Best festivals in Cambodia not to be missed in 2026

If you’re planning to travel to Cambodia, join us as we explore the most unique festivals to help you optimize your travel experience

Cambodia is a land of ancient wonders and vibrant traditions. The country offers more than just the iconic temples of Angkor. Its cultural tapestry is woven with joyful festivals, providing an immersive experience for travelers seeking authentic connections. These events showcase the heart of Khmer heritage through rhythmic beats of traditional dances and solemn rituals. Whether you’re planning a trip to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or the serene shores of Tonlé Sap, attending a Cambodian festival can transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure.

Explore with us the best festivals in Cambodia, their history, significance, and some tips for your upcoming Cambodia tours.

Why visit Cambodia during its festivals?

Attending festivals in Cambodia elevates your travel experience, offering authentic interactions beyond tourist sites. These events foster cultural exchange, where locals welcome visitors with open arms. From tasting traditional Khmer cuisine during Bon Om Touk to learning dances at Khmer New Year, you’ll create bonds that last a lifetime. Some festivals in Cambodia also coincide with ideal weather—April’s New Year brings mild temperatures, while November’s Water Festival enjoys post-monsoon clarity. Economically, they boost local businesses, so your participation supports communities.

Cambodia’s festival calendar

Cambodia’s calendar is dotted with a myriad of events, most of which are influenced by Theravada Buddhism, lunar cycles, and historical events. The agriculture, which influence the majority of the population, shapes these celebrations. Festivals often mark the end of harvests, the onset of rains, or religious commemorations, blending sacred rituals with joyful communal activities.

Here’s a table of the key festivals and holidays in Cambodia, including their dates. This will help you plan your travels around these vibrant occasions, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best festivals in Cambodia.

Chaul Chnam Thmey: Khmer New Year

One of the most anticipated events in the Cambodian calendar is the Khmer New Year, known locally as Chaul Chnam Thmey, which translates to “Enter the New Year.” This festival, typically falling between April 13 and 16, marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of the rainy period. It’s a time when Cambodians pause to reflect on the past year, give thanks for bountiful crops, and look forward to the rejuvenating rains. The origins of Khmer New Year trace back to ancient agrarian traditions, later infused with Buddhist elements. Today, it’s a nationwide holiday where families reunite, cleanse their homes, and altars are adorned with flowers, fruits, and incense.

The three-day festivities each have distinct themes:

• Day 1: Maha Songkran: The first day focuses on welcoming the new angels who protect the world. People clean their homes thoroughly, symbolizing the removal of bad luck, and visit pagodas to offer prayers and alms to monks. In cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, streets come alive with music and dance performances.
• Day 2: Virak Wanabat: This day is dedicated to honoring elders and ancestors. Families will prepare special meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional games like “Bos Angkunh” (throwing seeds) or “Chol Chhoung” (a ball-tossing game that often leads to playful flirting among the youth).
• Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak: This day involves bathing Buddha statues in scented water for good fortune. This extends to people, with water fights erupting everywhere. Locals and tourists alike, armed with water guns and buckets, drench each other in blessings of happiness and prosperity.

Across the country, evening performances feature the graceful Apsara dance, a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage, where performers in ornate costumes depict celestial nymphs from Angkorian lore.

Visit the temples in Cambodia to enjoy the traditional Apsara dances.

Travel tips for visitors

Traveling to Cambodia during Khmer New Year is an exhilarating experience. However, be prepared for crowded temples and higher accommodation prices, so book in advance and embrace the chaos as part of the fun. To truly experience the essence of Khmer New Year, consider heading to Siem Reap, where the Angkor Sankranta event transforms the area amid the ancient temples into a cultural hub with art exhibitions, concerts, and traditional sports. In Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom hosts elaborate rituals, blending an urban vibe with street food stalls and night markets. For a more authentic and intimate, venture into rural villages such as those in Battambang, where family-hosted celebrations offer genuine insights into local life.

King Father Commemoration Day

October pays tribute to one of Cambodia’s most iconic figures: the late King Norodom Sihanouk. The Commemoration Day on October 15 honors his legacy as the “Father of Cambodian Independence.” Sihanouk played a pivotal role in navigating the country through colonial rule, independence, and political upheavals. He reigned from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 to 2004, before abdicating in favor of his son.

This day is marked by solemn ceremonies, including wreath-laying at his statue in Phnom Penh and cultural exhibitions highlighting his contributions to arts, film, and diplomacy. Travelers visiting during this time can gain profound insights into Cambodia’s 20th-century history. Stroll through the Royal Palace grounds, where portraits of the king adorn public spaces, or attend memorial services at pagodas.

Travel tips for visitors

For history enthusiasts, a side trip to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the Killing Fields offers context to Sihanouk’s era, though it’s emotionally intense. Pair this with lighter activities, like exploring the vibrant Central Market for souvenirs. This holiday inspires reflection on resilience, encouraging travelers to appreciate Cambodia’s journey from adversity to cultural revival.

