Top 15+ Cambodia Festivals & Public Holidays in 2026

Cambodia's true cultural spirit truly comes to life in its annual festivals. While the country is world-renowned for its ancient temples, it's during these vibrant celebrations that travelers can step beyond the stone monuments and join the local community in a powerful display of tradition, joy, and faith. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the must-see Cambodian festivals and public holidays, offering you a unique opportunity to experience the heart and soul of this remarkable nation firsthand.

1. New Year’s Day

• Location: Celebrations are especially vibrant in urban centers like Phnom Penh (riverside along Sisowath Quay and the Mekong River banks), with lively events in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville’s beaches.
• Time: Formally celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Keynotes for travelers: This day is more modern and secular, largely celebrated by expats, tourists, and younger locals, it’s less spiritually or culturally significant than any other festivals.

While Cambodia’s most culturally resonant celebration is the Khmer New Year in April, International New Year’s Day (January 1) has gained widespread popularity in recent years, especially in cities and tourist hotspots. This celebration blends global party customs like fireworks, dancing, and music with Cambodia’s distinctive hospitality and charm. Visitors to key cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville can enjoy a vibrant, modern Cambodia New Year's celebration that combines international traditions with a local, festive atmosphere.

2. Meak Bochea

• Location: Oudong Hill, Phnom Penh’s major pagodas (such as Wat Phnom and Wat Ounalom), and Siem Reap’s historical wats (like Wat Damnak and Wat Bo).
• Time: Falling on the full moon day of the third lunar month (Meak month), usually late February or early March. Meak Bochea 2026 is expected to fall on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2026.
• Keynotes for travelers: Dress modestly and respectfully, avoid revealing clothes when visiting temples.

Meak Bochea is an important Buddhist festival in Cambodia, held on the full moon of the third lunar month, second in significance only to Visak Bochea in Southeast Asia. It commemorates the miraculous gathering of 1,250 enlightened disciples to hear the Buddha deliver the Ovādapātimokkha, summarizing Buddhism into three principles: cease all evil, do good and purify the mind.

In the morning, devotees offer food, robes, and daily necessities to monks, attend chanting sessions, and listen to sermons. At dusk, people dressed in white carry candles, incense, and lotus flowers, circumambulating the temple three times in honor of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The festival atmosphere is enriched by candlelight, gentle incense fragrance, and colorful lanterns. Beyond rituals, people engage in good deeds such as helping the elderly, cleaning homes, releasing animals, or floating lanterns, which symbolizing compassion and letting go.

3. International Women’s Day (March 8)

International Women’s Day is celebrated across Cambodia, most notably in Phnom Penh, alongside meaningful events held in local communities, schools, NGOs, and workplaces throughout the country. On this special day, many Cambodians express deep gratitude and respect for the women in their lives, often presenting them with thoughtful gifts such as flowers, sweets, or symbolic items. These gestures, offered to mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, are heartfelt tokens of appreciation for their love, strength, and invaluable contributions.

4. Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year)

• Location: Celebrated nationwide across Cambodia, especially lively in Phnom Penh’s pagodas and public squares, Siem Reap around Angkor Wat, and coastal towns like Sihanoukville, where families gather for fun, rituals, and gatherings.
• Time: Chaul Chnam Thmey is held from April 14th to 16th, 2026.
• Keynotes for travelers: Dress conservatively, especially when visiting holy sites. Besides, joining in or observing traditional games like tug-of-war (Teanh Prot) and angkunh are fun ways to engage with local culture.

Khmer New Year, known locally as Chaul Chnam Thmey (“Enter the New Year”), is Cambodia’s most significant traditional festival. Rooted in ancient agrarian rhythms and Hindu-Buddhist heritage, it marks the end of harvest and the start of the rainy season, where communities reflect on renewal, reap blessings, and honor their cultural legacy. Celebrations last three days—sometimes extended depending on tradition and regional variation.

Day 1 - Maha Sangkran: The first day involves house cleaning, altar setup, and lighting candles and incense. Families wash Buddha images and perform worship to usher in blessings.

