Cambodia, a country rich in history and culture, offers a diverse array of events throughout the year. From ancient traditions to modern celebrations, here’s your guide to the most significant dates in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Major National Celebrations
Sankranta Festival – Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
When: mid-April Where: Nationwide
Normally a three-day holiday. The grandest celebration in Cambodia, marking the end of the harvest season. Cities empty as people return to their hometowns for family reunions, traditional games, and temple visits. In previous years Siem Reap hosted the spectacular Angkor Sankranta festival which drew people from across the nation, last year, celebrations have returned to each capital city. It’s also incredibly popular globally for the water splashing that takes over every city centre and village. More about Khmer New Year
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
When: November (dates vary with the lunar calendar) Where: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang
Normally a three-day public holiday. This three-day festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. Colourful boat races, concerts, food festivals, floating lanterns, and fireworks lighting up the waterways make it one of the special events on the Khmer calendar. Phnom Penh hosts the largest celebrations followed by Siem Reap and Battambang, over staggered dates. More about the Water Festival.
Cambodia Independence Day
When: early November Where: Nationwide, main celebrations in Phnom Penh
One day public holiday. Commemorates Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953. The main ceremony takes place at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, featuring parades and fireworks.
Constitution Day
When: late September Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. Marks the signing of Cambodia’s constitution in 1993. Government buildings are decorated with flags, and there are often educational events about the country’s governance.
Religious and Cultural Festivals
Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day)
When: September/October Where: Nationwide
Normally a three-day holiday. A solemn festival honouring deceased ancestors. It is preceded by Kan Ben lasting 14 days and the major event, Pchum Ben on the last day. Cambodians visit pagodas to offer food to monks and pray for their relatives. More about Pchum Ben
Meak Bochea Day
When: February/March Where: Nationwide, major celebrations at Oudong Mountain, Kandal Province
Not a public holiday but widely celebrated regardless. Taking place on the full moon day of the third lunar month it commemorates a significant event in Buddhist history. Cambodians visit temples to give alms, meditate, and participate in candlelit processions.
Visak Bochea
When: May Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. Taking place on the full moon of the sixth lunar month Visak Bochea celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Temples across the country hold special ceremonies and candle-lit processions.
Kathina Festival
When: end of October-Nov Where: Nationwide
Kanthina marks the end of Chol Vassa, the time of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks. Kanthina centers on the donation of monastic robes for the monks, often carried out with grand processions to the pagoda by the laity. The festival lasts 29 days with the community making donations of cash and food for the monks who have ventured out little in the prior three months.
Royal Plowing Ceremony (Preah Reach Pithi Chrat Preah Neanng Korl)
When: May Where: Phnom Penh (in front of the National Museum)
One day public holiday. An ancient ritual marking the start of the rice-growing season. Royal oxen plow a ceremonial furrow and predict the year’s harvest.
Angkor Thanksgiving (Angkor Homage Ceremony)
When: November/December Where: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
A celebration of Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s cultural heritage, featuring traditional Khmer performances and religious ceremonies. More about Angkor Thanksgiving
Angkor Wat Equinox
When: March & September Where: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Thousands gather on the western side of Angkor Wat to watch the rise in perfect alignment with the temple’s central tower. More about the Angkor Wat Equinox
Historical Commemorations
Victory over Genocide Day
When: January 7 Where: Nationwide, main events in Phnom Penh
One day public holiday. Marks the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Official ceremonies are held in Phnom Penh, and many Cambodians visit museums to pay respects to victims.
Royal Family Celebrations
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
When: May 14 Where: Nationwide, main celebrations in Phnom Penh
One day public holiday. Official celebrations and cultural performances honour the current King of Cambodia.
Commemoration Day of King Father
When: October 15 Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. Honors the late King Norodom Sihanouk. Ceremonies are held at the Royal Palace and across the country.
Queen Mother’s Birthday
When: June 18 Where: Nationwide, main celebrations in Phnom Penh
One day public holiday. Celebrates the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk with official ceremonies and cultural events.
Other Public Holidays
International Women’s Day
When: March 8 Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. Celebrated with events promoting women’s rights and achievements in Cambodia.
Labour Day
When: May 1 Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. A day off for workers, sometimes marked by parades in Phnom Penh.
New Year’s Day
When: January 1 Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. While not as significant as Khmer New Year, it’s still observed as a public holiday.
Cambodia Peace Day
When: December 29 Where: Nationwide
One day public holiday. Commemorating the end of the civil war in Cambodia, on December 29, 1998, and cherishing peace.
Regional Events and Contemporary Festivals
Sea Festival
When: December (dates vary) Where: Rotates among the coastal provinces
Celebrates Cambodia’s coastal heritage and conservation. Usually, it is a three-day festival featuring live concerts, performances, fireworks, and various activities. Each year the location rotates between Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong, and Kampot. In 2024 it will be staged from December 13-15 in Kampot.
River Festival
When: March (dates vary) Where: Rotates among river provinces
Celebrates Cambodia’s river culture with boat races, concerts, and local food fairs.
Tini Tinou Circus Festival
When: April/May Where: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap
An international circus festival showcasing performances from Cambodia and around the world.
S’Art Urban Art Festival
When: February/March Where: Phnom Penh
A celebration of street art and urban culture, featuring murals, exhibitions, and workshops.
Chumnor Art Festival
When: December Where: Siem Reap
A multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing Cambodian and international artists.
Ros Battambang
When: February Where: Battambang
A cultural event celebrating the unique heritage of Battambang province, featuring local cuisine, art, and performances.
Siem Reap Giant Puppet Parade
When: February Where: Siem Reap
A vibrant parade featuring enormous puppets made by local children and artists, raising awareness for social causes.
Angkor Photo Festival
When: November/December Where: Siem Reap
Showcases work from established and emerging photographers from across Asia.
Bon Dalien (Bamboo Harvest Festival)
When: January Where: Kampong Cham Province
Celebrates the bamboo harvest of the Kuy ethnic minority, featuring traditional dances and rituals.
Tips for Visitors:
- Book accommodations well in advance for major events, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or attending ceremonies.
- Be prepared for transportation challenges and potential business closures during major holidays.
- Learn a few Khmer phrases to enhance your experience.
- For historical commemorations, approach with respect and sensitivity.
- Check local event calendars for specific dates of festivals that change annually based on the lunar calendar.