Pchum Ben: Festival of the dead

Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most spiritually significant festivals. It spans 15 days in September or October (based on the lunar calendar). It’s a time when Cambodians pay homage to their ancestors across seven generations by offering prayers and gifts at pagodas. According to folk beliefs, the first day of the festival marks the opening of the hell’s gates, allowing wandering spirits to receive offerings from the living.

On Pchum Ben Day, Cambodians prepare food to offer to the spirits of the deceased.

One of the most symbolic rituals of Pchum Ben is the throwing of rice and sesame seeds onto the floor of the temples, a gesture intended to nourish hungry spirits and help them find peace. The festival reaches its peak during the final three days, with families preparing elaborate offerings and bringing them to the temples at dawn. If you travel to Phnom Penh during this time, you will find the air filled with the scent of incense, prayers, and the sound of temple bells. In the surrounding rural areas, entire villages participate in a communal ritual, creating a rare and sacred scene.

Travel tips for visitors

Visiting Cambodia during Pchum Ben offers a serene contrast to more boisterous festivals. Pchum Ben is profoundly moving when experienced at Phnom Penh’s pagodas, especially at Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh, which bustle with rituals and communal gatherings. You can participate respectfully by offering food or candles, it’s a humbling way to connect with Khmer spirituality. In rural temples, the atmosphere is quieter and more personal, offering opportunities for reflection and genuine interactions with local monks. This event inspires travelers to learn about contemplate life’s cycles, about karma and reincarnation.

Bon Om Touk: Cambodia’s water festival

The Bon Om Touk festival, held over three days leading to November’s full moon, is one of Cambodia’s most vibrant events. This festival celebrates the unique phenomenon of the Tonle Sap River reversing its flow, where the Mekong’s waters push back into the lake, enriching fisheries and farmlands. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing season.

Bon Om Touk draws over a million spectators to Phnom Penh’s riverfront for dragon boat races involving hundreds of rowers in colorful pirogues. Teams from across the country compete, accompanied by cheers, drums, and fireworks. Evening illuminations on boats create a magical atmosphere, with street vendors selling grilled meats, fresh fruits, and cold drinks. Historically, it dates back to the Angkorian era, when naval prowess was demonstrated through such races. Today, it’s a symbol of national unity and gratitude to the waters.

Travel tips for visitors

Bon Om Touk is exhilarating when viewed from the Mekong Riverside in Phnom Penh, offering prime spots for watching the boat races and soaking in the festive energy. Travelers should arrive early for prime viewing spots along Sisowath Quay. Combine it with visits to the Silver Pagoda or a Mekong cruise for a fuller experience.

Remember, stay hydrated in the heat and watch for pickpockets in crowds. In Siem Reap, smaller events near Tonlé Sap provide a more relaxed alternative, where you can appreciate the festival’s connection to the lake’s natural wonders.

Pithi Chrat Pheah Neang Korl: Royal ploughing ceremony

The Royal ploughing ceremony, or Pithi Chrat Pheah Neang Korl, is an ancient royal ritual, created by the Khmer kings and still maintained by the current king. This festival is usually held in May, after the full moon of the sixth lunar month, marking the beginning of the rice planting season. The ceremony will be presided over by the king himself or his representative at Veal Preah Meru Park in Phnom Penh, near the National Museum.

The festival begins with prayers by monks for a bountiful harvest. Then, the King and Queen lead the oxens, believed to be gifts from the gods, to plow a furrow symbolizing the start of fieldwork. The oxens is then chosen among offerings such as rice, corn, beans, or water to predict the year’s harvest. This royal tradition underscores the importance of agriculture to the entire country, as rice is still Cambodia’s staple crop.

The royal plowing ceremony in Cambodia has many similarities to those in Thailand and Vietnam.

Travel tips for visitors

For visitors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into rural life. Attend as part of a cultural tour to learn about sustainable farming in Cambodia. The ceremony is best experienced at Phnom Penh’s Royal Square, where it unfolds as a grand public spectacle filled with pageantry and tradition. Attend the ceremony, then explore nearby festival markets for fresh produce. For those seeking rural authenticity, consider visiting provincial farms, where similar events provide a deeper connection to Cambodia’s agricultural heartland and everyday village life.

Other notable events and emerging festivals in Cambodia

Beyond the classics, Cambodia hosts modern events like the Angkor Photo Festival (November), showcasing global photography amid temples. The Giant Puppet Parade in Siem Reap (February) features massive handmade puppets, promoting creativity.

For adventure seekers, the Angkor Half Marathon in December combines fitness with heritage, running past ancient ruins. These add variety to your itinerary.

Plan your adventure in Cambodia during its most enchanting festivals

Cambodia’s festivals is really something special. Often spiritual and tradition-heavy affairs with a focus on coming together with family and as a community, the layered meaning of these festivals can be difficult to understand. But for cultural enthusiasts, Cambodia’s festivals and holidays are a testament to its enduring spirit. Whether seeking spiritual solace, historical depth, or joyful revelry, these events invite you to discover the magic of the Khmer kingdom. Pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let Cambodia’s cultural vibrancy ignite your passion for travel. Your next adventure awaits in this land of wonders.

Read more: Did You Know About Top 6 Must-visit Temples in Cambodia?