When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand and Cambodia? Expert Travel Guide

Thailand and Cambodia may share the same tropical climate, but their weather patterns are quite different and can greatly affect your trip. Thailand has three seasons: cool, hot, and wet, while Cambodia has a simpler two-season cycle of dry and wet.

November to April is the best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia together, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for visiting Angkor Wat or relaxing on Phuket’s beaches. Meanwhile, May to October is great for budget travelers, with lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Understanding these seasonal changes will make planning your Thailand and Cambodia trip much easier and ensure you get the best travel experience. We’ve pulled together this complete guide to help you decide when to visit Thailand and Cambodia.

Weather Overview of Main Cities in Thailand and Cambodia

Thailand and Cambodia are both tropical Southeast Asian countries. This means they're hot and humid year-round. They share many similarities, but a Thailand and Cambodia tour also highlights the important differences in their seasonal patterns. Both countries experience hot temperatures throughout the year. They also have a clear dry season and a green rainy season.

Thailand has three distinct seasons. These are the cool season, hot season, and wet season. The cool season runs from November to February. The hot season lasts from March to May. The wet season spans June to October. Here are Thailand's weather patterns in its main cities:

Cambodia, on the other hand, follows a simpler two-season pattern. The dry season runs from November to April. The wet season covers May to October. This makes Cambodia's weather easier to predict than Thailand's. Here are Cambodia's weather patterns in its main cities:

The Best Time to Visit Thailand and Cambodia Together: November to April (Dry Season & Peak Season)

November to April is the best time of year to visit Thailand and Cambodia. This period is the dry season, which means mild temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies. It is also peak tourist season for Southeast Asia tours, so major destinations feel lively, with many events and cultural festivals.

This season is also the best time to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Ayutthaya in Thailand. The weather is perfect for city tours in Bangkok or Phnom Penh without the discomfort of extreme heat. Beaches are at their best during this time too, especially in Phuket, Krabi, and Cambodia’s southern coast.

November is known for big festivals, including Cambodia’s Water Festival in Phnom Penh and Thailand’s famous Loy Krathong lantern festival. April is hot but filled with New Year celebrations, such as Songkran in Thailand and Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, where streets turn into giant water fights.

Thai New Year is the most important festival in Thailand in April.

May to October: Rainy Season and Budget Travel

From May to October, both countries experience their rainy or green season. This does not mean it rains all day, every day. In fact, most days have only one or two showers, usually in the afternoon or evening. The rest of the day can be sunny, making travel still enjoyable.

It is the best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia for Budget travelers. Hotel prices drop significantly, flights are cheaper, and tourist sites are less crowded. Cambodia’s temples look more dramatic when surrounded by lush greenery, and photographers often prefer this time for stunning shots of Angkor Wat.

In Thailand, the west coast islands like Phuket and Krabi get the heaviest rains, marking the typical Thailand rainy season. But the Gulf of Thailand islands, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, remain relatively dry in the summer months. This makes them a great option for a beach tour in Thailand during the rainy season.

Thai beaches remain beautiful during the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit Thailand and Cambodia by Travel Style

Your travel style should influence when you choose to visit. Different types of travelers will prefer different seasons based on their priorities and preferences.

For Sightseeing & Culture Lovers and beach holidays, November through February offers the most comfortable temple exploring tours in Cambodia and best beach weather on west coast of Thailand. You can spend hours at Angkor Wat without being overwhelmed by heat. Walking tours and outdoor cultural activities work best during these months.

For Families, December through January works best for families with school-age children. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it ideal to explore Thailand with kids. School holidays align with the best weather conditions. Tourist infrastructure operates at full capacity during these months.

Adventure travelers might actually prefer the shoulder seasons. May and October can offer good weather with fewer crowds. Hiking and outdoor activities are possible but require more planning. You'll have more popular sites to yourself during these times.

Tourists with children are interacting with Chiang Mai elephants.

Suggested Thailand and Cambodia Seasonal Itineraries

Planning your Thailand and Cambodia tour route depends heavily on when you're traveling. Here are seasonal itinerary suggestions that make the most of weather patterns and tourist flows.

