🧧

Chinese New Year in Cambodia

Cambodia has a significant Chinese-Cambodian community, and Chinese New Year is widely celebrated — especially in Phnom Penh's Chinatown and among the business community. It's not an official public holiday but has a major impact on commerce.

2026 Dates

January 29, 2026 (Year of the Horse)

🎉 What to Expect

•Lion and dragon dances through Phnom Penh's Chinatown (around Street 136)
•Red decorations and lanterns throughout business districts
•Firecrackers and fireworks (informally, despite being technically banned)
•Special family meals and temple visits
•Many Chinese-owned businesses and markets close for 3–5 days
•Siem Reap and other towns have smaller celebrations

📍 Best Locations

Phnom Penh Chinatown

Streets 136 and 110 come alive with lion dances, decorations, and firecrackers. The most vibrant celebration.

Canadia Tower area

Business district with impressive decorations and corporate celebrations.

Siem Reap Old Market

Smaller but cheerful Chinese New Year decorations and events.

💡 Practical Tips

• Many markets and Chinese-owned businesses close for 3–5 days.
• Tourist restaurants and Western-owned businesses stay open.
• It's a great time to visit — festive atmosphere without the closures of Khmer New Year.
• ATMs and banks remain operational.
• Hotel prices may increase slightly as some Chinese tourists visit.

⚠️ Closures & Impact

• Not an official public holiday — government offices remain open
• Many Chinese-owned businesses close for 3–5 days
• Major markets (Central Market, Russian Market) may partially close
• Tourist infrastructure mostly unaffected
• Some increase in Chinese tourism during this period

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Cambodia?

No, it's not an official public holiday. However, it's widely observed by the significant Chinese-Cambodian business community, so many shops and markets close. Government offices and banks remain open.

Should I avoid Cambodia during Chinese New Year?

Other Events & Festivals

🚣Water Festival 2026 (Bon Om Touk)

November 13–15, 2026 (tentative — based on lunar calendar)

🎊Khmer New Year 2026 (Choul Chnam Thmey)

April 13–16, 2026

🕯️Pchum Ben 2026 (Ancestor Festival)

September 20–October 5, 2026 (15-day period, main celebration ~October 3–5)

🐂Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026

May 2026 (exact date set by Royal Astrologer, typically mid-May)

🪷Visak Bochea 2026 (Buddha Day)

May 12, 2026 (full moon of Visakh month)

🇰🇭Cambodia Independence Day 2026

November 9, 2026

👑King's Birthday 2026

May 13–15, 2026

Share this page

Get Cambodia Travel Updates

Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.

🧧