Rainy Day in Phnom Penh: 5 Activities To Do On a Rainy Day

It could be quite frustrating to have to change plans due to bad weather. While traveling during the rainy season in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, you might run into some showers. But don't worry, MyProGuide has the solution for you.

Let's start with the rainy season in Phnom Penh

The climate in Cambodia is tropical. Therefore, it tends to be hot and humid all year-round. May to October is the rainy season: temperatures can reach around 33 degrees Celsius, and showers often come in the afternoon or evening. Thankfully the showers pass quickly, usually only lasting a couple of hours. Therefore we recommend bringing a light raincoat with you while you travel to Cambodia.

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Top activities to do in Phnom Penh

1. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a former secondary school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to its fall in 1979. It is estimated that up to 20,000 people were imprisoned at Tuol Sleng during the regime. Today the memorial educates visitors and reminds them of this dark history. Fair warning, a visit to Tuol Sleng, could be a profoundly depressing experience. From the suburban setting to the plain school buildings, to the playing area where kids were playing around, rusted beds, to instruments of torture and portraits, this museum demonstrates the darkest side of humanity.

Address: Corner of Street 113 & St 350 | History Museum, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia

2. Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre

Daughters of Cambodia are not just a combination of a fair-trade shop, a café, and a spa. It is a social enterprise that empowers victims of trafficking to leave the sex industry through other forms of employment. At the Daughters Visitor Centre, visitors can have an insight into sex trafficking and its devastating implications. The centre aims to provide former victims of sex trafficking with vital income and skills to build a life for themselves outside the horrors of the sex industry. If you want to see the cafe's menu or a list of the spa's services, find the Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre on Facebook.

Address: Riverside area near Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh; the centre has moved before, so check the current address on its Facebook page before you go.

3. Samai Distillery

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Samai is Cambodia's first premium rum distillery, known for hand-crafted rums made with locally grown ingredients. Every ingredient is finely selected. For example, the sugar canes are grown in Koh Kong Province to produce the rich caramel molasses, which give it the sophisticated base of their premium rums. The process is followed and tribute to age-old rum-making traditions, which are complex and characteristic, displaying a flavor that reflects the profound uniqueness of the Cambodians. Visit Samai Distillery to see how the rum is made and taste it for yourself. Guided tours run only on certain days, so check the distillery’s website before you go. 

Address: #9b, Street 830 | Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

4. DinArt Gallery

Visiting an art gallery is an excellent activity for a rainy afternoon. For art lovers, don't miss out on DinArt Gallery, featuring the work of contemporary Khmer artists. The signature Apsara images are widely known within Cambodia, Europe, the USA, and Australia. Grab a coffee and something to eat at the Feel Good Café downstairs while you are here. Also, get a piece of art for yourself, your friends or family. Paintings are ranging from 20cm x 20cm on canvas or Postcard A4 size, up to large pieces 2 meters by 2 meters. 

Address: Street 136, Phsar Kandal I, Phnom Penh (above Feel Good Café)

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5. Bophana Center

The Bophana Center was founded by Rithy Panh, the famous Cambodian filmmaker and screenwriter you might have already heard of. It focuses on Khmer cinema and documentaries. Serving the community with educational programs and historical archives. The Bophana Center offers an excellent program focusing on films and art exhibitions. The Center is a glance in understanding the history and culture of Cambodia.

Address: #64, Street 200, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Before You Go: Traveling in Cambodia: Your Ultimate Packing Guide

With lots of fun activities to do indoors, you no longer need to worry about the showers in the afternoon because there are always fun things to do. Even if you are traveling during the rainy season, you will thoroughly enjoy your time in Phnom Penh.