Day 2 - Virak Vanabat: A day of charity and offerings—devotees give food, money, or gifts to monks, elders, and those in need.

Day 3 - Tngai Loeng Sak: Involves pouring fragrant water over Buddha statues, family reunions, and blessing one another for good luck in the new year.

On this occasion, travelers can embrace temple rituals, engage in folk games and dance, and connect with Cambodians’ warm, celebratory spirit.

5. Bom Chaul Chnam

• Location: Celebrated nationwide across Cambodia, with the most vibrant festivities taking place in Phnom Penh’s streets and riverfront, as well as in Siem Reap, Battambang
• Time: Bom Chaul Chnam is celebrated annually from April 13th to April 15th, aligning with the Khmer traditional New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
• Keynotes for travelers: Bring water gear such as buckets, small cups, or water guns and expect to get splashed, as water-throwing is central to the celebration.

Bom Chaul Chnam is a vibrant three-day water splash festival marking the Khmer New Year. For Cambodians, water traditionally symbolize cleansing and renewed fortune. It symbolizes a fresh start: cleansing away misfortune, celebrating harvest blessings, and welcoming a new year with spirited festivity. Today, Bom Chaul Chnam is both a cultural rite and a jubilant communal event.Whether through temple blessings, traditional performances, or getting soaked in the streets, this festival offers participants a lively and unforgettable immersion into Cambodia’s cultural spirit.

6. Labour Day (May 1st)

• Location: throughout Cambodia
• Time: Celebrated on Friday, May 1st, 2026, as a public holiday.
• Keynotes for travelers: You can expect closures of many businesses and public offices, so plan accordingly for transport and dining.

May 1st, 2026—International Workers’ Day in Cambodia—is both a call for labor reform and a pause for celebration. It includes organized rallies and speeches in urban centers like Phnom Penh, but also serves as a restful holiday for many families.

7. Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal (Royal Plowing Ceremony)

• Location: Meru Field in front of the National Museum, adjacent to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang and Prey Veng
• Time: It is expected on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 and is a public holiday in Cambodia. However, the date is determined by the Khmer lunar calendar - specifically, the fourth day of the waning moon in the sixth lunar month, which typically falls in early May, varying by year.
• Keynotes for travelers: Expect closures of some businesses and schools. And the ceremony begins with solemn rituals and draws large crowds, including royal members, officials, and locals.

The Royal Plowing Ceremony is a sacred and historic event that heralds Cambodia’s planting season. Held at Veal Preah Meru in Phnom Penh, it’s marked by royal ritual, ceremonial ploughing, symbolic feeding, and prophetic readings. All woven into a cultural celebration that connects Cambodians deeply with agriculture, tradition, and spiritual harmony.

At the heart of the event, two sacred royal oxen, adorned with ornate harnesses and floral decorations, plough ceremonial furrows in a symbolic act led by designated figures known as the “King Meak” and “Queen Mehua”. This act is followed by the oxen feeding ritual, where trays containing rice, corn, beans, sesame seeds, grass, water, and wine are presented. What the oxen choose to eat—or ignore—is interpreted by royal astrologers as predictions for rainfall, harvest quality, and potential threats like pests or drought.

Not only is it the central ritual, it is also a vibrant ceremonial procession, featuring traditional music, colorful costumes, and cultural performances. Monks chant blessings for prosperity and good fortune, while Brahmin priests conduct sacred invocations. The atmosphere is both solemn and celebratory.

8. King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday

• Location: Celebrated nationwide.
• Time: Wednesday, May 14th, 2026. This is a public holiday in Cambodia.
• Keynotes for travelers: Expect large gatherings in Phnom Penh, especially near the Royal Palace. You should dress modestly and respectfully as this is a formal royal occasion. And some businesses, banks, and government offices may close for the day.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday is one of Cambodia’s most important national celebrations, honoring the current monarch who has reigned since 2004. In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace becomes the focal point of the festivities. The morning often begins with a formal royal ceremony attended by government leaders, members of the royal family, diplomats, and Buddhist monks who conduct blessing rites for the King’s health and longevity. Locals gather to watch military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and traditional performances, which may include Apsara dance, classical music, and folk shows.

