Cambodia, Asia
Angkor Wat in May
Still hot, with the first storms bringing some relief. Quiet and cheap.
The straight answer
May is a month of real tradeoffs in Angkor Wat. Still hot, with the first storms bringing some relief. Quiet and cheap.
- Weather
- Very hot, highs near 95F (35C), first rains
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Angkor Wat
May is still very hot, with highs near 95F (35C), but the first rains bring some relief. Crowds are small and prices are low. Afternoon storms come and go, and the countryside starts to turn green again.
This month suits budget travelers and those who do not mind heat. Families should keep temple days short and plan pool time. For better weather, choose November to February. For fewer crowds and a lush jungle, June to August are a nice middle ground. Carry lots of water on every temple visit. Wear light clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Angkor Wat this month.
Quiet temples
The big temples feel calm, even Ta Prohm and the Bayon.
First storms
Afternoon rain cools the air and freshens the jungle.
Cheap stays
Hotels offer some of the lowest rates of the year.
What to pack for May
- Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- A compact umbrella
- Electrolyte packets
- Sunscreen and a hat
Our timing tip
Hire a car with air conditioning rather than a tuk-tuk for long temple loops in the heat.
Book Angkor Wat for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Angkor WatOpens a hotel search for Angkor Wat in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Angkor WatWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Angkor WatTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Angkor Wat for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Angkor Wat
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Arrive before 5:30am to find a spot by the lotus ponds. For a quieter view, walk to the back of the temple after sunrise while everyone else leaves for breakfast.
The Bayon and Angkor Thom
The face towers are best in soft morning or late afternoon light. The Terrace of the Elephants is right next door.
Ta Prohm
The tree-root temple. Go right at opening or in the last hour to avoid the tour groups.
Banteay Srei
Small pink sandstone temple with the finest carvings in Angkor, about 45 minutes out. Go early before it heats up.
Beng Mealea
A collapsed jungle temple about 90 minutes from Siem Reap. Uncrowded and atmospheric, especially in the green season.
Tonle Sap floating villages
Water levels change dramatically by season. Visit in the wet season when the lake swells, and choose community-run tours.
Beat the crowds
- Buy a multi-day pass and spread the temples out. Do the big three (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) at off-hours instead of cramming them into one crowded day.
- Most tour groups follow the same loop. Reverse it: do Ta Prohm at opening, Angkor Wat at midday when the sunrise crowd is gone, and the Bayon in late afternoon.
- Go to Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea early to beat the heat and the tour buses.
- Consider the green season from June to August: morning temple visits are quiet, the landscape is lush, and hotel prices drop.
Know before you go
- Angkor passes are sold for one, three, or seven days at the official ticket center and online through Angkor Enterprise. You need a photo pass to enter any temple.
- Angkor Wat and some temples open early for sunrise; most others open around 7:30am and close in the late afternoon. Check current hours.
- Upper levels of some temples, including Angkor Wat's central tower (Bakan), close on certain Buddhist holy days and have dress-code checks (shoulders and knees covered).
- During Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, some local restaurants and shops close as families return to their home provinces.
Angkor Wat in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Angkor Wat?
May is a month of real tradeoffs in Angkor Wat. Still hot, with the first storms bringing some relief. Quiet and cheap.
What is the weather like in Angkor Wat in May?
Very hot, highs near 95F (35C), first rains.
Is Angkor Wat crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Angkor Wat; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Angkor Wat.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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