Cambodia’s big holidays change the rhythm of the city. Some bring huge crowds to the Riverside; others empty Phnom Penh as families travel home. Here is what to expect.
Khmer New Year — mid-April
The most important holiday of the year, over three days in mid-April. Many Phnom Penh families go back to their home provinces, but the nightlife zone celebrates: the community’s Sangkran on Street 136 brings water, music and dancing to the street. Expect to get wet, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
Pchum Ben — September or October
A fifteen-day festival honouring ancestors, ending with three public holidays. It is a family and temple time: the city is quieter and some venues close or shorten their hours. Check the venue page before you go.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) — November
Held around the November full moon, when boat races take place on the river in front of the Royal Palace. When the races are held, the Riverside is one of the busiest places in the country — plan your transport early.
Chinese New Year — January or February
Not an official holiday, but widely celebrated in Phnom Penh with lion dances, red lanterns and family dinners.
The New Year countdown — 31 December
The community’s Phnom Penh Never Sleeps countdown on Street 136 and Street 5 is the zone’s biggest party of the year. See the Events page for this year’s dates and line-up.
Dates for Khmer holidays follow the lunar calendar and change each year — the Events page always has the current ones.