The rainy season in Cambodia ends in October—the wettest month (along with September) of the year.
But don't let that stop you from making plans to visit. Now is an excellent time to avoid the hordes of tourists at the ever-popular Angkor Wat and the surrounding ancient city.
Find out more about traveling to Cambodia in October.
A major religious festival in October (see more below) makes this month an exciting time to visit local temples beyond the heritage sites at Angkor.
Bonn Pchum Ben is a two-week Buddhist religious festival unique to Cambodia (although similar to some festivals in other neighboring Buddhist countries).
Locals pay their respects to up to seven generations of ancestors and leave them offerings. This period is considered especially significant as the gates of hell are believed to open.
Another activity to put on your October itinerary is learning about Cambodia's not-too-distant past.
While hard-hitting, it's highly worth visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia, and the Killing Fields at various places around Cambodia.
These give a brutal insight into the Khmer Rouge regime and the atrocities many Cambodians who are still alive today went through.
- Bonn Pchum Ben, nationwide
- Coronation Day, Phnom Penh
- Birthday of the King Father, nationwide
1. Bonn Pchum Ben, nationwide
During this religious festival in late September or early October, Cambodians make offerings to monks and the ghosts of their ancestors to gain good karma.
If you're visiting a temple at this time, look out for the offerings of food, fruit, flowers, and money.
2. Coronation Day, Phnom Penh
The anniversary of the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni on October 29 is a national holiday, and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is lit at night.
3. Birthday of the King Father, nationwide
Cambodians observe a national holiday on October 31 in honor of the birthday of the previous king and current king's father, Norodom Sihanouk. Expect some business closures.