Cool Season (November-February, 10-14 days)

Tour route: Bangkok - Chiang Mai – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

The cool season is ideal for sightseeing, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Start your journey in Bangkok for 2–3 days, exploring grand temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, strolling through vibrant markets, and enjoying the city’s lively street food scene. Fly north to Chiang Mai and spend 3 days visiting cultural sites, including ancient temples and local craft villages, while enjoying the cooler mountain air.

Next, cross Thailand to Cambodia and spend 4 days in Siem Reap, exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park. The cooler season makes long temple walks comfortable, and the golden light during mornings and late afternoons is perfect for photography. End your trip with 2–3 days in Phnom Penh, discovering the city’s history at the Royal Palace, museums, and riverside markets.

14 Days Thailand and Cambodia Classic Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai - Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Hot Season (March-May, 7-10 days)

Tour route: Bangkok - Phuket/Krabi – Siem Reap

The hot season brings high temperatures, but it also coincides with some of the most vibrant local festivals. Begin your Thailand tour in Bangkok for 2 days, focusing on indoor or shaded activities to avoid the midday heat. In April, you can experience Songkran, Thailand’s New Year water festival, where the streets turn into a nationwide celebration of water, fun, and tradition.

Then head to the beach areas such as Phuket or Krabi for 3–4 days of island relaxation. The coastal breeze and ocean provide relief from inland heat, while you enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, and island hopping. Finish your itinerary with 3 days in Siem Reap, scheduling temple visits for early mornings or late afternoons to beat the heat. April also marks the Khmer New Year, offering a chance to witness local traditions, water fights, and cultural performances.

Contact us to make a free quote about this Thailand and Cambodia trip in the hot season.

Khmer New Year offers a good chance to witness local tradtions in April.

Rainy Season (June-October, 10-12 days)

Tour route: Chiang Mai – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Koh Samui

The rainy season is perfect for travelers looking to avoid crowds and capture dramatic landscapes. Begin in Chiang Mai for 3 days when the mountains are at their coolest. Rain showers usually appear in the afternoons, leaving mornings clear for sightseeing and trekking. Spend 4 days in Siem Reap, where the wet season turns Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples into lush, photogenic landscapes, a true must-do for a Cambodia-Thailand trip.

Next, head to Phnom Penh for 2 days, focusing on indoor cultural activities such as museums and palaces, which are less affected by rain. End your trip with 3 days on Koh Samui, which remains drier than many other parts of Thailand during these months, providing an ideal spot for beach time, water sports, and relaxation.

Contact us to make a free quote about this Thailand and Cambodia trip in the rainy season.

There is beautiful scenery of Koh Samui, Thailand in June.

Insider Tips for Your Thailand and Cambodia Trip

No matter when you travel, preparation makes the journey easier. Both Thailand and Cambodia require visas for many nationalities. Thailand visa options often include visa-free entry or visas on arrival for short stays, while Cambodia visa choices usually provide a visa on arrival or an E-Visa.

Packing also depends on the season. Light, breathable clothing works best, but remember to bring modest outfits for temples. Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent are essential year-round, while a reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated.

Local guides add value to your trip by explaining history and culture that you might otherwise miss. In peak season, booking tours early guarantees spots, while in rainy season you may find last-minute discounts. Either way, planning ahead ensures smoother travel.

25 Days In-depth Exploration of Cambodia and Thailand

Siem Reap – Battambang – Kong Rong Island – Phnom Penh – Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Pai – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

So, when is the best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia? The answer depends on what kind of traveler you are. For clear skies and easy sightseeing, November to April is ideal for Thailand and Cambodia tours. For saving money and enjoying fewer crowds, June to October works well. And for beach lovers, choosing the right coast at the right time makes all the difference.

Both countries offer rich experiences no matter the season. By understanding the weather patterns and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your trip. At Indochina Tour, we help travelers match their plans with the season that suits them best. From temple visits in Cambodia to island escapes in Thailand, our team knows how to put together itineraries that fit your style and budget. Contact us today and start planning your perfect adventure.