Top Best Places To Visit In Cambodia In March For A Sunny Trip
March is an ideal time to discover Cambodia under generous sunshine with the dry season well established and comfortable travel conditions. Before the arrival of the intense heat of April, it is the perfect moment to travel to Cambodia in March on a budget whether you are drawn to culture, the sea or a balanced itinerary. Between iconic temples, lively cities and tropical beaches, choosing the right stops can nevertheless seem complex. Knowing the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip mainly depends on your pace, your desires and your budget. With the support of Autour Asia, an agency specializing in tailor-made travel in Cambodia, it becomes easier to build a coherent journey adapted to your expectations.
Table of Contents
I. Why choose Cambodia in March for sunshine ?
March is among the most pleasant times to discover Cambodia when the dry season ensures a stable and bright climate. Days unfold under a consistently blue sky with temperatures around 30 to 34°C, hot but manageable thanks to the dry air. This weather facilitates travel, makes visits more comfortable and allows a natural alternation between cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation. Under these conditions, experiencing a budget trip to Cambodia truly makes sense, smooth, well balanced and particularly enjoyable to experience.
Beyond the climate, March is also a strategic period to travel smart. Before the rise of intense heat in April, prices remain reasonable and crowds moderate while offering bright landscapes and a calm sea. Accommodation, transport and dining remain affordable, without compromising on quality. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip, this period brings together sunshine, diversity and a controlled budget, allowing you to fully enjoy the country with complete peace of mind.
II. Where to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip ? Top best places to go
Cambodia in March offers ideal conditions for travel, whether you are drawn to culture, the sea, history or nature. Thanks to the dry season, each region reveals its best side, with a wide diversity of possible experiences depending on your preferences.
1. Siem Reap - Culture and heritage
In March, Siem Reap stands out as an obvious choice among the cheap destinations in Cambodia in March, thanks to a particularly pleasant dry and bright climate. You start the day early to explore the temples of Angkor in a calm atmosphere, when the morning light enhances the sculptures of Angkor Wat and the Bayon. Clear skies make visits more comfortable and ideal for photography, while also allowing itineraries to be organized in a smooth and cost-effective way, with entrances and transportation easy to manage.
After the cultural visits, March is perfectly suited to outdoor activities around Siem Reap, often simple and inexpensive. You can cycle through the countryside, observe local life in the villages or head to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, when navigation remains pleasant. March also corresponds to the artisanal production of palm sugar, visible free of charge around the city, while the approach of the Khmer New Year gradually enlivens the pagodas. Local markets and traditional performances complete the experience in a friendly atmosphere, making Siem Reap a culturally rich stop and one of the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip.
Find out more: 2 weeks Siem Reap travel package in January
Angkor Wat Siem Reap Tonle Sap 3-day tour
2. Sihanoukville and the southern islands - Sunshine and beaches
After the cultural immersion inland, Southern Cambodia naturally stands out in March as a transition toward the sea and relaxation, an obvious option for those looking for where to visit in Cambodia in March on a budget and wishing to discover things to do in Sihanoukville and its surroundings. At this time of year, the coastline enjoys an ideal climate, with calm seas, warm water and regular sunshine. From Sihanoukville, you can easily reach the islands of the Gulf of Thailand to alternate swimming, snorkeling and moments of rest on white-sand beaches. A boat trip at sunset completes these gently paced days, a simple and accessible experience, perfectly suited to a seaside trip in March.
On Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, March corresponds to the most favorable time of the year for a sunny trip in March to Cambodia, when crystal-clear water offers excellent visibility to observe fish and corals and the absence of waves makes water activities particularly pleasant. Between relaxing on beaches such as Long Set or Saracen Bay and discovering bioluminescent plankton on moonless nights, the experience remains both exotic and easy to organize. Back on the mainland, evenings continue around fresh seafood at reasonable prices, extending this seaside interlude in a friendly atmosphere.
More details: 5-day travel in Sihanoukville
Difference between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
3. Phnom Penh - City and history
After the coastal landscapes of the south, Phnom Penh offers in March another way to enjoy the sunshine, more urban and deeply rooted in history. When considering the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip and what to do in Phnom Penh, the capital stands out as an ideal complementary stop. Under a clear, golden light, you explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, whose roofs shine intensely beneath the blue sky. The dry climate makes visits to pagodas and museums easier, especially in the morning, when the heat remains pleasant. These discoveries make it possible to better understand Khmer heritage while remaining simple to organize and affordable.
In the late afternoon, Phnom Penh slows down and becomes particularly pleasant to experience, confirming its appeal for travelers looking at where to visit in Cambodia in March on a budget. You stroll along Sisowath Quay, refreshed by the Mekong breeze, among locals who come to walk, exercise or enjoy inexpensive street food. In March, events, notably around International Women’s Rights Day, enliven the riverbanks and offer a lively glimpse of local society. A short sunset cruise or a moment on a terrace facing the river extends this gentle atmosphere, making Phnom Penh a well-balanced stop between local life, history and simple pleasures under the sun.
