Cambodia has two big crowd events: Khmer New Year in mid-April (14-16 April 2026), when the country plays traditional games and splashes water, and the Bon Om Touk Water Festival in November (23-25 November 2026), with boat races on the Tonle Sap. Pchum Ben in October is the other nationwide holiday. Temples and tourist sights stay open through festivals; book transport and hotels early around New Year and the Water Festival.
April
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Usually 14-16 April 2026, confirmed by Sub-Decree 167. Falls 13-16 April most years.. The 2026 edition ran 14 Apr 2026 to 16 Apr 2026. Next dates not yet announced.
The biggest festival of the year, marking the end of harvest season. Families clean homes, visit pagodas, and play traditional games; water-throwing and powder in the streets, especially in Siem Reap (Angkor Sangkran).
For families: Wonderful for families who enjoy crowds. Temples stay open; expect water fights near Pub Street and slower intercity travel - book buses and flights early.
May
Visak Bochea
Usually 1 May 2026, confirmed. Lunar date marking Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing.. The 2026 edition ran 1 May 2026. Next dates not yet announced.
The holiest day of the Buddhist year. Devotees circle pagodas in candlelit processions at dusk; a calm, spiritual atmosphere across the country.
For families: A gentle festival to witness with children: visit a pagoda at dusk for the candle procession. Alcohol sales may be limited on the day.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Usually 5 May 2026, confirmed. Marks the start of the rice-planting season.. The 2026 edition ran 5 May 2026. Next dates not yet announced.
An ancient royal ritual near the Royal Palace: sacred oxen plough a furrow and their choice of feed predicts the year's harvest. Led by the King or a royal representative.
For families: A short morning ceremony; combine with the Royal Palace area. Interesting for kids who like rituals and animals.
October
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
Usually 10-12 October 2026, confirmed. The festival runs about 15 days, ending on these public holidays.. The 2026 edition ran 10 Oct 2026 to 12 Oct 2026. Next dates not yet announced.
A Buddhist ancestors' festival: families offer food to monks at pagodas to honour up to seven generations of ancestors. The final days are a national holiday.
For families: Quiet and moving rather than festive. Visitors are welcome at pagodas if dressed modestly; expect some shops outside tourist areas to close as families travel home.
November
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
23 Nov 2026 to 25 Nov 2026 · Dates from Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), checked 30 Oct 2026
Celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap river flow, with longboat races on the riverfront, illuminated floats and fireworks. Phnom Penh riverfront draws huge crowds.
For families: Watch the boat races from the riverside with kids, but keep close - this is Cambodia's densest crowd. Book riverside hotels weeks ahead.
Independence Day
9 Nov 2026 · Dates from Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), checked 30 Oct 2026
Marks independence from France in 1953, with ceremonies at the Independence Monument, military parades and evening fireworks over the riverfront.
For families: Festive evening fireworks; road closures around the Independence Monument and riverfront during the day.
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Sources
- Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Cambodia public holidays 2026 (Sub-Decree 167) · checked 30 Oct 2026
- timeanddate.com: Holidays and Observances in Cambodia in 2026 · checked 30 Oct 2026