10 Best Things to do in Cambodia in December in 2024

Things to do in Cambodia in December

1. Explore Angkor Wat and Temples

2. Visit Phnom Penh

3. Relax on Cambodian Beaches

4. Discover the Mekong River

5. Explore Siem Reap

6. Enjoy Water Activities

7. Attend Angkor Sangkran Festival

8. Try Cambodian Cuisine

9. Engage in Cultural Experiences

10. Trek Through National Parks

Cambodia in December offers a perfect blend of pleasant weather, cultural richness, and natural beauty. As the dry season begins, you can expect cooler temperatures, making it ideal for exploring Cambodia's iconic sites like Angkor Wat. The warm sunlight during the day highlights the grandeur of these ancient temples, while cooler evenings allow for comfortable outdoor activities. December is also a great time to experience Cambodia’s vibrant traditions, such as the Angkor Sangkran festival, which is filled with lively celebrations and traditional performances.

If you are planning a visit, Cambodia tour packages in December often include diverse experiences, from discovering Tonle Sap Lake’s floating villages to relaxing on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville. The local markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh come alive with festive energy, offering you a taste of Cambodian cuisine and culture. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or relaxation, Cambodia has something special to offer in December.

Here are some of the best things to do in Cambodia

01

Why visit Cambodia In December?

Visiting Cambodia in December offers an exceptional experience with its perfect weather and vibrant cultural festivities. The month falls in the peak of the dry season, bringing warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. It is ideal for exploring iconic sites like Angkor Wat without high humidity or rain.

In December, Cambodia's lush landscapes are at their most beautiful, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, and boat trips. Additionally, the Angkor Sangkran festival, allows you to dive into local celebrations, offering a unique cultural experience. From Cambodia’s rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty, to lively festivals, December provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey.

Essential Information of Cambodia In December

02

What to Pack for Cambodia in December?

When packing for a trip to Cambodia in December, prioritise light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen to stay comfortable in the warm, dry weather. Pack t-shirts, shorts, and lightweight dresses, but also include modest attire such as long skirts or pants and a shawl for temple visits.

A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for sun protection, while a light sweater is useful for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring temple ruins, and a pair of sandals will be handy for casual outings. Lastly, bring a small first-aid kit and an insect repellent for added safety.

03

Cambodia Weather In December

The month of December in Cambodia offers warm, dry weather with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. This makes it an ideal time for exploring the country’s rich cultural sites and lush landscapes. The dry season means minimal rainfall, allowing uninterrupted outdoor activities like visiting Angkor Wat or cruising on Tonle Sap Lake.

Evenings are cooler, so a light jacket is recommended. With clear skies and comfortable conditions, December is one of the best months to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty and historical treasures.

Things to do in Cambodia in December

04

Explore Angkor Wat and Temples

Cambodia in December is the ideal time to explore the majestic Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples. The cooler weather, with temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, makes wandering through this UNESCO World Heritage site more comfortable. Early morning visits offer stunning sunrises that bathe the ancient stones in a golden glow.

Beyond Angkor Wat, explore Bayon’s iconic stone faces and Ta Prohm’s ruins. Each temple provides a glimpse into the Khmer Empire's rich history, making this an unforgettable experience during your visit.

05

Visit Phnom Penh

December’s pleasant weather, averaging around 26°C, makes it an excellent time to explore Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. The Royal Palace, with its stunning architecture and the Silver Pagoda’s national treasures, offers a deep dive into Cambodia’s royal history.

The National Museum showcases Khmer art and culture, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields provide unique insights into the country’s past. The lively riverside promenade is perfect for evening strolls, where you can enjoy street food, local markets, and the city’s bustling nightlife.

06

Relax on Cambodian Beaches

Visiting Cambodia in December is perfect for beach lovers, as the warm, dry weather creates ideal conditions along the coast. Sihanoukville’s beaches, like Ochheuteal and Serendipity, are lively spots for water sports and relaxation.

For a more serene experience, the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and diving. December’s calm seas enhance the underwater experience, while beachfront restaurants provide delicious seafood dinners against the backdrop of stunning sunsets.

07

Discover the Mekong River

December is perfect for exploring the Mekong River, Cambodia’s lifeline, with its cooler, dry weather. The river’s tranquil waters allow for scenic boat tours, offering glimpses of floating villages and traditional stilt houses.

The Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially in December when migratory birds are abundant. In Phnom Penh, the riverside promenade is alive with activity, perfect for enjoying sunset views and local cuisine.

08

Explore Siem Reap

Exploring Siem Reap is one of the best things to do in Cambodia in December owing to the dry weather during this month. The Old Market is a sensory delight, where you can shop for local crafts and savour Cambodian street food.