Continue reading: 7-day bike tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
5 days in Phnom Penh
4. Kampot and Kep - Nature and authenticity
In Cambodia in March, Kampot and Kep appear among the sunny destinations in Cambodia in March, offering an ideal alternative for those wishing to slow down and travel in the sunshine on a small budget, away from the most crowded areas. In Kampot, you discover a peaceful town set along the Praek Tuek Chhou River, where a late-afternoon boat ride or kayaking allows you to enjoy softer light and a calming atmosphere. This period is also well suited to visiting Kampot pepper plantations in the surrounding countryside, while the dry weather makes access to Bokor National Park easier and more pleasant, with clear roads and beautiful panoramas.
At a short distance, Kep completes this stage with its quiet seaside, perfect for enjoying the sun without crowds and naturally finds its place when considering where to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip. You can relax on Kep’s small beach, walk along the seafront or swim when the sea is calm in March. The crab market, facing the ocean, remains a must to savor the famous green pepper crab at a reasonable price. In the morning, a walk in Kep National Park leads to shaded trails and beautiful views over the Gulf of Thailand. Together, Kampot and Kep form a simple and harmonious stop, ideal for slowing down and enjoying an authentic Cambodia under the March sun.
III. What type of trip to choose in Cambodia in March ?
1. Cultural trip to Cambodia in March
This cultural journey is ideal for travelers exploring the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip, combining temple discoveries with visits to emblematic cultural sites. The dry climate makes sightseeing easier, local life becomes more lively ahead of the Khmer New Year and the light enhances the country’s heritage. As a result, this itinerary is perfectly suited for a first cultural immersion.
Here is an example itinerary to inspire you:
Days 1 - 2: Siem Reap and Angkor - Discovery of the Angkor temples, sunrise at Angkor Wat, and a visit to Ta Prohm. In March, you feel the atmosphere of the preparations for the Khmer New Year, complemented by a Phare show in the evening.
Day 3: Siem Reap and Tonlé Sap - Meeting the villages around Siem Reap, discovering palm sugar production, then a boat excursion on Tonlé Sap at Prek Toal.
Day 4: Sambor Prei Kuk - Visit of the pre-Angkorian site of Sambor Prei Kuk, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the heart of the forest.
Days 5 - 6: Phnom Penh - Discovery of royal heritage and contemporary history, with walks along the Mekong in a lively atmosphere.
Day 7: Phnom Penh and departure - Free time at the Central Market before the end of the trip.
2. Sun and beach trip in Cambodia in March
Designed for those who wish to take a sunny break and are interested in budget travel in Cambodia in March, this journey prioritizes the sea, relaxation and an unrestrictive pace. The beaches and islands of the south offer calm seas and pleasant warmth, ideal for recharging. This itinerary is particularly suitable for couples, groups of friends, and travelers in search of rest and well-being.
You can refer to the following itinerary:
Day 1: Sihanoukville - Arrival in Sihanoukville and transfer by speedboat to Koh Rong Samloem.
Days 2 - 3: Koh Rong Samloem - Stay at Saracen Bay, between swimming, kayaking, relaxing on the beach and unwinding under the March sun. In the evening, a sea outing to observe bioluminescent plankton.
Day 4: Koh Rong - Transfer to Koh Rong, a more lively island, with opportunities for jungle trekking or beach evenings.
Day 5: Koh Rong - Boat excursion to nearby islets, notably Koh Tang, for snorkeling in particularly clear water in March.
Days 6 - 7: Kep - Return to the mainland and travel to Kep. Tasting the famous green pepper crab at the crab market, seaside walks, and sunsets over the Gulf of Thailand.
3. Combined trip to Cambodia: Culture and relaxation
The combined journey is intended for those who wish to combine discovery and relaxation within a single itinerary, while also planning a sunny trip in March to Cambodia. By alternating heritage sites, river cruises, historic cities and tropical beaches, it offers a balanced experience. This format is particularly suited to travelers with around two weeks available, as well as couples or families for a first discovery of Cambodia in March.
Recommended itinerary example:
Days 1- 4: Siem Reap - Discovery of the Angkor temples and Khmer culture, with emblematic visits and local experiences such as traditional cooking and exploration of rural villages.
Days 5 - 7: Tonlé Sap region and Phnom Penh - Navigation through Tonlé Sap and its floating villages, offering an authentic immersion into river life before a gradual arrival in the capital.
Day 8: Phnom Penh - A day dedicated to discovering royal heritage, museums, and local life along the Mekong, to better understand the history and contemporary Cambodia.
