Recommendations for a third trip to Cambodia in the summer

Hi everyone, We’re planning to return to Cambodia in July 2026, as a family, for the third time. Since we’ve already visited Siem Reap and Battambang, we’re not considering going back this time. Instead, we’d like to travel more slowly and take the time to settle in. We’re thinking of an itinerary around Mondulkiri, Kampot, and Koh Kong (Tatai waterfalls, mangroves, etc.). For those who know the Koh Kong province and Mondulkiri well: are these areas still accessible and enjoyable during the rainy season? We’d also like to spend 2 or 3 days on an island, but we’re not sure if it’s really feasible at this time of year (sea conditions, boat crossings…). If it’s doable, which one would you recommend? We’re planning to spend only a short time in Phnom Penh, then a few days with family near Koh Thom. If you have any other ideas, firsthand experiences, or suggestions for stops that work well for a trip in July, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance !

Hello,

Koh Kong province gets *very* rainy during the monsoon season because the water-laden clouds coming from the Gulf of Thailand with the southwest monsoon get blocked by the Cardamom Mountains and dump all their rain on the region. For comparison, the annual rainfall there is about 4000 mm/year versus 1500 mm in Phnom Penh. Mondolkiri is also quite rainy in July, which can make the small dirt roads you take by motorbike to explore the area difficult or even impassable, as well as trekking routes. The road to Bou Sra waterfalls is paved, though, so no access issues there. For the islands, it’s really hit or miss—you might have three beautiful days with just an evening storm, or three days of heavy rain. It also happens that passenger boats can’t make the trip to the mainland, leaving travelers stranded on the islands for an extra 24 or 48 hours. Upsides to visiting these destinations in the rainy season: almost no tourists (with a slight exception for Koh Rong) and the vegetation is lush. For example, the grassy hills of Mondolkiri, which are completely dried out from January to April, turn bright green during the rainy season (some say they even resemble Ireland or Switzerland!). The same goes for the rice fields in the plains. And the late-afternoon thunderstorms, which are common, noticeably cool things down—perfect for a cool evening or night. If you’re heading to Mondolkiri, I’d recommend stopping along the Mekong River in Kampong Cham or Kratie. Both are really nice, peaceful towns, each with its own island in the middle of the Mekong.

hi there, you should still look into the areas of the country to avoid and keep up with the news. Fighting seems to have resumed along the border with Thailand 🙁

Good evening! You have a very precise and informed opinion from Erwanploz. Mondulkiri gets *very* wet when it rains—it was the first time we had to put chains on the 4x4 in 35°C weather!! The road wasn’t paved all the way at the time. It was a great memory. A bit further north, you also have Ratanakiri, which is quite interesting and we explored it on our 4th trip. Kratié and Kompong Cham are recommended, with the latter deserving 2 or 3 days.

As for the areas affected by the conflict with Thailand, they’re further north or to the west and have been well identified for a while now. I couldn’t visit them twice, but finally, in 2023, I got to discover those temples.

Safe travels! Eric

Thanks so much for your reply.

I might need to think about a different itinerary, or maybe spend less time in Koh Kong.

Thanks

Thanks!

Could I ask what you all visited during your many trips to Cambodia?

So far, I’m considering Kratie and Kampong Cham.

Hi there, The first trip didn’t go as planned—it coincided with one of the last offensives by the Khmer Rouge hiding in the north. So, I only saw Phnom Penh and Angkor/Siem Reap. Otherwise, the classic route is: Phnom Penh; Skun (culinary specialty: tarantulas), Snuol, Sen Monorom, Kratie, Kompong Thom, Roluos, Siem Reap/Angkor, Battambang, Pursat, Kompong Luong, Kampong Chhnang, Phnom Penh, with a short visit to the south in Angkor Borei and Takeo. (1 month)

Another trip: Phnom Penh, Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville (1 night), Sre Ambel, Andoung Tuek, then a 2-3 hour river trip to reach Chi Path—5 days total, with 3 full days in the jungle to see animals like bears and wild elephants. Then north to the Koh Kong Peam Krasaop reserve, back to Kampong Speu. (4 weeks)

Last trip: Phnom Penh, south to Tonle Bati, around Takeo, back to Kampong Cham for 2 full days and 3 nights, Chlong, back to Kratie, Stung Treng, Ban Lung, Virachey and Ratanakiri, back to Stung Treng for the 4,000 Islands on the Cambodian side (the Preah Vihear temple was closed again that day), Koh Ker, Phnom Kulen National Park (River of a Thousand Lingas) for 3-4 days in the area, Siem Reap to see how Angkor has changed, then the western loop to Kralanh, Banteay Chhmar temple, Sisophon, back to Siem Reap, and a boat trip up to Battambang (the Tonle Sap side was already visited on the first two trips), Moung Ruessei, Pursat, heading west to Veal Veng, 2 days toward Koh Andet, and back to Phnom Penh. Over a month, so I had to pay a $30 fine for overstaying my visa by 4 days.

I hope to go back, but other countries are calling my name too. Happy planning!

Thanks so much