Evenings on Pub Street offer lively entertainment with music, dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene. For a cultural touch, participate in workshops to learn traditional Cambodian arts like silk weaving or pottery. The cooler weather also makes cycling through the surrounding countryside an enjoyable experience.

09

Enjoy Water Activities

December’s warm and dry weather makes it the best time to enjoy water activities in Cambodia. Sihanoukville is a hub for water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing, with calm, clear waters perfect for these adventures.

The islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are ideal for snorkelling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. December’s calm seas ensure excellent visibility for underwater exploration.

10

Attend Angkor Sangkran Festival

The Angkor Sangkran Festival in Cambodia in December is a vibrant celebration of the Khmer New Year, filled with water fights, dance performances, and cultural displays. Siem Reap becomes a hub of activity, with locals and tourists joining in the joyous water battles, symbolising cleansing and renewal.

Traditional dances and music performances offer insights into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Food stalls add to the festive atmosphere, serving up local delicacies.

11

Try Cambodian Cuisine

December is an ideal time to try the delicious Cambodian cuisine, with cooler weather making market visits and dining more enjoyable. Amok, a fragrant fish or chicken curry steamed in banana leaves, is a must-try dish, reflecting the rich flavours of Cambodian cooking. Lok Lak, a marinated beef stir-fry, is another local favourite.

Street food stalls offer snacks like Num Banh Chok (Khmer noodles) and grilled skewers. Participating in a cooking class can enhance your experience, allowing you to learn traditional recipes and the secrets behind Cambodia’s flavours.

12

Engage in Cultural Experiences

Among the top things to do in Cambodia in December is to engage in the region’s rich cultural experiences. Apsara dance performances, with their graceful movements and intricate costumes, offer a window into Cambodia’s history and mythology.

Workshops in traditional crafts like silk weaving and pottery provide hands-on learning opportunities. For a deeper connection with local communities, volunteering in teaching or environmental projects is a rewarding option. Participating in December’s festivals and cultural events, such as the Angkor Sangkran Festival, allows you to immerse yourself in Cambodia’s vibrant traditions and customs.

13

Trek Through National Parks

Trekking through Cambodia’s national parks in December is perfect, with cooler temperatures and dry conditions enhancing the experience. Bokor National Park offers scenic trails with views, waterfalls, and remnants of French colonial architecture. The Cardamom Mountains, rich in biodiversity, provide opportunities to spot wildlife like gibbons and elephants.

Guided treks ensure you explore the best routes, and visits to local villages add cultural depth to your adventure. December’s weather makes these treks more enjoyable, allowing you to fully appreciate Cambodia’s stunning natural landscapes.

Cambodia Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Cambodia

Explore Cambodia

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple, a key site within Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, is famed for its enchanting symbiosis of nature and ancient architecture. Constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university, Ta Prohm is distinguished by its unique state of preservation. Unlike many other temples in the Angkor complex, it has been left largely unrestored, allowing massive trees and their sprawling roots to envelop the stone structures.This deliberate decision to maintain Ta Prohm in its "natural state" creates a striking, almost surreal atmosphere where visitors can witness the relentless power of nature reclaiming human creations. The temple's intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs, partially obscured by foliage, add to its mysterious allure. Ta Prohm's captivating setting has also made it a popular location for films, most notably "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," enhancing its fame as a must-visit destination in Cambodia.

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Cambodia Reviews

Bhima Mishra 6 Days Cambodia Family Tour Package

Excellent

Overall we had an amazing family trip to Cambodia for 6 days. A big thank you to Thrillophilia for organizing our trip so well!!! During our trip, we were regularly in touch with the agent who helps us from the very first place and even we get great support from the local operator and the staff. The company employee received us from the airport and helps us with the documentation part and as well gave us a warm welcome and the driver already waited for us and very helpful too which helps us with our luggage and kept it in a proper manner in the car, we had an easy checked in at the hotel and as well we really love the hotel they provided to us as we get a great hospitalities and services and with the sumptuous breakfast. All the day tours were well-planned and well-executed and the sightseeing was truly breathtaking and we get to learn about their culture and traditions... The temples, palace, floating village, UNESCO world heritage site, and many more important and famous sites we visited were very impressive at each arrival... We clicked many pictures to keep this trip memorable for a lifetime...

Chandani Guha Charming Cambodia 4 Days Tour

Excellent

Loved!!! this trip like anything, The planned, timing, and service on this trip were absolutely fantastic and everything was very seamlessly for us and the team was always available whenever we required plus they kept inform us if there is any update or changes during the trip... Hotels: was very comfortable with professional and friendly staff and served us with amazing breakfast, Transportation: the car was well-maintained and the driver was on time always, Activities: sightseeing Was the highlight. Place: it's too beautiful with its natural beauty, manmade beauty, and amazing culture and nice people... NO REGRET LOVE THE EXPERIENCE.

