Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Cambodia's biggest festival: three days of temple visits, water fights, traditional games, and family reunions. April 13–15 annually.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap river. Three days of boat races, fireworks, and illuminated floats draw millions to Phnom Penh.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
A 15-day festival honoring deceased ancestors. Cambodians visit pagodas and offer food to monks. One of the most important Buddhist celebrations.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal)
An ancient royal ritual marking the start of the rice-planting season. Sacred oxen choose from offerings to predict the year's harvest. Held at the National Museum grounds in Phnom Penh.
Independence Day
Celebrating Cambodia's independence from France on November 9, 1953. Parades, ceremonies at the Independence Monument, and fireworks in Phnom Penh mark the occasion.
Visak Bochea
The most sacred Buddhist holiday marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Candlelit processions circle pagodas across the country at nightfall.
International New Year
Celebrated on January 1st with parties, concerts, and countdown events in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. A relatively modern addition alongside the traditional Khmer New Year.
Chinese New Year (Chaul Chnam Chen)
Widely celebrated by Cambodia's large ethnic Chinese community. Red lanterns, dragon dances, and firecrackers fill Chinatown areas. Many Chinese-Khmer businesses close for the week.
Victory Day (Jan 7)
Marks the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime on January 7, 1979. Official ceremonies and speeches honor the Vietnamese-backed liberation. A solemn national holiday.
King's Birthday
Three days of celebrations honoring King Norodom Sihamoni's birthday. The Royal Palace is illuminated, and ceremonies are held across Phnom Penh with fireworks and parades.
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