Planning around Cambodian public holidays
With a total of 27 public holidays—compared to only 11 in France—Cambodia ranks among the countries with the highest number of public holidays in the world.
During these periods of celebration, everyday life slows down significantly, particularly in markets and shops. However, traveling during a Cambodian holiday can be a wonderful opportunity to witness the country’s rich cultural and religious traditions. For this reason, being aware of key dates can be quite useful when planning your trip.
Royal celebrations
May 14, 1953
On the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni, born May 14, 1953, a grand fireworks show is launched from the banks of the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. Cultural performances are also held over the two-day celebration.
June 18, 1936
This date marks the birthday of Queen Mother Monineath. This year, Her Majesty celebrated her 82nd birthday. Most businesses are closed on this day.
September 24, 1993 – Constitution Day
This day commemorates the restoration of the constitutional monarchy. It is now a national public holiday.
October 15, 2012
October 15 marks the memorial of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, father of the current king, who passed away of natural causes in Beijing at the age of 89. A major tribute takes place each year at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
October 29, 2004
This is the date King Norodom Sihamoni was crowned following his father’s abdication. It has since become a national holiday.
Religious celebrations
Meak Bochea
Meak Bochea Day is a major Buddhist holiday celebrated across Southeast Asia. In 2024, it fell on January 31, but the date varies each year between late January and early February. It marks the first full moon of the third lunar month in the Khmer calendar. In the morning, monks receive offerings from the faithful, and by evening, sermons are held in temples.
(Monks gather during Meak Bochea)
Khmer New Year
Sousdey chnam thmey! Happy New Year! The Khmer New Year is the most important celebration in Cambodia, lasting three days in mid-April—usually from the 13th to the 15th or the 14th to the 16th, depending on the year. During this time, Phnom Penh empties out as people return to the countryside to celebrate with their families.
(Traditional dance during Khmer New Year)
Visak Bochea
This holiday commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment, making it one of the most sacred days in Buddhism. The day focuses on spiritual purification, often through fasting. It falls on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, which was April 29 this year.
Pchum Ben
Held on the 15th day of the waning moon, this year on October 8, Pchum Ben is one of the most spiritual festivals in Cambodia. Families leave the capital once again to join loved ones in the provinces. The celebration honors the "damned souls"—those who behaved badly in life. For 15 days, they are temporarily released from the torments of the afterlife to receive food offerings prepared by their relatives and delivered through the monks.
(Monks patiently wait to receive food offerings prepared by families during Pchum Ben)
Historical holidays
The Fall of the Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, deeply scarred Cambodia’s history. It wasn’t until 1979 that they were overthrown by the Vietnamese army. January 7 is now recognized as Victory over Genocide Day, marking the liberation of Phnom Penh.
International women’s day
March 8 is celebrated around the world—including in Cambodia—as International Women’s Day.
Labor Day
Also celebrated globally, May 1 marks International Labor Day and is a public holiday in Cambodia.
The Paris Peace Agreements
On October 23, 1991, Cambodia signed the Paris Peace Agreements, officially restoring its sovereignty under the supervision of the United Nations. The day is now a national holiday.
Independence Day
On November 9, 1953, Cambodia gained its independence from France. To celebrate, shopkeepers often hang Cambodian flags in front of their businesses.
(The monument built to commemorate Cambodian independence.)
International Human Rights Day
December 10 is recognized globally as International Human Rights Day and is also a public holiday in Cambodia.
Daily life & agricultural traditions
The Royal ploughing ceremony
Known as the Royal Ploughing Day, this important traditional event marks the start of the rice planting season and the beginning of the rainy season. Sacred furrows are drawn into the fields, symbolizing Cambodia’s deep agricultural roots.
International Children’s Day
On June 1, schools across the country close for the day. No major events are organized, but the day is recognized nationwide.
(Five schoolchildren from a rural province)
The Water Festival (Bon Om Teuk)
Held over three days before the full moon of November, this festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s current—a rare natural phenomenon. Unlike most other holidays, Phnom Penh becomes the national gathering point. Afternoon events include colorful longboat races on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace. Each boat represents a different province. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky in celebration.
