Cambodia observes a mix of national, royal, Buddhist and international public holidays. Multi-day festivals — especially Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Water Festival — create the busiest domestic travel periods of the year.
Use this guide to choose quieter sightseeing windows, avoid eVisa processing delays around long holidays, and understand what each observance means. Lunar-calendar dates (Royal Ploughing, Visak Bochea, Pchum Ben, Water Festival) are confirmed annually by government announcement.
Sources: 2026 dates follow published official holiday lists (including National Bank of Cambodia / labour calendars). 2027 dates follow the government sub-decree coverage for that year. Re-confirm lunar festivals closer to travel.
About 21 paid public holiday days, including three 3-day festivals.
| Dates | Holiday | Type | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | International New Year’s Day | International | Thursday |
| 7 January 2026 | Victory over the Genocidal Regime | National remembrance | Wednesday |
| 8 March 2026 | International Women’s Rights Day | International | Sunday |
| 14–16 April 2026 | Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) | Traditional · 3 days | Tue–Thu |
| 1 May 2026 | International Labour Day | International | Friday |
| 5 May 2026 | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Royal / agricultural · lunar | Tuesday |
| 14 May 2026 | King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday | Royal | Thursday |
| 18 June 2026 | Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday | Royal | Thursday |
| 24 September 2026 | Constitution Day | National | Thursday |
| 10–12 October 2026 | Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) | Buddhist · 3 days · lunar | Sat–Mon |
| 15 October 2026 | Mourning Day of the Late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk | Royal remembrance | Thursday |
| 29 October 2026 | Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni | Royal | Thursday |
| 9 November 2026 | National Independence Day | National | Monday |
| 23–25 November 2026 | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Traditional · 3 days · lunar | Mon–Wed |
| 29 December 2026 | Peace Day in Cambodia | National | Tuesday |
About 22 paid public holiday days. Visak Bochea appears on the 2027 list (lunar date). February, July and August have no national holidays.
| Dates | Holiday | Type | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2027 | International New Year’s Day | International | Friday |
| 7 January 2027 | Victory over the Genocidal Regime | National remembrance | Thursday |
| 8 March 2027 | International Women’s Rights Day | International | Monday |
| 14–16 April 2027 | Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) | Traditional · 3 days | Wed–Fri |
| 1 May 2027 | International Labour Day | International | Saturday |
| 14 May 2027 | King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday | Royal | Friday |
| 20 May 2027 | Visak Bochea Day | Buddhist · lunar | Thursday |
| 24 May 2027 | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Royal / agricultural · lunar | Monday |
| 18 June 2027 | Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday | Royal | Friday |
| 24 September 2027 | Constitution Day | National | Friday |
| 29 September – 1 October 2027 | Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) | Buddhist · 3 days · lunar | Wed–Fri |
| 15 October 2027 | Mourning Day of the Late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk | Royal remembrance | Friday |
| 29 October 2027 | Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni | Royal | Friday |
| 9 November 2027 | National Independence Day | National | Tuesday |
| 12–14 November 2027 | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Traditional · 3 days · lunar | Fri–Sun |
| 29 December 2027 | Peace Day in Cambodia | National | Wednesday |
What the day means and how it affects visitors.
International
Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. Government offices and many banks close, while hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions usually stay open.
For travellers: Good for city sightseeing. Expect festive nightlife in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; book popular restaurants if dining out on 31 Dec–1 Jan.
National remembrance
Commemorates 7 January 1979, when the Khmer Rouge regime in Phnom Penh ended. Officially observed as a national remembrance day.
For travellers: A meaningful day to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or Choeung Ek with respectful behaviour. Many offices close; tourist sites generally remain open.
International
Celebrates women’s rights and contributions. Observed with ceremonies, media features and community events across Cambodia.
For travellers: Normal tourism continues. You may see special promotions or events in hotels and shopping centres.
Traditional · 3 days
Cambodia’s traditional solar New Year and one of the biggest holidays of the year. Families clean homes, visit pagodas, play traditional games and gather across generations after the harvest season.
For travellers: Domestic travel peaks. Many local shops and some restaurants close or run short staff — especially outside tourist hubs. Book transport and hotels early; temples and Angkor remain popular.
International
Honours workers worldwide. Public offices and many private companies give staff the day off.
For travellers: Tourist services usually operate. A quieter day for embassies and government counters.
Royal / agricultural · lunar
An ancient royal rite that marks the traditional start of the rice-growing season. Sacred oxen plough a ceremonial field; Brahmin priests interpret the harvest omen from what the oxen eat.
