Cambodia is cloaked with emerald jewels of trees, fringed with calming blues of beaches and islands, and supported by the Mekong river – mother of waters.
It is a perfect place in Southeast Asia to have an adventure, stretch and relax, and explore culture and history. Moreover, when the country packs the bag to glide into October, the monsoon prepares to leave the country, leaving a beautiful trail of landscapes behind.
Therefore, October is the best month to plan your holidays to Cambodia.
Let us discover further in this article why October month is the best for visiting Cambodia and what you can do during your vacation.
Why travel to Cambodia in October month?
Cambodia is a tropical country, and temperatures remain warm throughout the year. Nevertheless, October is not a scorching month due to the transition from the rainy season to the cooler dry season.
Though the rainfall decreases as the month progresses and the dry season approaches, you should anticipate a few rainy days in October.
Days are warm, with average daily highs of 27°C. Moreover, the country of Cambodia is practically back to its former glory, with vibrant colors all around.
In addition, you can also plan your Vietnam tours, the neighboring country during October, which also radiates awesomeness.
Which events can you expect in Cambodia during October month?
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Pchum Ben Day
Pchum Ben day, also called ancestor’s day in Khmer, is a celebration in Cambodia that lasts a fortnight. The festival kicks off on the 15th day of the 10th month in the Khemer calendar. It follows the period of “Vassa” in the Buddhist Lent.
The dates of this celebration usually fall in October, with three national public holidays.
In this festival, the gates of heaven are believed to be open. Thus, Cambodians pay their respect and pray to their ancestors of up to seven generations. Additionally, they offer various foods to receive blessings from their dead ancestors.
It is usually celebrated in temples, and large crowds wait outside the temple with incense sticks while the monks carry out rituals inside.
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Commemoration day of Norodom Sihanouk – King’s father
The former king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, was born in 1922 and died on the 15th of October 2012 due to a heart attack in Beijing. As a result, the Cambodian public celebrates the 15th of October to honor the late king.
He was throned in 1941 and abducted in 1955. Then, he took his second reign from 1993 to 2004. Later, his bronze statue was set up beside the Independent Monument in Phnom Penh in 2013.
So, on the 15th of October every year, Cambodians visit the statue to pay their respects to him.
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Norodom Sihamoni’s coronation day
Norodom Sihanouk announced his abdication in 2004, and Norodom Sihamoni, his son, became his successor. The Royal Council of the throne selected him for his remarkable contribution to the nation and great life.
Before becoming the king, Sihamoni invested most of his life in learning arts and becoming a classical dancer overseas. So, Cambodian people celebrate the king’s coronation anniversary on the 29th of October every year.
When you visit major cities, you can participate in all the events mentioned above and learn more about the deeply rooted culture of Cambodia.
What to do in Cambodia during your October visit?
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Trek to cardamom mountains
A trek to the cardamom mountains is a must during your holidays to Cambodia. When the heat does not burn you, and you can still manage humidity, your trek to the hills during October will allow you to witness nature in all its glory.
If you are a nature lover or couch lover, cardamom mountains will dive right into your mind and allure you till you get engrossed in their beauty.
The mountains are calling, and you must go!
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Watch apsara dancing show
If you want to witness the outburst of Cambodian culture, you cannot miss the apsara dancing show, which reveals the authentic culture to the fullest. Apsaras are a notable figment in Hindu mythology who used to dance in heaven in the kingdom of Indra.
They have been an intrinsic part of Hindu culture and are carved on the nation’s temples, including Angkor Wat. This culture was so engraved in the Khmer that King Jayavarman VII was suspected of having 3,000 Apsaras in his court.
So, you can witness these graceful and mesmerizing indoor dance shows in Siem Reap when the sky is pouring down.
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Explore Siem Reap on a bike
Biking through the magnificent landscape of Siem Reap, which is set against the emerald scrim, will be your most enthralling experience. You can choose to take a bike ride or carry your own bike.
So, to experience this beautiful city in all its grandeur, travel through prolific paddy fields and chronicling hills.
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Kayak on Kampot river
Another adventurous activity you can undertake in Cambodia is kayaking along the Kampot river, which offers a treat to your eyes through delightful landscapes.
The cascading river flows from the Bokor highlands, where it meanders through rice fields, old temples, and fishing communities after slowing to a leisurely pace.
The area known as Green Cathedral, a long length of water surrounded by lush trees and many birds, is the most well-liked kayaking location in Kampot. In addition, the lengthier, more winding route to the Pagoda Lagoon is an option for experienced kayakers as well.
Moreover, if you are a kayak fan, you must consider holidays to Laos, where you can kayak along the mighty Mekong river.
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Hot air balloon in Siem Reap
During your research on holidays in Cambodia, you must have come across the magnitude and grandeur of Angkor Wat. Now imagine, if that place can be magnificent from the ground, how will it look from the bird’s eye?
A hot air balloon ride can allow you to glimpse the monumental architecture from above. Moreover, you will not get such a view from any other global place.
Wrapping up!
Millions of people are attracted to holidays to Cambodia because it is a nation full of natural charm and elegance.
Moreover, when you visit this country in October, you can have a bundled experience which includes blissful weather, wildlife, majestic monuments, lush green woodland, and soothing beaches.
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