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The Complete Cambodian Travel Guide
Holidays, Festivals & Events
Experience traditional Khmer and Buddhist holidays, some unique to the country. There are also more contemporary anniversaries on events in Cambodia's more recent past.
January
New Years Day

​Victory Day
​This national holiday was established to commemorate the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. (7th)
February
​Meak Bochea Day
​To commemorate the spontaneous arrival of 1,250 Arahata, which came to see the Buddha unannounced that evening.
March
International Woman’s Day​
The global celebration of women past, present, and future.
April
​Khmer New Year
The holiday lasts for three days beginning on April 13 or 14th, which is the end of the harvesting season, when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins. The biggest holiday in the Khmer calendar.
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Visaka Bochea​
This national holiday was established as a Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
May
Labor Day
This national holiday was established to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. (1st)
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony​
This is an ancient royal rite held in Cambodia to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season.
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King Sihamoni's Birthday​
This national holiday was established to celebrate the birthday of HM King Norodom Sihamoni on May 14, 1953.
June
Queen Mother’s Birthday
A celebration of the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath on June 18, 1936.
September
Constitution Day
The anniversary of the signing of the Cambodian constitution by King Sihanouk.
October
​Pchum Ben or "Ancestors' Day" is a 15-day Cambodian religious festival, culminating in celebrations on the 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar, at the end of the Buddhist lent, Vassa. This is one of Cambodia’s most important Buddhist festivals. This is a time when the spirits of the dead ancestors walk the Earth. And the living can ease their suffering by offering them food to eat.
King’s Fathers Birthday
A celebration of the birthday of the Kings Father, Norodom Sihanouk on October 31, 1922.
November
Independence Day
Celebrating Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. (9th)
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Water Festival ​
An ancient holiday to celebrate the time when the water in the Mekong and Tonle Sap river changes course.
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Angkor Festival (November or December)
An annual festival that is a showcase of performing arts using the spectacular Angkor Wat as an amazing backdrop. Performers from all over Asia attend this festival to perform great epic stories from myths and legends, via dance and other mediums. HRH King Sihanouk often attends when he is in residence in Siem Reap.
December
Human Rights Day
Commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (10th)
