Cambodian Public Holidays 2026 – A Month by Month Guide
Cambodia has no shortage of holidays, and if you’ve spent any amount of time in the country you’ll already know that some of them barely register, while others completely shut the place down. I’m going to give you a little bit of information about each of the Cambodian public holidays in this article, so if you’re in a hurry just scroll straight to the bottom for a quick and handy infographic you can save to your phone!
This guide to Cambodian public holidays in 2026 will show you all of this years events, how long they last, and how it might affect your travel plans. Some holidays are spiritual, some are historical, and others are just a great reason for the whole country to head back to their hometowns and celebrate!
The dates of Cambodian public holidays can change from year to year as they often follow the Lunar Calendar or other schedules not related to the Gregorian calendar, so make sure you check you’ve got the right dates!
January – A (not so) Quiet Start to the Year
New Year’s Day (Western New Years) – 1 January 2026
Cambodia begins the year in a fairly relaxed (or hungover?) way. New Year’s Day is a one day public holiday and doesn’t come with much fanfare compared to the celebrations later in the year. Government offices and banks may close, but restaurants, hotels, and tourist services usually operate as normal.
The night before, however, is a crazy one! Despite Cambodia having it’s own New Years celebrations in April, Western New Years is still widely celebrated (any chance for a party!) and the major cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh will have lots of fantastic events going on. Pub Street Siem Reap in particular becomes a chaotic party, and there’s fireworks to be seen everywhere.
Public holiday length: 1 day
Victory Over Genocide Day – 7 January 2026
This is a significant and solemn day in Cambodia’s history, marking the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Ceremonies are held around the country, and the focus is on remembrance rather than celebration. As a visitor it’s unlikely this will impact your travel plans.
Public holiday length: 1 day
March – Recognising The Contributions of Women
International Women’s Day – 8 March 2026
International Women’s Day one of the official Cambodian public holidays and recognises the role of women in society. You may see events, talks, and community activities being held by local organisations or schools, particularly in larger cities.
Public holiday length: 1 day
April – The Biggest Celebration of the Year (And our Favourite!)
Khmer New Year 2026 – 14, 15 & 16 April
Khmer New Year is without question, the most important of the Cambodian public holidays. Marking the end of the harvest season and the start of the traditional new year, it’s a time when families return to their hometowns and everyday routines are put on hold. While the official holiday lasts three days, some businesses close for longer, and intercity travel becomes noticeably busier. Many Cambodians will travel either to their hometown, or to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap for Khmer New Years.
For visitors, it’s one of the most memorable times to be in the country. Streets turn into free-for-all water fights, temples host ceremonies and games, and the atmosphere is more festive and cultural rather than tourist driven. It can potentially come with some logistical challenges as transport between cities books out early and many hotels sell out completely (especially in Siem Reap) – but if you don’t mind a bit of chaos, Khmer New Year offers a fantastic insight into Cambodian culture at its most joyful.
Public holiday length: 3 days
May – Religion, Royalty, and Agriculture
Labour Day & Visak Bochea Day – 1 May 2026
In 2026, Labour Day and Visak Bochea fall on the same date (as can sometimes happen, as many Cambodian public holidays follow the lunar calendar and can change from year to year). Labour Day recognises workers rights, while Visak Bochea is one of the most important Buddhist holidays, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha.
Temples and Pagodas are especially busy across the country during Visak Bochea.
Public holiday length: 1 day
Royal Ploughing Ceremony – 5 May 2026
This ancient ceremony symbolises the start of the rice growing season and is deeply connected to Cambodia’s agricultural roots. Predictions are traditionally made about the coming harvest. There is a celebration that’s mainly held in Phnom Penh.
Public holiday length: 1 day
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday – 14 May 2026
This public holiday celebrates the birthday of Cambodia’s current king. You might expect to see more national flags than normal, official ceremonies, and closures of government offices. However, if you’re a visitor you’re unlikely to be affected by any closures.
Public holiday length: 1 day
June – Honouring the Queen Mother
Queen Mother’s Birthday – 18 June 2026
This day honours Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, a respected and widely admired figure in Cambodia. Celebrations are modest but it remains a nationwide Cambodian public holiday.
