How many public holidays does Cambodia have in 2026?
Cambodia observes approximately 22 public holidays in 2026 — among the most of any country in the world. Three major multi-day festivals (Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, and Water Festival) account for 9 of those days and significantly affect travel, business, and banking.
- 3 major multi-day festivals: Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, Water Festival
- Banks and government offices close on all public holidays
- Tourist attractions generally remain open during holidays
- Book transport and accommodation well in advance for major festivals
2026 Holiday Overview
Cambodia's public holidays blend three distinct traditions: Buddhist religious observances, royal and national commemorations, and international days adopted as public holidays. The Buddhist lunar calendar governs the dates of several holidays, which shift year to year.
For travelers, the most impactful holidays are the three major festivals — Khmer New Year in April, Pchum Ben in October, and the Water Festival in November. These bring either mass outbound travel (Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben) or mass inbound travel to Phnom Penh (Water Festival), making accommodation and transport planning critical.
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មីខ្មែរ
Nearly all businesses closed for 3+ days. Angkor Wat open but very crowded. Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
បុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ
3-day public holiday. Many Phnom Penh businesses close as staff return home. Book intercity transport weeks ahead.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
បុណ្យអុំទូក
3-day public holiday. Phnom Penh accommodation books out months ahead. Prices surge significantly. Spectacular riverside experience.
2026 Holiday Calendar
Showing 17 holidays for 2026.
International New Year's Day
ទិវាចូលឆ្នាំសកល
Cambodia celebrates the Gregorian New Year alongside much of the world. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed. Phnom Penh's riverside and major cities host fireworks and events the night before.
Banks and government closed. Tourist sites and restaurants remain open.
Victory Day Over Genocide
ទិវាជ័យជម្នះលើរបបប្រល័យពូជសាសន៍
A solemn national holiday commemorating January 7, 1979, when Vietnamese forces liberated Phnom Penh from the Khmer Rouge. Ceremonies are held at the Independence Monument and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. A deeply significant day in Cambodian national memory.
Full national holiday. Museums may have special opening hours. Expect ceremonies in Phnom Penh.
International Women's Day
ទិវានារីអន្តរជាតិ
A public holiday in Cambodia honoring women's achievements and rights. Special events, speeches, and cultural performances are held nationwide. Women often receive flowers and gifts from family and workplaces.
Public holiday. Banks and government closed. Restaurants and tourist sites open.
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មីខ្មែរ
The most important celebration in the Cambodian calendar — three days marking the end of the harvest season and the solar new year. Families gather, visit temples, play traditional games, splash water, and make merit. Angkor Wat draws huge crowds. Businesses shut down nationwide and intercity transport becomes extremely crowded. Book everything months in advance.
Nearly all businesses closed for 3+ days. Angkor Wat open but very crowded. Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead.
International Labour Day
ទិវាពលកម្មអន្តរជាតិ
May Day is a public holiday in Cambodia honoring workers and labor rights. Unions and NGOs organize marches and events, particularly in Phnom Penh near Garment factory districts. Banks and government offices are closed.
Banks and government closed. Some worker marches in Phnom Penh may affect traffic.
Visak Bochea Day
វិសាខបូជា
The holiest day in the Cambodian Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Cambodians visit pagodas for candlelit processions, meditation sessions, and to make merit. The actual date shifts annually with the lunar calendar.
Full public holiday. Pagodas are busy with worshippers. Alcohol may be restricted at some venues.
King's Birthday — Norodom Sihamoni
ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យចម្រើនព្រះជន្ម
Three public holidays celebrating the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni (born May 14, 1953). Royal Palace ceremonies, fireworks over the Mekong in Phnom Penh, and nationwide decorations mark this patriotic celebration. Hotels near the riverside fill quickly.
Three-day public holiday. Fireworks in Phnom Penh. Book riverside accommodation early.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
បុណ្យច្រត់ព្រះនង្គ័ល
An ancient Brahmanist royal ceremony marking the official start of the rice-planting season. Sacred royal oxen are presented with seven trays of food and grain; what they eat is interpreted to predict the year's agricultural harvest. Held at the Royal Palace grounds, Phnom Penh. Date shifts annually with the lunar calendar.
Public holiday. Ceremony is held at Royal Palace — area may be restricted. Some traffic disruption in Phnom Penh.
International Children's Day
ទិវាកុមារអន្តរជាតិ
Cambodia observes International Children's Day as a public holiday. Schools typically organize events and activities for students. NGOs focused on child welfare hold fundraising and awareness events.
Public holiday. Schools may have special events rather than being closed.
Queen Mother's Birthday
ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យចម្រើនព្រះជន្មព្រះមហាក្សត្រីយានី
A public holiday celebrating the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, widow of King Father Sihanouk. Royal ceremonies and public events are held. The Queen Mother is a beloved and highly respected figure in Cambodian society.
