Anticipating public holidays before traveling to Cambodia

With a total of 27 public holidays compared to just 11 in France, Cambodia is one of the countries with the most public holidays worldwide.

During these festive periods, daily life slows down, particularly in shops and markets. On the other hand, traveling to Cambodia during a holiday can provide a great opportunity to experience local traditions. Therefore, knowing a few key dates can be useful for your stay in Cambodia.

The Royal Family

May 14, 1953

To celebrate the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni, born on May 14, 1953, a large fireworks display is held on the banks of the Mekong River, which flows through Phnom Penh. Performances are also organized during the two-day festivities.

June 18, 1936

June 18, 1936, marks the birthday of Queen Mother Monique. This year, Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 82nd birthday. Most businesses are closed on her birthday.

September 24, 1993

This date marks the restoration of the constitutional monarchy in Cambodia. The day is now a public holiday in the kingdom.

October 15, 2012

October 15 is the commemoration of King Father Norodom Sihanouk's death (father of the current King Norodom Sihamoni), who passed away at the age of 89 in Beijing. Every year, a large celebration takes place at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in his memory.

October 29, 2004

This date marks the restoration of the constitutional monarchy in Cambodia. The day is now a public holiday in the kingdom.

Religious Holidays

Meak Bochea

Meak Bochea Day is an important Buddhist celebration celebrated in several Southeast Asian countries. This year, it fell on January 31, but the date can vary between late January and early February. Meak Bochea corresponds to the first full moon of the third Khmer lunar month. In the morning, monks receive offerings from the faithful, and later in the day, a sermon is given at temples.

(Monks gather during Meak Bochea)

Khmer New Year

Sousdey Chnam Khmer, Happy New Year! This is the most important celebration in Cambodia. The lunar New Year is celebrated for three days in mid-April, from the 13th to the 15th, or from the 14th to the 16th depending on the year. During this period, Phnom Penh empties as Cambodians head to the countryside to reunite with their families for the festivities.

(Danse traditionnelle lors du nouvel an khmer)

Visak Bochea

Visak Bochea Day celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment, making it a major celebration for the Buddhist religion. The day is dedicated to the purification of body and mind, particularly through fasting. This year, the date is April 29, falling on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month.

Pchum Ben

Pchum Ben occurs on the 15th day of the waning moon, which this year is October 8. Cambodians once again leave the capital to join their families in the provinces. This celebration honors the deceased, specifically those who have behaved poorly in their lives. They are freed from the torments of hell for 15 days and can receive food from their relatives, which is then offered through the monks.

(The monks patiently await the food prepared by the families)

Cambodian History

The Fall of the Khmer Rouge

The Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, deeply marked Cambodia's history. It was not until 1979 that they were defeated by the Vietnamese army. January 7 is celebrated as Victory Day over the genocide and the liberation of Phnom Penh.

International Women's Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day, observed in many countries worldwide, including Cambodia.

Labor Day

Celebrated in several Western countries since the late 19th century, Labor Day, which falls on May 1, is also a public holiday in Cambodia.

Paris Peace Accords

October 23, 1991, is a pivotal date in Cambodia’s history. It marks the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements, which returned sovereignty to the Khmer people under the control of the United Nations.

Independence Day

On November 9, 1953, Cambodia gained its independence. It is customary for businesses to display flags to celebrate Independence Day.

(The monument erected for Independence.)

International Human Rights Day

Another globally recognized day, December 10, International Human Rights Day, is also considered a public holiday in Cambodia.

Everyday Life

Royal Labour Day

Also known as the Sacred Plow Festival, this day is significant in the daily life of Khmers as it marks the beginning of the agricultural season with the arrival of the rainy season. This signals the start of the first plowing of the rice fields.

International Children's Day

On June 1, no specific events are organized, and only schools are closed for the day.

(Five schoolchildren from the provinces.)

Water Festival (Bon Om Teuk)

Bon Om Teuk takes place over three days before the full moon of November. This festival marks the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. Unlike most other cultural or religious festivals of the year, it is in Phnom Penh that the entire country gathers. The event includes boat races in the afternoon on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace. Each boat represents one of Cambodia’s provinces. Many people from the provinces come to the capital for this event. In the evening, fireworks are set off to conclude the festivities.