Public holiday length: 1 day
September – Cambodia’s Constitution
Constitution Day – 24 September 2026
Constitution Day marks the signing of Cambodia’s constitution in 1993, which restored the monarchy and shaped the country’s modern political system. It’s mostly observed through official ceremonies.
Public holiday length: 1 day
October – A Month of Remembrance and Ancestry
Pchum Ben – 10, 11 & 12 October 2026
Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most spiritually important festivals. Families visit pagodas to honour deceased ancestors and make offerings to monks.
Although the festival actually lasts longer than 3 days, these three days are official Cambodian public holidays and see heavy domestic travel and many business closures. If you’re visiting as a tourist, you shouldn’t expect to be heavily impacted by these closures, but be aware that domestic travel might impact hotel availability.
If you get a chance, join some locals in the interesting and cultural practices of Pchum Ben – you won’t regret it.
Public holiday length: 3 days
Commemoration of the Late King Father – 15 October 2026
This day commemorates King Norodom Sihanouk, one of the most influential figures in Cambodia’s modern history. It is a day of remembrance rather than celebration.
Public holiday length: 1 day
Coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni – 29 October 2026
This holiday marks the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni in 2004. Expect official events and government closures without much impact to tourism.
Public holiday length: 1 day
November – Independence Day and Celebrations on the Water
Independence Day – 9 November 2026
Independence Day celebrates Cambodia gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1953 as a French Protectorate. Large ceremonies take place in Phnom Penh, particularly around the Independence Monument.
Public holiday length: 1 day
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – 23, 24 & 25 November 2026
The Water Festival is one of Cambodia’s most exciting public holidays. It celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River and features boat races, fireworks, concerts, and packed streets.
Phnom Penh becomes extremely busy during this time, as the main focus of the celebrations, while other cities may celebrate on a smaller scale. The exception to this being Siem Reap, as they put on their own incredible Bon Om Touk celebrations.
Public holiday length: 3 days
December – Ending the Year on a Quiet Note
Peace Day – 29 December 2026
Peace Day commemorates the end of decades of conflict in Cambodia and reflects on the country’s progress since then. It’s a calm public holiday and a quiet way to close out the year.
Public holiday length: 1 day
And then we’re back to New Years Eve again!
What Cambodian Public Holidays Mean for Travellers
Cambodian public holidays can sometimes affect transport, opening hours, and accommodation availability – especially during the main Cambodian Public Holidays like Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, and the Water Festival.
If you’re travelling during these periods, book transport early, expect some possible closures, and embrace the chance to see Cambodia at its most cultural and lively. During bigger events like Khmer New Year, you may have difficulty finding accommodation or encounter price increases if you don’t book early.
In general, most businesses you would encounter as a visitor (bars/restaurants/attractions etc) will still be open during all Cambodian public holidays, although sometimes they’ll take a day off during the longer 3 days festivals like Khmer New Year so the staff can enjoy the festivities.
Angkor Wat remains fully open during all Cambodian public holidays as it is a deeply religious culturual site, though be aware – Angkor Wat will be especially busy during any religious festivals as locals and domestic tourists head to the site to pay respects to their history.
👉 DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR HANDY ANGKOR WAT TRAVEL GUIDE BY CLICKING HERE
Could there be any impact on these Cambodian Public Holidays due to the Thailand Cambodia Border Conflict?
It’s definitely worth noting that ongoing tensions along the Thailand/Cambodia border could have a subtle impact on some public celebrations in 2026. In past periods of political or military uncertainty, large scale events, or parades have occasionally been scaled back or handled more cautiously by local authorities.
The Thailand/Cambodia Border Conflict is a rapidly evolving situation so regularly check for updates.
At the time of writing, there is no indication that major festivals will be cancelled or significantly changed, but the situation is potentially still developing. If you’re planning to attend big public events or travel near border areas (which is currently advised against) during holiday periods, it’s a good idea to stay informed locally. In most parts of the country, daily life and national celebrations are expected to continue as normal – but, as always in Southeast Asia, flexibility is key.
Please see below for our calendar of 2026 Cambodian Public Holidays that you can save to your phone!
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