Along the streets, large portraits of the King are displayed, adorned with flowers and banners wishing him well. Citizens light incense and offer prayers, while others join community service activities in the King’s honor. In the evening, fireworks displays light up the Phnom Penh skyline, accompanied by illuminated decorations along the riverside. This combination of solemn ceremony, cultural expression, and public joy makes the King’s birthday a unifying event for the nation.

9. Vesak Bochea (Buddha Day)

• Location: Ceremonies are held nationwide, especially at local pagodas and temples, with some of the largest gatherings at Oudong Mountain (Preah Reach Troap), Kandal Province, north of Phnom Penh.
• Time: Friday, May 22nd, 2026, corresponding with the full moon of the sixth lunar month
• Keynotes for travelers: Arrive early at pagodas to participate in dawn chanting and offering ceremonies. You can bing offerings such as flowers, candles, incense, and food for alms to monks as a traditional expression of devotion.

Vesak Bochea is one of Cambodia's most sacred Buddhist observances. It commemorates three pivotal milestones in the life of Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha—namely his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (passing away)—all traditionally believed to occur on the same day. Typically observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, it falls in May or early June in the Gregorian calendar.

Early in the morning, devotees gather at pagodas to practise dawn alms-giving. They present food and offerings to monks—an act of gratitude and merit-making. After that, monks lead followers in Pāli recitations and sermons on the Buddha's teachings, encouraging reflection and spiritual renewal. Worshippers symbolically cleanse Buddha statues with scented water and light candles or lanterns, creating a serene and truly luminous ambiance. To finish, devotees walk three times around a shrine or Buddha statue, holding candles, lotus flowers, or incense - symbolic of respect for the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Especially, the majestic official ceremonies attract both royal family members, government officials, and senior monks to join and preside over flame lighting, offering rituals, and blessings.

10. The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath’s Birthday

• Location: Celebrated across Cambodia
• Time: Observed on Wednesday, June 18th, 2026. This is a public holiday in Cambodia.
• Keynotes for travelers: Expect formal ceremonies and public festivities in Phnom Penh; many locals also mark the day with private acts of devotion. Public offices, schools, and some businesses may be closed.

Known for her charitable work, cultural preservation efforts, and graceful public presence, the Queen Mother is widely respected and admired by Cambodians. The Queen Mother’s Birthday honors Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, mother of the reigning King Norodom Sihamoni and widow of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. 

In Phnom Penh, the day is marked by an official royal ceremony at the Royal Palace, where senior government officials, diplomats, and Buddhist monks gather to offer blessings for her health and longevity. Monks chant prayers, and traditional offerings. The surrounding streets and key public spaces are adorned with large portraits of the Queen Mother, framed with floral garlands and banners conveying birthday wishes.

Public celebrations often feature classical Khmer dance, folk performances, and live music, highlighting Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage—a cause the Queen Mother has long championed. In the evening, fireworks displays over the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers light up the capital, symbolizing national unity and joy. The combination of solemn religious rites, cultural showcases, and festive public gatherings makes the Queen Mother’s Birthday a heartfelt and unifying event in Cambodia’s royal calendar.

11. Constitution Day

• Location: Celebrated nationwide
• Time: Tuesday, September 24th, 2026. This is a public holiday in Cambodia.
• Keynotes for travelers: Government offices, schools, and some businesses may close for the day and the traffic in central Phnom Penh may be restricted during official ceremonies.

Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the signing and promulgation of Cambodia’s current constitution in 1993, which re-established the country as a constitutional monarchy following decades of conflict. The day honors the principles of democracy, rule of law, and the return of the monarchy under King Norodom Sihanouk, as well as the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Cambodian citizens.