Days 9 - 12: Sihanoukville and Koh Rong - Seaside break on the southern beaches, combining relaxation, swimming, and water activities in a preserved tropical setting.
Days 13 - 14: Return to Phnom Penh - Return to the capital for final free moments before departure and the end of the journey.
IV. Practical tips for enjoying Cambodia in March on a budget
Traveling to Cambodia in March is an excellent option for enjoying the sunshine while keeping your budget under control. Here are concrete and easy-to-apply tips to optimize your stay.
- Manage the heat wisely: Plan your visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon and reserve the middle of the day for breaks or relaxation. Wear light clothing, protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated.
- Choose accommodation with good value for money: Favor guesthouses, small local hotels or bungalows, often comfortable and well located, with rates that remain reasonable in March.
- Eat local to reduce your budget: Opt for Khmer cuisine and street food, which are flavorful and economical. You will eat well at a significantly lower cost than in international restaurants.
- Optimize your transportation: Use long-distance buses and boats for intercity travel. In cities, choose tuk-tuks and scooters, which are practical and inexpensive.
- Book activities flexibly: Compare prices and, when possible, book on site; in March, moderate crowds often make it possible to negotiate or find good deals.
In March, Cambodia reveals its full potential for an affordable sunny trip, thanks to a stable climate, a wide diversity of landscapes and costs that remain under control. Whether you are drawn to temples, lively cities, southern beaches or quieter regions, deciding where to visit in Cambodia in March on a budget depends above all on your pace and priorities. Each itinerary offers a different experience, yet one that remains accessible and well balanced. To help identify the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip and create a smooth journey, the support of Autour Asia, an agency specializing in authentic travel in Cambodia, makes it possible to travel with peace of mind while respecting your budget. In March, Cambodia thus stands out as a sunny destination that is simple and rich in discoveries.
If you wish to travel to Cambodia in March in the best possible conditions to enjoy the sunshine, don't hesitate to contact AUTOUR ASIA, a local travel agency in Cambodia, to design an itinerary tailored to your preferences and your budget.
Learn more:
- Vietnam or Cambodia for a family trip
- Sunny places to visit in Cambodia in February
- Cambodia Cheap tour 2-week itinerary
- Cambodia Travel Guide
- Adventure tours in Cambodia 2 weeks
- Cambodia Tours
A 14-day Cambodia adventure tour typically covers a wide range of regions that showcase the country’s cultural depth, history and natural diversity. The journey generally begins in Siem Reap, home to the Angkor Temples Complex and the iconic Angkor Wat, before continuing to Phnom Penh to explore key historical sites such as the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. From there, the itinerary moves east and north along the Mekong, passing through Kampong Cham and Kratie, known for river life and Irrawaddy dolphins, then reaches Stung Treng for community-based ecotourism in the Mekong wetlands. The route also includes the Dangrek Mountains with a visit to Preah Vihear Temple, as well as cultural stops around Tonlé Sap Lake and Battambang’s countryside. The adventure concludes in southern Cambodia, combining coastal energy in Sihanoukville with relaxation on the beaches of Koh Rong Samloem, offering a well-rounded exploration from temples and rivers to mountains and islands.
For a Cambodia cheap tour 2-week itinerary, the most relevant itinerary combines major cultural cities, accessible beaches and peaceful stops, while prioritizing local transportation and budget accommodations. A balanced route generally begins in Phnom Penh to understand the country’s history, continues to Sihanoukville and the southern islands to enjoy the sea on a budget, then includes Kampot and Kep for their authentic and low-cost atmosphere. The journey ideally ends in Siem Reap, with several days dedicated to the Angkor temples and local life. This itinerary allows for varied experiences - culture, nature and relaxation - while keeping overall costs reasonable thanks to street food, long-distance buses and affordable guesthouses.
Yes, March is a very good month to travel in Cambodia with children. The climate is dry and stable, which makes travel and outdoor activities easier without the inconvenience of the rainy season. By choosing well-adapted stops, such as accessible cultural sites, river cruises or the calm beaches of the south, it is easy to build a balanced itinerary. For families wondering the best places to visit in Cambodia in March for a sunny trip, this period makes it possible to combine discovery, relaxation and comfort, while traveling at a flexible and reassuring pace for younger travelers.
Related travel guide
Other similar articles
CUSTOMIZABLE BY LOCAL EXPERTS
Personalized trip at the original price!
REFUND GUARANTEE
We believe in our work and promise to give you money back.
GOOD PRICE / QUALITY
95% satisfied more than expected!
24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT
We are always available online to provide assistance at any time.
Most read articles
Autour Asia is highly recommended on
Embracing the mission of "Satisfied more than expected" and providing authentic experiences, we have received numerous recommendations on reputable travel forums:
