror-like flooded rice paddies and mud-brick villages. October's cooler mornings (24°C/75°F) are perfect for 15-25km (9-16 mile) rides through rural communities. Local farmers are harvesting rice, creating authentic cultural interactions. Rain-washed air provides crystal-clear views of distant mountains.

Booking Tip: Guided countryside cycling tours cost ฿900-1,500 for half-day including bike rental and village visits. Start at 7:00am to finish before afternoon rain. Choose tours with backup vehicle for weather changes. Current cycling tour options available in booking widget below.

Phnom Penh Street Food Walking Tours

October marks seasonal ingredient transitions as markets overflow with rain-season fruits like dragon fruit and rambutan. Cooler evenings make 3-4 hour walking tours through Russian Market and Sisowath Quay comfortable. Post-rain streets are cleaner, and vendors serve hot soups perfect for humid weather. Local specialties like num banh chok (Khmer noodles) are at their freshest.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours typically cost ฿800-1,400 including tastings at 6-8 stops. Book tours starting at 6:00pm to avoid daytime heat and catch dinner preparations. See current food tour selections in booking section below.

Cardamom Mountains Eco-Lodge Stays

October offers the last chance to experience rainforest waterfalls at full power before dry season. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals gather near permanent water sources. Misty mornings provide excellent bird watching opportunities, and the 1,000m (3,280 ft) elevation offers respite from lowland humidity. Night sounds of the jungle are most intense during late wet season.

Booking Tip: Eco-lodge packages range ฿3,500-6,000 for 2-3 days including meals and guided treks. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as October is popular for rainforest experiences. Choose lodges with covered walkways for rainy weather. Current eco-lodge options in booking section below.

Battambang Art Village Workshops

October's indoor focus due to afternoon rains makes this perfect for traditional craft workshops. Artisans teach stone carving, silk weaving, and pottery during monsoon season downtime. Cooler mornings allow comfortable visits to nearby Phnom Sampeau caves before afternoon workshop sessions. Post-harvest season means rice paper making demonstrations are available.

Booking Tip: Half-day art workshops cost ฿600-1,200 including materials and instruction. Book morning sessions (9:00am-1:00pm) with cave visits, then indoor workshops during afternoon rain. See current art workshop availability in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Pchum Ben Festival (Festival of the Dead)

Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival when families honor deceased ancestors. Temples overflow with offerings of bay ben (rice ball treats) and locals dress in white. Wat visits during dawn prayers create deeply spiritual experiences. Markets sell special ceremonial foods and temple grounds buzz with community gatherings.

Late October

Post-Harvest Rice Wine Festivals

Village celebrations marking successful rice harvests feature traditional sra sor (palm wine) ceremonies. Rural communities around Siem Reap and Battambang host informal gatherings with folk dancing and local music. Authentic cultural immersion opportunities away from tourist circuits.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket (not umbrella) - October downpours include wind and last 30-45 minutes with little shelter around temples

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and doesn't dry after rain

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for temple photography during unpredictable weather changes

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - temple stones become slippery when wet, and rural paths turn muddy

SPF 50+ sunscreen in travel size - UV index hits 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours

Lightweight long pants for temple visits - required for sacred sites and protects legs during countryside activities

Mosquito repellent with 30%+ DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, especially at sunset

Portable phone charger - humidity can drain batteries faster and you'll use maps/translation apps frequently

Anti-diarrheal medication - increased fruit consumption and street food during harvest season can upset unfamiliar stomachs

Lightweight scarf or sarong - covers shoulders for temples, dries quickly, and provides sun protection

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before October 5th when Pchum Ben festival drives up prices 30-50% in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - locals travel extensively during this period

Carry small denomination riel (500-1000 notes) in October as street vendors and temple donation boxes prefer local currency during harvest festival season

Download offline translation apps before arriving - October's increased cultural festival activity means more interactions with non-English speaking locals in rural areas

Start temple visits at 6:00am not 8:00am in October - morning mist clears by 7:00am creating perfect photography light, plus you'll finish major sites before 2:00pm rain typically starts

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all-day temple touring is possible - afternoon rains from 2:00-4:00pm interrupt outdoor activities, so prioritize morning temple visits and indoor afternoon alternatives

Booking floating village tours for afternoon departures - October storms can strand boats, and morning trips offer calmer water and better wildlife spotting opportunities

Overpacking warm clothes for 'cool season' - October is still warm (30°C/86°F highs) with high humidity, focus on rain protection rather than warmth