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Cambodia’s festival calendar brings together Buddhist observances, royal and national commemorations, harvest traditions, community celebrations, arts programmes and international sporting events. This month-by-month guide helps travellers understand what may be happening, where to experience it and which dates require advance planning.
Date note: Buddhist holidays and many cultural programmes follow lunar calendars or annual announcements. Venues and schedules can change. Confirm the current year’s dates with official organisers before booking transport or accommodation.
Major Cambodian festivals to plan around
The three best-known traditional periods are Khmer New Year in April, Pchum Ben in September or October, and the Water Festival in November. They can affect traffic, business hours and domestic travel. Buddhist days such as Meak Bochea and Visak Bochea are quieter but culturally important.
Cambodia events and festivals chart
| Month | Event or festival | Typical location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | International New Year’s Day | Nationwide | National |
| January | Victory Day over the Genocidal Regime | Nationwide / Phnom Penh | National |
| January | Chinese and Vietnamese New Year | Nationwide, especially Phnom Penh | Cultural |
| January | Angkor Ultra-Trail | Siem Reap | Sports |
| January | Siem Reap cultural events | Siem Reap | Cultural |
| February | Meak Bochea | Pagodas nationwide | Buddhist |
| February | Chinese New Year celebrations | Nationwide | Cultural |
| February | Siem Reap Giant Puppet Parade | Siem Reap | Cultural |
| February | Angkor Sankranta preparation events | Siem Reap | Cultural |
| March | International Women’s Day | Nationwide | National |
| March | Cambodia International Film Festival | Phnom Penh | Film |
| March | River Festival | Rotating riverside province | Cultural / Tourism |
| March | Angkor Wat Equinox | Siem Reap | Cultural / Tourism |
| March | Kratie River Festival | Kratie | Tourism / Cultural |
| March | Koh Rong and coastal tourism events | Coastal areas | Tourism |
| April | Khmer New Year — Chaul Chnam Thmey | Nationwide | Major traditional festival |
| April | Angkor Sankranta | Siem Reap | Cultural |
| April | Sankranta celebrations | Nationwide | Cultural |
| April | Nokor Sankranta | Siem Reap / regional locations | Cultural |
| April | Khmer traditional games | Nationwide | Cultural |
| April | Khmer traditional music and dance events | Nationwide | Cultural |
| May | International Labour Day | Nationwide | National |
| May | Visak Bochea | Pagodas nationwide | Buddhist |
| May | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Phnom Penh / announced venue | Royal / Agricultural |
| May | King’s Birthday celebrations | Nationwide / Phnom Penh | Royal |
| May | Cambodian agricultural festivals | Rural provinces | Agricultural |
| June | Queen Mother’s Birthday | Nationwide / Phnom Penh | Royal |
| June | Sea and coastal tourism events | Coastal provinces | Tourism |
| June | Local pagoda festivals | Nationwide | Religious |
| July | Buddhist religious ceremonies | Nationwide | Buddhist |
| July | Local village and pagoda festivals | Nationwide | Cultural / Religious |
| July | Fruit and agricultural festivals | Various provinces | Agricultural |
| August | Angkor Empire Marathon | Siem Reap | Sports |
| August | Buddhist ceremonies | Nationwide | Religious |
| August | Provincial cultural events | Various provinces | Cultural |
| September | Pchum Ben period begins | Nationwide | Major religious festival |
| September / October | Pchum Ben — Ancestors’ Festival | Nationwide | Major Buddhist / Traditional |
| September | Angkor Wat Equinox | Siem Reap | Cultural / Tourism |
| September | Constitution Day | Nationwide | National |
| September | World Tourism Day events | Tourism destinations | Tourism |
| September | Koh Ker heritage events | Preah Vihear | Cultural / Heritage |
| October | Pchum Ben concluding celebrations | Nationwide | Religious |
| October | King Father Norodom Sihanouk Commemoration Day | Nationwide | National |
| October | King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day | Nationwide | Royal |
| October | Provincial boat-racing events | Various provinces | Traditional / Sports |
| October | Ancestor and pagoda ceremonies | Nationwide | Religious |
| November | Independence Day | Nationwide / Phnom Penh | National |
| November | Water Festival — Bon Om Touk | Phnom Penh / Nationwide | Major traditional festival |
| November | Boat Racing | Phnom Penh | Traditional / Sports |
| November | Illuminated Boat Procession — Loy Pratip | Phnom Penh | Traditional |
| November | Moon Salutation — Sampeah Preah Khe | Phnom Penh / Nationwide | Traditional |
| November | Sea Festival | Coastal province | Tourism |
| November | Cambodia international boat-racing events | Various locations | Sports |
| December | Angkor Wat International Half Marathon | Siem Reap | International sports |
| December | Angkor Marathon and running events | Siem Reap | Sports |
| December | Sea Festival and coastal tourism events | Coastal provinces | Tourism |
| December | Christmas celebrations | Phnom Penh / major cities | International / Cultural |
| December | International New Year countdown events | Phnom Penh / Siem Reap / major cities | Entertainment |
| December | Cambodia Peace Day | Nationwide | National |
How to use this calendar
- Book early: Reserve transport and accommodation ahead of Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, the Water Festival and major Angkor races.
- Expect movement: Many Cambodians travel to their home provinces during major holidays.
- Check the venue: The River Festival and Sea Festival can rotate between provinces.
- Respect sacred spaces: Dress modestly at pagodas, remove shoes where requested and ask before photographing ceremonies.
- Allow flexibility: Outdoor events can change because of weather, river conditions, security or official scheduling.
Festival etiquette in Cambodia
Observe before joining a ritual. At pagodas, keep your voice low and avoid pointing your feet toward monks or sacred images. During public celebrations, follow barriers and local instructions. Traditional games and dances often welcome visitors, but participation should remain respectful rather than performative.
National and royal commemorations have a different tone from entertainment festivals. Treat memorial sites, portraits and official ceremonies with care. Sporting events may require registration months in advance, while local cultural programmes may be announced only shortly before they happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cambodia’s biggest festival?
Khmer New Year is the country’s broadest family and community celebration. The Water Festival creates the largest public spectacle in central Phnom Penh in years when the full programme proceeds.
When is the best time to visit for festivals?
April offers nationwide New Year celebrations, while November often combines cooler weather with Water Festival traditions. September and October are important for Pchum Ben and the Angkor equinox.
Are Cambodian festival dates fixed?
Some national days use fixed Gregorian dates. Buddhist festivals and several cultural events move each year, and organisers may change locations or programmes.
Explore every event
Every linked name in the chart opens a dedicated guide covering meaning, activities, etiquette, planning and related celebrations. Use the Travel Guide category to browse the complete series.
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