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Cambodia in January: Your Ultimate Guide to Weather, Tips, and Travel Hacks
A perfect destination for culture, history, and spiritual travel, Cambodia lies in Southeast Asia, between Thailand and Vietnam. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, sacred temples, and traditional festivities in January, under mild and dry temperatures. This experience should be lived at least once in an individual's life. Stay tuned for more information on the weather, as well as what to visit in Cambodia during the month of January.
Cambodia's Weather in January: What to Expect?
In the eastern part of the country, January avails itself as the best time to visit, since it has average temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius and little rain to be expected.
The most attractive feature of the northwestern Cambodian provinces in January is the temperature in Siem Reap, Battambang, and Poipet, which ranges from 21-32 degrees Celsius and receives very little rainfall as well. This is the best time to visit the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, which contains ancient temples.
The southwest, and the coastal areas like Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, and Kampot, generally hold on to 28 degrees Celsius but experience very little rain, providing great conditions for discovery in January.
Central areas in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh, Sambor Prei Kuk, and Kampong Cham, have very little rain in January, making it an excellent time to visit these areas.
January is generally the best month to visit the eastern parts of Cambodia, such as Kratie, Banlung, and Sen Monorom, as average temperatures reach up to about 28°C with minimal rainfall.
Why Is January the Best Time for a Trip to Cambodia?
The month of January in Cambodia is the most pleasant compared to the freezing temperatures of your home country as well as the sizzling summer heat in other parts of Asia.
Its ancient treasures, like Angkor Wat, beautiful beaches such as Sihanoukville, and rich experiences for culture and history buffs are what entice travelers to this charming place.
You can head to Southeast Asia and enjoy a week-long stay in countries like Cambodia without feeling guilty for spending too much, as it obviously costs less than any trip in Europe and America.
Which Festivals Can You Experience in Cambodia This January?
International New Year's Day
- Date: January 1
- Location: Nationwide in Cambodia
Traditionally, every New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks at midnight in every time zone of the world. In Cambodia, New Year's Eve isn't a typical occasion celebrated on a wide scale. However, tourist places like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville offer their own specific events to attract foreign travelers and local people to the festivities.
In Phnom Penh, crowds of people, both foreign tourists and locals, line up along the Sisowath Wharf promenade (more commonly known as the Phnom Penh Waterfront) to enjoy the splendid colors of the fireworks.
If you're in Siem Reap, home to the most coveted Angkor temples, New Year's Eve celebrations will be at Pub Street, where dancing, drinks, and a countdown surrounded by revelers await.
>>> Related: What to do in Phnom Penh?
Genocide Victory Day
- Date: January 7
- Location: Nationwide in Cambodia
Cambodia's national day, known as Cambodian Victory Day, is celebrated on January 7 and commemorates the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. This day is also a memorial day for honoring the dead, including memorial services for those who perished during this dark time. This event is celebrated by Cambodians each January in a local term known as the "second anniversary," which symbolizes hope for a better tomorrow.
What to Do and See in Cambodia This January?
If you're planning a trip to Cambodia in January, here are some places you shouldn't miss during your stay.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and the largest city in the country. It is situated at the meeting point of three major rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Phnom Penh was once known as the Paris of the East, the birthplace of Buddhism, and a center with a much-honored history in Cambodia.
- The Wat Phnom pagoda, built in 1372, provides a panoramic view of the city from its heights. It is connected to the name origin of the capital city and preserves the remains of Cambodian kings.
- The Royal Palace, the official residence of the king, is divided into the Emerald Buddha Pagoda (housing gold and silver treasures) and the area designated for the king's living and working quarters.
- The rich collection of Khmer archaeological objects is showcased in the National Museum of Cambodia.
- The western side of Sisowath Quay is the perfect area for strolling, shopping, and experiencing nightlife.
- If you want handmade crafts, visit Silk Island (Koh Dach), famous for its traditional silk clothes.
- For entertainment early in the evening, attend Kok Thlok Shadow Theatre to enjoy a leather puppet shadow show, hand-painted and accompanied by live music, telling the mythologies of Cambodian stories.
Siem Reap
Thus, when talking about tourism in Cambodia, one instantly refers to Siem Reap. If Phnom Penh is all about shimmering with modernity, Siem Reap, on the other hand, bewitches visitors with a mysterious charm—that of ruinous historic sites and architectural artworks that bear the marks of time.
Situated 314 km northwest of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap was once the capital of the Angkorian Empire and still showcases impressive historical architectural works today.