Hiranmaya Khan Charming Cambodia 4 Days Tour

Excellent

I was not wrong at all with my decision for choosing this destination for my family vacation and I am also glad that my family loves the place and the experience they get from this trip... I'm impressed with the way Thrillophilia organized the tour it was very professional with full detailed about the trip how it will go and also decide the place to visit which they selected with the major attraction of the place, we really enjoyed the visiting to the floating village of Chong Khneas, and the sightseeing in a boat was extremely fabulous, the Wat Temple was really breathtaking, the place has lots of scenics beauty all around, I already in love with the place...Overall this booking platform even took care of all our requirements like accommodation, transport, picked up, and the drop which was extremely great...The whole team, the service, and the trip worth appreciating...

Hiranya Tandon Thrilling Cambodia Sightseeing 5 Days Tour Package

Excellent

The agent I spoke from Thrillophilia was very professional and friendly since the very first time I contacted them, providing excellent advice during the planning phase and at every point during the trip. The itinerary they shared with me it seemed great with no trouble at all especially the daily itineraries were well balance which we were truly enjoyed our trip, We spend more time in Phnom Penh and all the sightseeing-spots were incredible. Arrangement and all were fully satisfied, simple words our high expectations for the trip were exceeded... Tons of thanks and best wishes to the entire team.

Varalakshmi Patil Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Excellent

Huge thanks to Thrillophilia for this amazing trip we had recently, It was really a trip to be remembered till the end of times. What makes this trip a memorable one for me and my family reasons are mentioned below. Service: we received top-notch service from Thrillophilia and the associate operator who deal with them, we get both online and on-ground support from the team, and they also always available on WhatsApp by 24/7. Arrangement: The hotel they provided to us was great and they served with amazing breakfast and the staff were courteous. Transfers were on-time with the amazing driver. Tours: All the day tours we had were interesting and the places we covered were beautiful and also gave us great pictures. Destination: Truly paradise and very rich with culture, traditions, history, religions, and foods, ... Overall we enjoyed the itinerary and the service, We do create our own itineraries as well in free time which we roam around the nearby places and tried the street foods which was delicious, we even did the shopping and purchased souvinirs, we met nice people and we became friends. Really we had a very fantastic trip. Strongly recommend Thrillophilia and this package.

Tara Marar Thrilling Cambodia Sightseeing 5 Days Tour Package

Excellent

A holiday to Cambodia was excellent value!!! All in all, what they provided during the trip was super excellent, we had a wonderful stay for the entire 4 nights, the transport picked-up and dropped-off were exactly on time as expected. The place is very rich with natural beauty, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and our favorite part was the arrival at Angkor Wat I was shocked by this huge and beautiful temple and its surrounding areas... definitely gave us an amazing snap, The people, culture, and history of the place were impressive...This was easily the best organized holiday we have ever had...

Anjali Naik Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Excellent

It was a great expereince!!! Booked this with Thrillophilia was very easy the booking price was very affordable and as well-matched with the experience we had. Your service made my trip effortless because you did all the planning. Thank you so much. They also did a wonderful job of scheduling our day to day activities everything was managed properly which we miss nothing from the package... We had an amazing time in the floating village, traditional dance, cultural sightseeing tour of Siem Reap, and Wat Phnom Temple it was a satisfying trip. Thanks again will definitely use Thrillophilia services again

Gotum Chattopadhyay 6 Days Cambodia Family Tour Package

Superb

The very well-planned trip, We booked our 6 days Cambodia from Thrillophilia and the service they provided was good as they keep tracking us during our trip to make sure that we are fine, we stayed at a very good hotel with an amazing location in the city, we enjoyed the sightseeing and explored the place thoroughly, We had great food tours, markets tours on our own at a free time... Overall this trip was well-organized with no single issues.

Tara Nayar Simply Siem Reap & Phnom Penh in 5 Days

Superb

Five days' trip to Cambodia was absolutely fantastic. I like that the trip was the best option for me within my budget. I have contacted them and the expert team was very helpful who made an itinerary with all things I really wanted too. I am grateful that they made my trip Amazing with awesome itinerary, hotel, vehicle, location, and sightseeing spots... I have no worries at all instead I truly enjoyed the trip and every moment I spend there.

Chakravartee Devar Thrilling Cambodia Sightseeing 5 Days Tour Package

Superb

Arrangement for my trip was good, the team was very responsive all the time we need any kind of help from them and they even called us to make sure that we are getting everything from the package we booked. The accommodations were too good with the hospitable staff, the timing was well-followed, the natural beauty and historical sites of the place were worth-it, day tours were super good, we get everything we could have hoped for and more...Thank you