The Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Laos

Cambodia and Laos both enjoy a tropical monsoon climate, with a clear split between the dry and wet seasons. To visit both countries in one trip, keeping an eye on the weather will help make your journey even smoother.

The best time to visit Cambodia and Laos is from November to April, when the skies are clear, the days are pleasant, and you might even catch some lively festivals like the Khmer New Year, Lao New Year, or the Water Festival. But if you’re looking for fewer crowds and more budget-friendly travel, the wet season from May to October is also a great option.

In this guide, we’ll analyze the best times to explore Cambodia and Laos based on weather, festivals, and budget. Let's plan an easy and exciting adventure!

November to April is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Laos

November to April is the best time to visit Cambodia and Laos. In both these countries, these few months are dry and cool, with sunny, pleasant weather, ideal for traveling and hiking outdoors.

Cambodia's dry season lasts from November to April of the following year, with relatively no rain, sunny and dry weather, low humidity, and temperatures between 22°C and 36°C. It can be a little cooler in January and February, which can be a great time to visit Angkor Wat or wander through the markets of Phnom Penh.

Laos has similar weather, with the dry season running from November to March, slightly earlier than in Cambodia. Temperatures during this time of the year in most parts of Laos are not as hot as in Cambodia. Morning temperatures in December and January are between 14°C and 27°C, ideal for hiking in Luang Prabang or taking a boat tour of the Mekong River.

12 Days Highlights of Cambodia and Laos Tour with Beach Relaxing

Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh

Visit Cambodia and Laos during the Wet Season is Cheaper

Dry season travel means nice weather, but it’s also the most expensive time to visit, so if you’re searching for a cost-effective trip to Cambodia and Laos, consider visiting during the wet season from May to October.

During this period, airlines and hotels cut prices by as much as 40% to attract tourists; also, bus and boat operators could sell tickets at a discount, bringing certain tour packages down to a more affordable level. Just pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes!

Rainfall usually peaks in August and September, but showers are usually short-lived and often occur in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear and plenty of time to explore outdoor attractions.

The wet season in Laos and Cambodia is at its most beautiful at this time, with picturesque scenery, lush greenery, and colorful waterfalls like Kuang Si Falls in Laos and Cardamom Mountain in Cambodia.

There will also be fewer tourists at popular attractions like Angkor Wat or the Luang Prabang Night Market, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable vacation away from the crowds. Meanwhile, it’s easier to book restaurants, cafes, spas, cruises or adventure tours in Laos and Cambodia, and there are more options for accommodation.

Beautiful water fall in Luang Prabang during wet season.

Travel to Cambodia and Laos in November, March and April has Festival Surprise

If you want to make your trip to Cambodia and Laos even more special, plan your trip around these great events and festivals to witness and even participate in the various cultural celebrations and activities.

March

Meak Bochea, also known as Magha Puja or Lord Buddha Day, is an important Buddhist festival celebrated in Cambodia and Laos on the full moon of the third lunar month. Monks and nuns circumambulate pagodas to accumulate merit, candlelight processions and temple visits are also common. In Cambodia, the day is designated as a national holiday and celebrated at Udong Stupa. In Laos, the day is known as Maka Busa Day.

April

As one of the most important festivals in Cambodia, the Khmer New Year is one that you must not miss during your trip to Cambodia. It usually starts on April 13th or 14th, people celebrate the Lunar New Year and the end of the harvesting season. The celebrations are a unique opportunity to experience the traditions of Cambodia and Buddhist culture.

Boun Pi Mai, also known as the Lao New Year, is a three-day festival celebrated in Laos in April, usually from April 14th to 16th. It includes the water festival, which is closely related to Buddhist traditions and features parades, rituals and merit-making activities. People perform water-related activities during the water festival to symbolically wash away bad luck.

November

Another local festival of Cambodia is Bon Om Touk, also known as the Cambodian Water Festival, and it is usually celebrated in late October or early November. There are all kinds of carnival celebrations all over the country, the largest of which are near Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh. In order to celebrate this festival, there are traditional boat races and lantern shows on Tonle Sap Lake that are both thrilling and fun to watch.

Laos usually holds the Boun That Luang Festival at Pha That Luang in Vientiane in November of the lunar calendar. It is considered the most important Buddhist festival in Laos and lasts for three days and three nights, with monks and locals parading around the golden pagoda, offering candles and incense.

People happily playing the Leak Kanseng game during the Khmer New Year.

More Insider Tips for Cambodia and Laos Tours

Following these insider tips can help you plan a smooth and informative Cambodia and Laos trip.

Book in advance: If you’re traveling between November and April, it's necessary to book flights and hotels at least three months in advance.

Pack wisely: Cambodia and Laos are cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons, so bringing an easy-to-put-on-and-off jacket will be helpful, and prepare rain gear, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Respect local customs: In temples, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and never touch another person’s head-which is considered sacred.

Carry cash: Since ATMs are rare in rural areas, it is necessary to prepare some cash. The US dollar and Riel are widely accepted in Cambodia, and the Kip predominates in Laos. Click to get more details about Cambodia currency and Laos currency.

Try local food: Street food stalls offer cheap and delicious food; the Amok (Cambodian coconut fish curry) and laap (Laotian minced meat salad) are must-tries.

Local guides: On trips in Cambodia and Laos, local guides will explain the history of each attraction and point out hidden details. We at Indochinatour provide reliable local travel services for Cambodia and Laos trips, focusing on providing private car travel that suits your budget and interests at the best local prices.

20 Days In-depth Exploration Cambodia and Laos Tour

Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Pakse – Siem Reap – Battambang – Sihanoukvile – Phnom Penh

Conclusion

Generally speaking, it is great to travel to Cambodia and Laos all year round, and it is all based on your preferences and what you need. In terms of climate, the best time to visit Cambodia and Laos is from November to April; May to October is during the wet season, which can be cheaper. If you want to experience the local culture and Buddhist history, following the celebration time in November, March, and April would be better.

Follow our guide to plan your itinerary, which can help you find the best time to visit Cambodia and Laos, and to make the most of your unforgettable trip!