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Forget the image of Cambodia drowning in rain: the kingdom is banking on the green season to transform the low season into a genuine driver of tourism. With the official launch in Phnom Penh of the campaign “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026”, the minister Huot Hak aims to enhance the period May to October like a window onto lush landscapes, rich cultural sites and community experiences, while promoting a sustainable tourismBetween passing showers and long stretches of sunshine, this strategy also aims to distribute visitor flows throughout the year — the area having already welcomed 5.57 million of visitors in 2025.
Summary Cambodia launches campaign “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026” to transform the traditional low season (May-October) in a dynamic, sustainable period rich in local experiences. The Minister of Tourism, Huot HakThe government is calling on professionals to coordinate offers and events to promote lush landscapes, cooler temperatures, and authentic cultural experiences. This strategy aims to better distribute visitors throughout the year and strengthen tourism’s role in the national economy.
An official launch and a clear ambition
On Saturday evening in Phnom Penh, the Ministry of Tourism officially launched the campaign “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026”This initiative aims to reposition the period from May to October as a tourist asset rather than a constraint. The official government press release details this approach and the ministry’s expectations: to attract international visitors while promoting responsible, high-value tourism. See the official press release: AKP – Ministry of Tourism.
Transform the low season in dynamic times
The magic word here is green seasonThe idea is simple and clever: to replace the image of continuous rain with that of a lush, cooler, and more photogenic Cambodia. The showers are often brief and give way to clear days, opening the door to greener tours, walks through rice paddies, and temples bathed in vibrant green.
The foreign and specialist press are following this shift: Le Courrier speaks of it as a renewed preparation for the high tourist season (The Mail), and Le Petit Journal highlights the effort to make the green season a real asset (The Little Journal).
Natural and cultural assets highlighted
Minister Huot Hak emphasizes concrete arguments: green landscapesPreserved cultural sites and immersion in local communities developing authentic tourism experiences. In practice, this means creating packages combining temple visits, rural tours, gastronomic workshops with locals and eco-responsible accommodations.
Photos after a downpour? More color, less dust and rice paddies as far as the eye can see — enough to seduce photographers, couples seeking tranquility and travelers in search of ecotourism.
Coordination between stakeholders: hotels, agencies and events
For the green season to succeed, the minister called for a broad mobilization: hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators must develop attractive offers and synchronize their schedules and promotions. The goal is to offer packages clear information (transport, activities, reassuring weather) and to organize targeted events to maintain visitor interest during these six months.
Innovative initiatives already exist and deserve to be amplified: see some examples of promotional actions and marketing innovations on Southeast Asia (Southeast Asia – initiatives).
Why change the perception: from “rainy season” to “green season”
The formula is as much marketing as it is factual. Locally, people know that the rain isn’t continuous: the first showers cool the air, and thunderstorms are often limited to the end of the day. Representing this period as a green season helps to reassure travellers and attract those who are looking for lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
A good summary of this repositioning can be found in a reflective article published on LinkedIn that analyzes the strengths of the green season and its still largely untapped potential (LinkedIn Analysis).
A significant economic issue
Tourism remains a pillar of the Cambodian economy: in 2025, the country welcomed approximately 5.57 million of international visitors, a figure highlighted by the ministry. Extending the attractiveness to the months of May-October helps to smooth out the flow and support employment throughout the year. For recent context and record tourist arrivals, see this article from Southeast Asia (Southeast Asia – tourism record).
Cambodia in its regional context
This strategy is not being developed in isolation: the region is also observing policies and campaigns aimed at boosting tourism and diversifying visitor sources. Cooperation with India is being discussed to stimulate tourism exchanges (Southeast Asia – India-Cambodia).
Furthermore, developments in Thailand — whether it be tourism decentralization projects, media spotlights like the series The White Lotus, or even debates about opening new casinos — also influence the regional dynamics of tourism and the choices of visitors (Southeast Asia – Thailand politics, Southeast Asia – White Lotus, Southeast Asia – casinos).
Opportunities for Cambodia
By establishing itself during the green season, Cambodia can capture a share of regional tourism flows by offering a greener, more cultural, and often less expensive alternative during these months. Cross-border tourism synergies could benefit the whole of Southeast Asia.
Practical advice for visitors during the green season
To take advantage of the green season To avoid any unpleasant surprises: pack a lightweight raincoat, choose appropriate footwear, plan excursions for the morning or afternoon depending on the local weather, and opt for homestays for immersive experiences. Rain showers refresh the air and offer spectacular scenery between temple visits.
For route ideas and personal accounts, consult in-depth articles and field reports: The Mail, The Little Journal and several reports on Southeast Asia (Southeast Asia – promotion) offer practical and inspiring suggestions.
FAQ — Everything you need to know about the green season in Cambodia
Q: What is the ” Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026 » ? A: This is an official initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism to reposition the period from May to October as a attractive tourist seasondynamic and sustainable, far from the traditional negative image of the “rainy season”. Q: When does the green season in Cambodia? A: The campaign targets the period from May to October, corresponding to the months when the first rains bring freshness and more lush landscapes. Q: Does it rain all the time during this period? A: No. Rainfall often occurs in the form of showers or thunderstorms at the end of the day, leaving large stretches of fine weather and generally more pleasant temperatures. Q: Why does the government want to encourage tourism during these months? A: The goal is to distribute visitor flows throughout the year, increase the economic value of the off-season, and offer more authentic and sustainable experiences within the local communities. Q: What strengths are highlighted to attract travelers? A: Emphasis is placed on the green landscapes, the wealth of cultural sites, milder temperatures and seasonal activities that benefit local villages and artisans. Q: Are tourism professionals participating in the effort? A: Yes. Hotels, restaurants, agencies and tour operators are being asked to create combined offers, promotional packages and specific events to make the period attractive. Q: Is the campaign focused on sustainable development? A: Absolutely. The stated aim is to transform the low season into a period of “high added value and sustainability”, by involving local communities and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Q: Can this strategy really help Cambodia’s economy? A: Yes. Tourism remains an important economic pillar: after welcoming millions of visitors in 2025, Cambodia seeks to stabilize and increase its tourism revenues by extending the high season. Q: Will there be any promotions or better prices during the green season ? A: Authorities are encouraging operators to offer attractive deals and packages, which should result in competitive prices, included activities and off-season benefits. Q: What practical advice is there for a traveler planning a trip during these months? A: Pack light but waterproof clothing, plan activities for the morning or early afternoon, take advantage of the green landscapes for photography, and choose local experiences to support local economies.