Cambodia Events & Festivals

Traditional Apsara dance and shadow puppet performances. The best way to experience living Khmer performing arts.

Commemorates Buddha's sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks. Candlelit processions around temples.

Cambodia's biggest celebration. Three days of temple visits, water splashing, traditional games, and family gatherings. Businesses close nationwide.

💡 Travel tip: Book accommodation 2+ weeks ahead. Many restaurants close. Domestic transport is packed.

Ancient Brahmin ritual predicting the year's harvest. Royal oxen choose from trays of food, each representing a different agricultural forecast.

💡 Travel tip: Free public event. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

Celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Candlelit processions at temples, merit-making, and meditation events.

Three-day celebration of King Norodom Sihamoni's birthday. Fireworks and illuminations at the Royal Palace.

Cambodia's most important religious festival. Families visit pagodas over 15 days to honor deceased ancestors with food offerings. The final 3 days are public holidays.

💡 Travel tip: Respectful attendance at pagodas is welcomed. Wear modest clothing.

Three-day festival celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap river. Dragon boat races, fireworks, illuminated floats, and concerts along the Phnom Penh riverside.

💡 Travel tip: 2-3 million people converge on Phnom Penh. Book hotels months ahead. Incredible atmosphere.

Celebrates independence from France (1953). Parades, ceremonies at the Independence Monument, and evening fireworks.

Run through the Angkor temple complex at sunrise. 21km half marathon, 10km, and 3km charity fun run. Sells out months ahead.

💡 Travel tip: Register 3-6 months ahead. Great way to experience Angkor differently.