In Phnom Penh, the celebrations typically begin with official ceremonies at the Royal Palace or Royal Square, attended by members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, government ministers, lawmakers, military leaders, and foreign diplomats. Buddhist monks offer blessings for the nation’s continued prosperity and harmony. Public spaces are decorated with national flags, banners, and portraits of the King. Cultural performances—including traditional Khmer music and dance—often accompany the formal program, either in front of the Royal Palace or in major provincial centers. The evening sometimes concludes with fireworks over Phnom Penh’s riverside, turning the solemn commemoration into a festive public event.

12. Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day or Festival of the Dead)

• Location: Observed throughout Cambodia.
• Time: Spanning 15 days from the first to the fifteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Photrob (usually September or October in the Gregorian calendar). In 2026, the main day (Ben Thom) is expected to fall on Friday, September 18th, 2026.
• Keynotes for travelers: Participate respectfully in offerings and rituals, remember to ask before taking photos, especially during prayers. Early morning visits are the most active, as offerings are made at dawn.

Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most sacred Buddhist festivals, dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors up to seven generations past. The festival spans fifteen days, with the first fourteen known as Ben Toch (“small offerings”) and the final day, Ben Thom (“big offering”), marking the culmination of ceremonies. While the entire festival lasts for 15 days, the Cambodian government has designated the final three days as official public holidays so people can return to their hometowns and gather with their families.

During the festival, Cambodian families bring offerings, especially bay ben (balls of sticky rice mixed with sesame seeds), to pagodas, casting portions into temple grounds for wandering spirits and presenting the rest to monks. These acts of merit are believed to aid ancestors in the afterlife.

The final day, Ben Thom, sees larger gatherings with cooked meals, incense, and flowers offered in solemn almsgiving ceremonies. Beyond the religious significance, Pchum Ben is also a time for family reunions, ancestral grave visits, and communal meals, filling pagodas with prayer, incense, and shared remembrance. Though deeply solemn in meaning, the festival carries a warm, communal atmosphere.

13. Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk Memorial Day

• Location: Observed nationwide.
• Time: Monday, October 15th, 2026.
• Keynotes for travelers: Public offices, banks, and many businesses may close. You should dress modestly in dark or respectful colors if attending memorial events. And be mindful that this is a solemn national occasion.

Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk Memorial Day honors the life and legacy of Cambodia’s former monarch, revered for his role in independence, cultural preservation, and national unity. Ceremonies center on the late King Father’s statue in Phnom Penh, where officials, diplomats, monks, and citizens gather to lay wreaths and offer incense.

Buddhist prayers are chanted for the King Father’s spirit, and moments of silence are observed nationwide. Public spaces are decorated with portraits and floral tributes, while state media broadcasts documentaries and speeches reflecting on his contributions. The atmosphere is solemn yet respectful, uniting Cambodians in remembrance of a leader seen as a father figure to the nation.

14. King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day

• Location: Celebrated nationwide
• Time: Thursday, October 29th, 2026
• Keynotes for travelers: Public offices, banks, and many businesses may close, while large portraits, flags, and decorative lights are displayed in public areas. You should dress respectfully—light, formal clothing is recommended if attending outdoor events.

Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni marks the anniversary of the King’s ascension to the throne on October 29, 2004, following the abdication of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace is the focal point of celebrations, where Buddhist monks conduct blessing ceremonies for the King’s health and longevity. Government officials, military representatives, and foreign diplomats attend formal tributes, while citizens gather to watch processions and cultural performances, including traditional Khmer dance and classical music.

The capital is adorned with national flags, illuminated arches, and large portraits of the King. Public squares host evening events such as concerts or fireworks, creating a festive yet respectful atmosphere. Across the country, smaller ceremonies in provincial towns and pagodas allow citizens to offer prayers and blessings for the monarchy, making the day both a state occasion and a shared national celebration.

15. Cambodia Independence Day

• Location: Celebrated nationwide
• Time: Monday, November 9th, 2026
• Keynotes for travelers: Expect road closures and traffic restrictions in central Phnom Penh. It's Cambodia’s national holiday so public offices, banks, and many businesses will be closed.