Banks and government offices closed. Tourist businesses open as usual.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
បុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ
One of Cambodia's most spiritually significant festivals — a 15-day Buddhist period culminating in three public holidays. Cambodians believe the spirits of deceased relatives return to earth during this time. Families visit pagodas daily to offer food to monks, burn incense, and pray. Most Cambodians return to their home provinces, making intercity buses and transport extremely crowded. Phnom Penh quiets significantly.
3-day public holiday. Many Phnom Penh businesses close as staff return home. Book intercity transport weeks ahead.
Constitution Day
ទិវារដ្ឋធម្មនុញ្ញ
Commemorates the adoption of Cambodia's constitution on September 24, 1993, which restored the constitutional monarchy after the UNTAC transitional period. Government ceremonies and ceremonies at the National Assembly.
Full public holiday. Banks, government, and schools closed.
King Father Sihanouk Commemoration
ទិវារំលឹកព្រះមហាវីរក្សត្រ នរោត្តម សីហនុ
Marks the anniversary of the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk (October 15, 2012). A day of national mourning and remembrance. The Royal Palace hosts ceremonies, and many Cambodians wear black or white. Sihanouk remains one of the most influential figures in Cambodian history.
Public holiday with solemn character. Banks and government closed.
King Norodom Sihamoni Coronation Day
ព្រះរាជពិធីគ្រងព្រះបរមរាជសម្បត្តិ
Celebrates King Norodom Sihamoni's coronation on October 29, 2004. Royal ceremonies at the Palace, public events, and Phnom Penh decorations mark the occasion. The King is widely admired for his cultural work as a former UNESCO Ambassador.
Public holiday. Banks and government closed. Riverside and Royal Palace area may have events.
Independence Day
ទិវាឯករាជ្យជាតិ
Marks Cambodia's independence from France on November 9, 1953. Military parades, fireworks, and ceremonial events are centered on the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. Cambodians display national flags and wear traditional dress. A deeply patriotic day.
Full public holiday. Parades in Phnom Penh may affect traffic. Most tourist businesses remain open.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
បុណ្យអុំទូក
Cambodia's most spectacular annual festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow — a unique natural phenomenon. Dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap draw millions of spectators to Phnom Penh's riverside. Three evenings of fireworks, concerts, illuminated boats, and outdoor events. Accommodation in Phnom Penh sells out months in advance and prices triple. Koh Dach (Silk Island) also hosts boat races.
3-day public holiday. Phnom Penh accommodation books out months ahead. Prices surge significantly. Spectacular riverside experience.
International Human Rights Day
ទិវាសិទ្ធិមនុស្សអន្តរជាតិ
Cambodia observes Human Rights Day as a public holiday, marking the anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. NGOs, civil society groups, and government agencies hold events and marches. Given Cambodia's turbulent history, this day carries special significance.
Public holiday. Banks and government closed. Civil society events and marches possible in Phnom Penh.
Business & Banking Impact
Understanding which services close on Cambodian public holidays can save significant frustration — especially for banking, visa processing, and government paperwork.
Banking During Holidays
Government Services
What Stays Open
Family Business Closures
Traveling During Cambodia Holidays
Public holidays in Cambodia create very different travel dynamics depending on the festival type. Here's what to expect and how to plan around each major period.
Khmer New Year (April 14–16)
The entire country shuts down and millions travel home. This is both Cambodia's biggest celebration and its most challenging travel period.
- • Book all transport and accommodation 6–8 weeks ahead
- • Angkor Wat during Khmer New Year: crowded but festive — worth it for the experience
- • Water play is everywhere — expect to get splashed (embrace it)
- • April is peak heat (38–40°C) — bring sunscreen and stay hydrated
- • Many Phnom Penh restaurants close; stock up on snacks beforehand
Pchum Ben (October 10–12)
A deeply spiritual festival. Phnom Penh empties as workers go home to make offerings at their local pagodas. It's a quieter time in the city.
- • Pagodas are open and active — respectful visitors are welcome to observe
- • Book buses and minivans at least 2 weeks ahead — they fill immediately
- • Good time for solo travel — fewer tourists, more authentic atmosphere
- • Expect reduced restaurant and shop availability in Phnom Penh
- • Angkor area is less crowded than usual — excellent for temple exploration
Water Festival / Bon Om Touk (Nov 20–22)
The most spectacular tourist festival in Cambodia. The entire country flows TO Phnom Penh for boat races and fireworks on the Tonle Sap.
- • Book Phnom Penh riverside hotels 3–4 months ahead — prices triple
- • Dragon boat races run during the day; illuminated boat processions at night
- • Riverside gets extremely crowded — keep valuables secure
- • Consider staying in Kandal or Takhmao and taking a tuk-tuk in
- • One of Asia's truly unmissable festivals if you can plan ahead
Pro Tip: Embrace the Holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
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