Cambodian Festival Calendar 2026

January 7 marks the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Ceremonies at the Royal Palace and Independence Monument honor the victims and celebrate liberation. A somber but important national day with parades and cultural performances.

A major Buddhist holiday marking the day 1,250 monks gathered to hear Buddha preach. Candlelight processions circle pagodas at dusk, with monks chanting and the faithful offering prayers. Best witnessed at Angkor Wat or the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

March 8 is an official public holiday celebrating Cambodian women. Government ceremonies, community events, and concerts take place across major cities, with special recognition of women's contributions to Cambodian society and development.

The biggest celebration of the year — three days in mid-April marking the end of the harvest season. Families gather, pagodas overflow with offerings, and water-throwing fills the streets. Siem Reap and Battambang have the most vibrant celebrations. Hotels fill up months ahead.

Siem Reap's New Year festival takes Khmer New Year celebrations to another level with traditional games, Apsara dance performances, concerts, and cultural shows across the Angkor Park area. The atmosphere is electric — one of the best times to visit.

An ancient Brahman ceremony held on the grounds near the Royal Palace. Sacred oxen are presented with food offerings to predict the coming harvest. The King or a royal representative ploughs symbolic furrows. A uniquely Cambodian spectacle dating back centuries.

Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Monks lead candlelight processions at pagodas across the country. Devotees release lanterns, make merit, and offer food to monks. Best experienced at a local pagoda for an intimate, authentic ceremony.

King Norodom Sihamoni's birthday (May 13–15, but celebrations extend into June) is marked with illuminated buildings along the riverfront, fireworks over the Mekong, and cultural performances at the Royal Palace. A festive atmosphere takes over the capital.

One of Cambodia's most important religious festivals — a 15-day period honoring deceased ancestors. Cambodians visit seven pagodas over the festival period, offering food to monks who transfer merit to the dead. The final three days are public holidays. A deeply moving cultural experience.

Kampot's annual celebration of its coastal heritage with boat races on the river, seafood feasts, live music, and cultural performances along the waterfront. A lively local festival that showcases the best of Kampot's relaxed, community-spirited atmosphere.

In the weeks before Water Festival, regional towns like Battambang hold preliminary boat races and celebrations. A chance to see the festivities without the crowds of Phnom Penh, in a more local, intimate setting.

Cambodia's most spectacular festival — three days of boat races on the Tonle Sap River celebrating the reversal of the river's flow. Hundreds of longboats with 40+ rowers race in front of the Royal Palace. Fireworks, illuminated floats, and millions of visitors from across the country. The single best time to be in Phnom Penh.

November 9 celebrates Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. Ceremonies at the Independence Monument, military parades, and cultural performances. The monument is dramatically illuminated at night. Often coincides with Water Festival festivities.

Runners from around the world race through the Angkor Archaeological Park in one of the most scenic half marathons on earth. The route passes Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm at dawn. Registration opens months ahead and sells out fast.