On November 9, 1953, Cambodia achieved independence from French colonial rule under the leadership of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Independence Day commemorates this historic event. The main ceremony takes place at the Independence Monument (Phnom Penh), where the King, government leaders, diplomats, and military representatives gather for a solemn flag-raising ceremony. Buddhist monks chant blessings for the nation’s peace and prosperity, and floral wreaths are laid at the monument.

Following the official rites, a military parade and cultural processions move through the city streets, featuring traditional dance troupes, marching bands, and displays of national symbols. Public buildings and streets are decorated with flags and banners, and in the evening, the capital’s riverside is illuminated for fireworks displays. Across the country, schools, pagodas, and community centers organize smaller commemorations, making Independence Day both a state ceremony and a shared celebration of Cambodian identity.

16. Cambodia Water Festival – Bon Om Touk

• Location: Celebrated nationwide
• Time: November 22nd - 24th, 2026
• Keynotes for travelers: Expect large crowds—keep valuables secure and plan your transport in advance. Many hotels and riverside restaurants offer special viewing packages during the festival.

Bon Om Touk, Cambodia’s Water Festival, celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow, marking the end of the rainy season and the start of the fishing season. The tradition dates back to the Angkorian era, when it also honored naval strength and gave thanks to the river for providing life and sustenance. In addition to Meak Bochea, this is the most festive Full Moon festival that occurs during major national celebrations.

In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Bon Om Touk transforms the riverside into a lively festival ground, celebrating the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow and the start of the fishing season. The heart of the celebration is the longboat races, where teams from surrounding villages compete along the Siem Reap River, cheered on by locals and visitors lining the banks.

As the sun sets, the river comes alive with illuminated boat parades, their glowing lights reflecting on the water and depicting Buddhist symbols, mythical creatures, and cultural motifs. The air fills with music from traditional ensembles, and food stalls line the streets offering everything from grilled river fish to Cambodian desserts.

In other provinces, the celebrations are smaller but still lively, often combined with local markets and community gatherings. For travelers, Bon Om Touk offers a rare blend of historical tradition, royal ceremony, and joyful festivity - one of Cambodia’s most memorable and photogenic events.

17. Dough Sokheng Festival (Festival of Kite Flying)

• Location: Observed in open fields and village commons across Cambodia
• Time: 1 month after the Water Festival
• Keynotes: A great opportunity for photography, as illuminated kites glow against the moonlit sky.

One month after the Water Festival, Cambodia celebrates the Festival of Kite Flying, a vibrant tradition that gathers skilled kite makers to showcase their creations under the bright full moon of Maksir, the first month of the Khmer lunar calendar, typically in November or December. The occasion is a time for Khmers to offer prayers for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and protection from floods or severe storms. In Khmer culture, kites carry rich symbolism, representing peace, freedom, and joy. Each year, communities across the country take part in this cherished event, sending their kites into the night sky with hopes for prosperity and happiness for all.

18. Peace Day

• Location: Observed across Cambodia
• Time: December 29th, 2026. This is a public holiday in Cambodia.
• Keynotes for travelers: Crowds may gather for speeches or performances; expect some traffic restrictions near event sites.

Peace Day on December 29 commemorates the 1998 declaration by Prime Minister Hun Sen of the complete end to Cambodia’s civil war, following the final dismantling and reintegration of Khmer Rouge forces. The date marks what the government calls the beginning of a “fully peaceful era” and is celebrated as a symbol of national stability and unity. Similar to other public holidays in Cambodia, the day is marked by official ceremonies and cultural performances that highlight themes of peace, development. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the occasion, while public spaces are decorated with flags and banners. In Phnom Penh, the main event often features a large gathering at the Peace Palace.

Cambodia’s rich cultural fabric is woven with remarkable holidays, a key feature of its national identity. With approximately 22 official public holidays each year, the country's extensive calendar reflects a unique blend of ancient customs, profound religious beliefs, and deep respect for the monarchy. These defining Cambodia festivals and Cambodia public holidays transform the rhythm of daily life into a continuous celebration, inviting both locals and visitors to experience the living history and unwavering spirit of the Khmer people. Be sure to note them down for your future travel plans!

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