Khmer New Year 2026 (Choul Chnam Thmey)
Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) is Cambodia's most important holiday — a three-day public holiday marking the end of the harvest season. Cities empty as millions return to their hometowns for family gatherings, temple visits, and joyful water fights.
2026 Dates
April 14–16, 2026 (official public holiday)
🎉 What to Expect
- •Day 1 (Maha Songkran): welcoming the new angel with incense, candles, and fruit offerings
- •Day 2 (Virak Wanabat): charitable acts, giving to the poor, building sand mountains at temples
- •Day 3 (Leung Sak): bathing Buddha statues with perfumed water, receiving blessings from elders
- •Water fights in the streets (similar to Thai Songkran but smaller scale)
- •Traditional games: Bos Chhoung (ball throwing), Chol Chhoung, tug of war
- •Families gathering for large meals and temple visits
📍 Best Locations
Siem Reap
The biggest tourist-friendly celebrations. Angkor Wat hosts special ceremonies. Water fights on Pub Street.
Battambang
Authentic provincial celebrations with less tourist influence. Temple ceremonies are beautiful.
Pagodas nationwide
Every temple holds ceremonies. Locals wear traditional clothing and bring offerings.
Phnom Penh
Surprisingly quiet — most residents leave. Some organized events along the riverside.
💡 Practical Tips
- • Phnom Penh empties out — restaurants and shops close for 3–5 days.
- • Transport between cities is jammed in the days before and after.
- • Book all accommodation and transport well in advance.
- • Be prepared for water fights — keep electronics in waterproof bags.
- • Dress modestly at temples — this is a deeply religious holiday.
- • ATMs may run out — withdraw cash before April 14.
⚠️ Closures & Impact
- • Almost everything closes for at least 3 days (official holiday April 14–16; some businesses close longer)
- • Banks, government offices, and most businesses closed
- • Tourist restaurants in Siem Reap and PP stay partially open
- • Domestic transport is overloaded — buses sell out days before
- • Expect higher prices and limited services everywhere
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Events & Festivals
November 23–25, 2026 (official public holiday)
🕯️Pchum Ben 2026 (Ancestor Festival)October 10–12, 2026 (official public holiday; the 15-day Pchum Ben period begins before it, with Kann Ben starting September 27)
🧧Chinese New Year in CambodiaJanuary 29, 2026 (Year of the Horse)
🐂Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026May 5, 2026 (public holiday)
🪷Visak Bochea 2026 (Buddha Day)May 1, 2026 (combined with International Labour Day in the official holiday list)
🇰🇭Cambodia Independence Day 2026November 9, 2026
👑King's Birthday 2026May 14, 2026
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.