For travellers: Date moves with the lunar calendar. Ceremony venues can rotate between Phnom Penh and provinces — confirm the year’s location if you plan to watch.
Royal
Celebrates the birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni (born 14 May 1953). Marked by ceremonies, decorations and public displays of respect for the monarchy.
For travellers: Expect royal flags and evening illuminations near the Royal Palace area in Phnom Penh. Hotels and major attractions stay open.
Buddhist · lunar
The most important Buddhist holy day, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Devotees visit pagodas, make offerings and observe precepts.
For travellers: Appears on the 2027 official list (lunar date). Dress modestly at temples; evenings may feature candlelit processions at major pagodas.
Royal
Honours Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Official ceremonies and public messages mark the occasion.
For travellers: A quieter royal holiday for most travellers. Government offices close; tourism continues as usual.
National
Commemorates the promulgation of Cambodia’s Constitution (24 September 1993), a cornerstone of the modern Kingdom.
For travellers: Useful reminder that Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy. Offices close; attractions and hotels remain open.
Buddhist · 3 days · lunar
A major Buddhist festival when Cambodians honour ancestors. Families visit pagodas with food offerings for monks, believing merit reaches departed relatives.
For travellers: Many Cambodians travel to hometowns. Intercity buses fill up; some small businesses close. Pagodas are busy from early morning — dress respectfully if visiting.
Royal remembrance
Commemorates the passing of King-Father Norodom Sihanouk (15 October 2012). A day of national remembrance for Cambodia’s long-serving former monarch.
For travellers: Solemn tone in official media. Tourist sites remain open; behave respectfully near royal memorials.
Royal
Marks the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni on 29 October 2004. Celebrated with official ceremonies and public displays.
For travellers: Phnom Penh may host special events near royal landmarks. Good time for evening riverside walks.
National
Celebrates Cambodia’s independence from France on 9 November 1953. Parades and ceremonies often centre on Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
For travellers: Expect crowds and road closures around Independence Monument. Book hotels early if visiting the capital for the parade period.
Traditional · 3 days · lunar
One of Cambodia’s most spectacular festivals, celebrating the reversing flow of the Tonlé Sap River. Famous for brightly decorated boat races, illuminated floats and riverside festivities in Phnom Penh.
For travellers: Phnom Penh becomes very crowded — book accommodation early. Secure belongings in dense riverside crowds. Siem Reap and provincial towns also host local races.
National
Also associated with “Win-Win Day” (29 December 1998), marking the end of decades of conflict under the government’s peace and reintegration policy. Elevated as a national public holiday in recent years.
For travellers: A quieter end-of-year holiday. Useful for city exploring before New Year celebrations.
Submit your Cambodia eVisa well before Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben or Water Festival weeks so processing is not delayed by office closures.
Domestic flights, buses and Siem Reap / Phnom Penh hotels fill quickly around the three big festivals. Lock in rooms before you travel.
Banks, ministries and some family-run shops close on public holidays. Hotels, Angkor, museums and many restaurants in tourist zones usually stay open.
Dress modestly at pagodas during Pchum Ben and Visak Bochea. At Water Festival crowds, keep valuables secure and follow local police guidance.
Airports and land borders still operate on holidays, but queues can be longer. See the ports of entry list before booking.
February, July and August 2027 have no national holidays — useful for travellers who prefer calmer cities and easier bookings.
Cambodia observes roughly 21 paid public holidays in 2026 and about 22 in 2027, according to published government calendars. Multi-day festivals such as Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Water Festival each count as three days.
Khmer New Year is scheduled for 14–16 April 2026 and 14–16 April 2027. It is Cambodia’s biggest traditional holiday — book transport and hotels early.
Yes. Cambodia eVisa processing is often counted in business days. Applications submitted just before multi-day holidays such as Khmer New Year or Pchum Ben may take longer. Apply early if your travel dates are close to major holidays.
Major tourist sites, hotels and many restaurants usually stay open. Government offices, banks and some local businesses close. During Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, staffing can be reduced outside tourist hubs.
The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) is listed for 23–25 November 2026 and 12–14 November 2027. Phnom Penh’s riverside becomes very busy with boat races and evening festivities.
Yes. Visak Bochea, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Pchum Ben and the Water Festival follow the Khmer lunar calendar and are confirmed each year by government announcement. Always re-check closer to travel.
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