Cambodia
Cambodia in September: practical tips for your trip
September is a good month to discover Cambodia. It rains regularly, but between the showers you'll see the temples and nature at their best. Just keep a few practical things in mind before you leave.
10 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 4 sources
Safety and routes
Stay away from the border with Thailand in September. Skirmishes can occur within 50 kilometres of that border. Don't go to Siem Reap province either, as the Thai air force is carrying out air raids there. Choose a different route to the Angkor temples instead, or postpone your visit until the situation is calmer.
- Don't travel within 50 kilometres of the border with Thailand.
- Avoid Siem Reap province as long as the tensions continue.
Cambodia is a country developing at a rapid pace, yet its temples and mountains still largely speak for themselves.Cambodia
Arranging trekking and nature
Cambodia has beautiful treks, such as the seven-day trek through Virachey or the climb of Mount Phnom Samkos, the country's second-highest peak. Because so few people trek here, it quickly gets expensive, so don't book a tour through a travel agency. In September, head to the town of Promouy and arrange the trek to Phnom Samkos directly with the rangers there. That saves a lot in costs. If you want to get further away from everything, you can look out over the uninhabited mountains on the border of Laos and Vietnam from the Veal Thom grasslands.
- Arrange the trek to Phnom Samkos yourself with the rangers in Promouy.
- Choose the seven-day Virachey trek for villages and views of Laos.
Etiquette and behaviour
Cambodians generally lead conservative lives. You'll almost never see kissing or hugging in public here, especially outside the big cities. Stick to that, even in September when the streets are warm and busy. Speaking a few words of Khmer is appreciated everywhere. For example, ask T'lay pohnmaan if you want to know how much something costs.
- Avoid hugging or kissing in public outside the big cities.
- Learn T'lay pohnmaan (how much does this cost) for the market.
Electricity and daily life
In September the power can sometimes drop out briefly, especially outside the big cities. If that happens, just sit tight: the lights are usually back within a few minutes. Cambodia is growing fast, with more clothing exports and more tourism than a few years ago. You'll notice this on the road through new roads and guesthouses, but also through crowds in places that used to be quiet.
- Don't be startled by a short power cut, just wait it out.
- Bring your own cutlery and ask for no plastic disposable cutlery.
