Festive holiday in Cambodia

Khemer New Year

Date: 14 - 16 April

Khmer New Year, also known as Cambodian New Year is a three-day public holiday. The celebration is based on the traditional solar New Year, and falls on the 13th or 14th of April. In Cambodia, the celebration also marks the end of the harvest before the beginning of the rainy season.

Like most New Year holidays, Khmer New Year is full of tradition and rituals. The three days of celebration each have their own name and traditions: Maha Songkran, Vanabot and Leang Saka.

King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday

Date: 13 - 15 May

The King’s Birthday is a major Cambodian holiday that allows the people of Cambodia to express their patriotism and appreciation for their progressive government.

Nation Day Of Remembrance

Date: 20 May

The 20th of May was chosen as the date of remembrance of the year 1976, that of the first mass killings during the genocide period. In Phnom Penh, people go to the nearby Choeung Ek Fields, a mass grave for the victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide, to perform Buddhist religious ceremonies. It is a somber time of remembrance of past atrocities, but by remembering those dark days, the people of Cambodia hope to be vigilant to prevent them from ever happening again.

Independence Day

Date: 09 November

Independence Day in Cambodia falls on November 9th, the day in 1953 when its independence from France was finally recognized. Cambodians celebrate their independence every year with various parades, events, and fireworks displays all across the nation. The biggest celebrations take place in the capital city of Phnom Penh, but smaller celebrations, indeed, take place across the country.

Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)

Date: 10-12 November

Bon Om Touk is a celebration of the end of the rainy season on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk. The full moon is considered to bring good luck that can lead to an abundant harvest. Bon Om Touk falls either in October or early in November.