March marks the transition out of Cambodia’s cool, dry season and into the build-up of heat before Khmer New Year â still comfortable for temple-hopping in the early mornings, but noticeably warmer than January or February. The month opens with a national holiday recognizing women’s achievements, reaches a genuine astronomical highlight at Angkor Wat around the spring equinox, and closes with one of the country’s most significant film industry events in the capital.
This guide lists the most important Cambodia events in March 2027, including confirmed dates, locations and practical information for travelers.
Cambodia Events in March 2027 at a Glance
| Date | Event | Location | Type | Tourist Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 8 | International Women’s Day | Nationwide | National Holiday | Low |
| Around March 20â22 (estimated) | Angkor Wat Spring Equinox Sunrise Alignment | Angkor Wat, Siem Reap | Astronomical Phenomenon / Cultural Event | High |
| March 23â28 | Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) | Phnom Penh | Film / Arts | Medium |
March 8: International Women’s Day
When: March 8, 2027
Where: Nationwide
Type: National holiday
Cambodia marks International Women’s Day as an official public holiday, one of relatively few countries in the region to do so.
The day typically brings a mix of marches and public messaging around gender equality and ending violence against women, alongside more everyday celebrations â gift-giving, family gatherings, and shopping promotions tied to the occasion.
For travelers, it is a quiet holiday rather than a spectacle: government offices and banks close, but hotels, restaurants and transport operate normally.
Around March 20â22 (Estimated): Angkor Wat Spring Equinox Sunrise Alignment
When: The spring equinox falls on March 20, 2027; based on the pattern of recent years the sunrise alignment is best viewed the following morning, around March 21, with a viewing window of roughly March 20â22. Any official 2027 program dates had not yet been announced at the time of writing
Where: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap â viewed from the western causeway and reflection ponds
Type: Astronomical phenomenon and cultural event
Twice a year, around the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun aligns directly with Angkor Wat’s central tower as seen from the temple’s western entrance â a deliberate feature of the 12th-century temple’s design that reflects the sophistication of Khmer astronomical knowledge.
The spring alignment in 2026 drew tens of thousands of visitors to Angkor Wat, and in recent years Cambodian authorities have organized an accompanying “Equinox Angkor” cultural program with lighting and events around the temple during the equinox window, in addition to the natural phenomenon itself.
No special ticket or permission is required beyond a standard Angkor Archaeological Park pass â this is a natural event best viewed by simply being at the temple before sunrise.
Tourist tip: Arrive by around 5:00 AM to secure a spot along the reflection ponds, bring a tripod if you want photos, and expect large crowds â this has become one of the most popular sunrise mornings of the year at Angkor Wat, rivaling the general daily sunrise crowds.
March 23â28: Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF)
When: March 23â28, 2027
Where: Phnom Penh
Type: Film festival
The Cambodia International Film Festival holds its 16th edition in Phnom Penh from March 23â28, 2027, describing itself as the most significant industry-driven film event in the country.
The festival showcases feature and short films across genres, with a particular focus on Cambodian-made and Cambodia-related productions alongside Southeast Asian premieres, and includes screenings, industry panels and networking events aimed at both the film industry and general audiences.
It is a lower-key draw for casual tourists than the Angkor events, but a genuine point of interest for travelers with an interest in Southeast Asian cinema, or anyone already planning to be in Phnom Penh that week.
What Is March Like for Travelers in Cambodia?
March sits at the tail end of Cambodia’s cool, dry season, with temperatures climbing steadily through the month as the country heads toward its hottest stretch in April.
Early mornings are still pleasant for temple visits, but by midday the heat is noticeably stronger than in December or January, and humidity begins to build ahead of the rainy season. Crowds at Angkor Wat remain significant, especially around the equinox sunrise, though overall visitor numbers taper off from the JanuaryâFebruary peak.
See our best time to visit Siem Reap guide for more detail on weather and crowd patterns this time of year.
Where to Stay in Cambodia in March
Your choice of base depends on which events you want to combine with your trip.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the essential base for the equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat, and rooms near the temple complex or town center fill up quickly around the equinox window, so book ahead.
Compare different areas in our Where to Stay in Siem Reap guide, or browse the full range in our best hotels in Siem Reap guide.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the natural base for the Cambodia International Film Festival at the end of the month, and generally offers better value than Siem Reap during the equinox rush.
See our guide to where to stay in Phnom Penh before booking, or compare properties directly in our best hotels in Phnom Penh guide.
March Events in Cambodia: What Should Tourists Prioritize?
If you are planning a Cambodia trip specifically around March events, here is a rough order of priority for international travelers:
- Angkor Wat Spring Equinox â around March 20â22, a genuinely rare sight and one of the best mornings of the year to be at the temple
- Cambodia International Film Festival â March 23â28, for travelers with an interest in Southeast Asian cinema or already based in Phnom Penh
- International Women’s Day â March 8, worth knowing about for planning purposes but not itself a reason to time a trip around
Bottom Line
March is a transitional month in Cambodia â warmer and drier than the peak of the cool season, but not yet into the heat and rains that follow â and its calendar reflects that in-between character, with one standout natural event rather than a packed festival lineup.
The Angkor Wat spring equinox sunrise is the clear highlight for most travelers, while the Cambodia International Film Festival offers a niche but genuine draw for anyone in Phnom Penh at month’s end.
If you are planning a March trip, use this calendar as a starting point and check official event sources before traveling, since exact festival dates and programs can shift from year to year.
Sources
- PublicHolidays.asia â International Women’s Day in Cambodia
- Travel to Angkor â Equinox Angkor Wat: Dates, Sunrise Alignment & Travel Guide (2026 dates and viewing details)
- Khaosod English â Thousands Gather at Angkor Wat for Equinox Sunrise (2026)
- Asian Film Festivals â 16th Cambodia International Film Festival, Call for Entry 2027 (March 23â28, 2027, Phnom Penh)