The year 2026 opens a vibrant festival season across Cambodia, with celebrations unfolding from January to December. With cultural events and national holidays taking place throughout the year, visitors can look forward to energetic streets, colorful traditions, and a deeper connection to local life.

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References:

• Vietnam Public Holiday
• Laos Public Holiday
• Thailand Public Holiday
• Basic Cambodian Phrases for Travelers in English

Official Public Holidays in Cambodia

For the year 2026, Cambodia recognizes 16 public holidays that include traditional festivities, national celebrations, and significant cultural occasions. The specific dates are outlined as follows:

Holiday Name	Days Off	Weekday	Significance of the Holiday
New Year’s Day	Jan 1	Thu	Celebrates the start of the Gregorian calendar year
Commemorating Victory Over Genocide Regime Day	Jan 7	Wed	Honors the end of the Khmer Rouge regime
International Women’s Day	March 8	Sun	Recognizes the achievements and rights of women
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmay)	April 14 – 16	Tue – Thu	Traditional Cambodian New Year marking the solar calendar
International Labor Day	May 1	Fri	Celebrates workers and labor rights
Royal Ploughing Ceremony	May 5	Tue	Marks the beginning of the rice-growing season
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday	May 14	Thu	Honors the current king’s birthday
Visak Bochea Day (Birth of Buddha)	May 22	Fri	Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha
Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday	June 18	Thu	Honors the queen mother’s birthday
Constitution Day	Sep 24	Thu	Commemorates the adoption of Cambodia’s constitution
Pchum Ben Day	Oct 10 – 12	Sat – Mon	Remembrance day for deceased ancestors
Commemoration Day of King Norodom Sihanouk	Oct 15	Thu	Honors the late King Norodom Sihanouk
Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia	Oct 29	Thu	Celebrates the current king’s coronation
National Independence Day	Nov 9	Mon	Marks Cambodia’s independence from France
Water Festival	Nov 23 – 25	Mon – Wed	Celebrates the end of the rainy season and river reversal, with boat races
Peace Day	Dec 29	Tue	Honors the promotion of peace and reconciliation in Cambodia

Meaning of Cambodia Public Holidays 2026

• New Year’s Day: Beginning of the new year.
• Commemorating Victory Over Genocide Regime Day: Honors the resilience of the Cambodian people and commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime.
• International Women’s Day: Recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of women worldwide.
• Khmer New Year: Cambodia traditional festival marked by joyous festivities, cultural events, and family gatherings.
• International Labor Day: Honors the contributions of workers globally and advocates for workers’ rights.
• King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday: Celebrates the birth of the reigning monarch, King Norodom Sihamoni.
• Visak Bochea’s Day: Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, promoting reflection and spiritual practices.
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony: Ancient agricultural ritual predicting the upcoming harvest season and promoting agricultural prosperity.
• Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday: Honors the birthday of the queen consort, celebrating her role and contributions.
• Constitution Day: Marks the adoption of Cambodia’s constitution, emphasizing the principles and values of the nation.
• Pchum Ben Day: A religious observance honoring deceased ancestors through offerings and prayers.
• Commemoration Day of King Norodom Sihanouk: Pays tribute to the late King Norodom Sihanouk, acknowledging his historical significance.
• Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia: Commemorates the coronation of the current king, Norodom Sihamoni.
• National Independence Day: Celebrates Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule since 1953.
• Water Festival: An annual event celebrating the reversing flow of the Tonle Sap River, featuring boat races and cultural festivities.

Best Cities To Visit During Festivals

Phnom Penh

Travelers can head to Phnom Penh during major national celebrations to feel the city at its most dynamic. Independence Day brings parades and fireworks along the riverfront, while the Water Festival in November is the perfect time to watch colorful boat races and join nighttime festivities by the Mekong.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is an excellent choice during Khmer New Year if visitors want to see temples filled with music, games, and traditional rituals. Those arriving in October can witness the serene atmosphere of Pchum Ben, and April’s Angkor Sankranta adds another layer of cultural performances around Angkor Wat.

Battambang

For a quieter but deeply local festival vibe, visitors can plan a trip to Battambang during Khmer New Year, when the town celebrates with community games and temple fairs. Cultural periods featuring performances by the Phare art school also make Battambang a rewarding stop for travelers who enjoy creativity and storytelling.

Kampot

Kampot is ideal for those who want a relaxed festival setting, especially during the Kampot Pepper Festival in March or April, when culinary events and harvest activities fill the riverside. Smaller music gatherings throughout the year also make the town a pleasant stop for travelers who enjoy a laid back coastal atmosphere.

Kampong Cham

Travelers interested in Buddhist traditions can visit Kampong Cham during Visak Bochea to join candlelight processions at ancient temples. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held in nearby villages in May, offers an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s agricultural calendar.

Tips & FAQs

Q: Are banks and government offices open during Cambodia’s public holidays?

A: No, most banks and government offices close during major holidays, and some small shops may take a break too.

Travel tip: It is a good idea to withdraw cash ahead of time, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or festival spots where ATMs are not always available.

Q: Can tourists join the holiday festivals in Cambodia?

A: Absolutely. Festivals are very welcoming, and visitors are free to join the celebrations.

Travel tip: Dress modestly for temple related events, and feel free to enjoy the lively street atmosphere during Khmer New Year or the Water Festival.

Q: Is it crowded to travel during Cambodia’s public holidays?

A: Yes, popular spots can get busy, especially during Khmer New Year and the Water Festival.

Travel tip: Arrive early at major viewpoints or riverfront areas, and book transport or hotels in advance to avoid last minute stress.

Q: Are restaurants and markets still open during festivals?

A: Most restaurants in big cities remain open, and markets are usually even livelier during holidays.

Travel tip: Festival days are a great time to try local snacks, street food, and special holiday dishes that only appear during certain celebrations.

Q: What currency does Cambodia use, and do people pay mostly by cash or digital methods?

A: Cambodia uses the riel, though US dollars are widely accepted. Cash is still common, but QR payments and cards are increasingly used in larger cities.

Travel tip: Keep some small cash notes for markets and street stalls, even if you prefer digital payments.

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