A trip to Siem Reap and the Angkor temples is something that history and culture enthusiasts cannot miss. The temples are among the top must-see sites in Cambodia. While exploring Siem Reap, one can also discover the 'land of monuments,' as over half of the province consists of temples and areas for cultural preservation. Not only will visitors get to see these wonders, which have become famous worldwide, but they will also enjoy music and art, and participate in traditional festivals with very special Khmer cuisine.
Tonle Sap
Cambodia, which is popularly known as the land of pagodas and, indeed, towers, is well known for its freshwater lakes, the largest of which is the Tonle Sap. The shorelines of Tonle Sap are not visible due to its massive size. In fact, one would note that the very name "Tonle Sap" means "great river of fresh water." Siem Reap is located 25 km from the lake, and it takes thirty minutes by car to reach it.
For a more authentic experience, one can venture into the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake to experience the richness of this region. The wildlife adventure includes trips by boat, during which one may be fortunate enough to taste some local delicacies and interact with friendly locals to learn about their way of life.
Battambang
This delightful little town in northwestern Cambodia is probably best known for its lovely French colonial buildings and Buddhist temples. If that is not enough, you can always rent a boat for an hour or two and enjoy a pleasant trip along the Sangker River, or you could visit Battambang Cave.
Beach Islands (Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Kep)
In the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia features several breathtaking islands that boast stunning beaches with white sands and turquoise waters. For the ultimate beach retreat, Sihanoukville offers opportunities for diving, windsurfing, and sport fishing.
For nature lovers, idyllic, untouched landscapes await exploration on foot or by kayak at Koh Rong. Nearby, Kep is a quaint seaside town renowned for the freshest seafood and tranquil beaches, with access to the island of Koh Tonsay via a boat ride.
From Kep, you can take a trip to Kampot, the black pepper capital, to explore pepper plantations and enjoy a boat ride on the Kampot River, soaking in views of French colonial architecture along the riverbanks. Finally, from Kampot, it is easy to reach Ha Tien, a charming little town in southern Vietnam, to begin your journey into this beautiful country.
>>> Learn more about: Top 10 Paradise Beaches to Discover in Cambodia
Which Southeast Asian Itineraries Can Be Combined with a Visit to Cambodia?
Travel within the Regions of Southeast Asia Combining South East Asia Itineraries; Cambodia shares borders with Vietnam and Thailand, plus a land border with Laos, making road and air travel easy.
Combining a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam is an interesting option; both countries are very rich in varied landscapes and culture, and in January, the weather is favorable.
Travel to Vietnam from Cambodia by land to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta. Discover this breathtaking region and then proceed to Ho Chi Minh City for more destination exploration. For ideas of places to visit, you can consult a tourist map of Vietnam.
Travel lovers who are into nature can extend their visit to Laos from Cambodia, which is cheap and truly authentic. Thailand also has much to offer, including beautiful golden temples, a warm welcome, its famous beaches, and much more.
So go ahead and create memories of a lifetime by embarking on those combo tours that take you through the incredible variety of Southeast Asia.
>>> Would you like to explore Vietnam and Cambodia. Read Now!
Essential Tips for Traveling to Cambodia in January
Book your hotels and tickets ahead of Cambodia's peak tourist month in January. This will be the best strategy for saving money on your trip. Go through all the details to ensure a successful trip.
There is expected mild dryness throughout the entire nation. Carry light clothing along with a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the beautiful sun. Stay hydrated, and if your itinerary includes traveling through high-altitude regions, pack warm clothes.
Respect local customs and beliefs. Ask for permission before taking a photo, greet someone by clasping your palms together and bowing your head slightly. Avoid touching the heads of Cambodians, showing too much affection publicly, or discussing sensitive topics like war, politics, or genocide.
This way, your entire visit will be more enjoyable and respectful of Cambodia's culture.
Our last words
In January, visitors to Cambodia can enjoy the country's array of experiences, from visiting ancient temples to relaxing on its wonderful beaches. Reasonable ticket prices, a rich culture, and distinct aspects of Asia make Cambodia a place worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
>>> Also read:
- Cambodian cuisine: the 15 best dishes not to be missed
- What to bring back from Cambodia: 11 must-buy souvenirs
- The Temple of Angkor Wat: a Masterpiece of the Khmer Civilization
- All about Khmer New Year 2025 (Chol Chnam Thmey)
- Cambodia Tourist Map: all you need to know about the places to visit
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