Water Festival 2026 (Bon Om Touk)
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) is Cambodia's biggest celebration — a three-day festival marking the reversal of the Tonle Sap River. Over 2 million people descend on Phnom Penh for spectacular boat races, fireworks, and festivities.
2026 Dates
November 23–25, 2026 (official public holiday)
🎉 What to Expect
- •Hundreds of dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap/Mekong with teams from every province
- •Spectacular fireworks over the river each evening
- •Illuminated boat procession (Loy Pratip) with floating lanterns
- •Street food vendors lining the entire riverside for kilometers
- •Over 2 million visitors in Phnom Penh — the city transforms completely
- •Free concerts, cultural performances, and parades
📍 Best Locations
Sisowath Quay (Phnom Penh)
The main riverside promenade — best views of boat races. Arrive early for a spot. Extremely crowded but electrifying.
Chaktomuk Point
Where the rivers meet — the official viewing area for VIPs and the best race views.
Riverside hotels
Book a riverside hotel room months ahead for a private viewing spot. Prices triple during the festival.
Siem Reap
Smaller celebrations with boat races on the Siem Reap River. Much less crowded but still festive.
💡 Practical Tips
- • Book accommodation 2–3 months in advance — prices triple and availability is extremely limited.
- • Transport is chaotic — many roads close. Walk or use motorbike taxis.
- • Keep valuables very secure — pickpockets thrive in massive crowds.
- • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen — daytime events are under full sun.
- • Don't drive in Phnom Penh during the festival — traffic is impossible.
- • ATMs run out of cash — withdraw money before the festival starts.
⚠️ Closures & Impact
- • Many businesses close for all 3 days (treat as public holiday)
- • Banks and government offices closed
- • Some restaurants in tourist areas remain open
- • Transport between cities may have reduced schedules
- • Phnom Penh hotels are fully booked — plan well ahead
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Events & Festivals
April 14–16, 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
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