The vitality of 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 for foreigners to grasp. We’ve compiled a list of the key occasions to keep in mind when planning your travels in Cambodia:
- Khmer New Year
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony
- Pchum Ben
- Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
- Kampot Readers and Writers Festival
1. Khmer New Year - April
Avoid travelling during this time if you can. The country closes down almost entirely as locals head to the provinces to celebrate with extended family. The only reason to travel in Cambodia during this time is if you have an 'in' with a local who can score you an invite to their family home. Dates change annually according to the lunar calendar.
2. Royal Ploughing Ceremony - May
During this ancient festival, oxen are let loose on a variety of foodstuffs and what they eat is closely observed and analysed by the Royal Palace astrologers, who are Brahmin priests. The priests then predict the outcomes of the next year’s harvest for a number of important crops. While not all Cambodians take the prediction seriously (many will openly scoff at the prophecies) the pageantry draws a respectable audience in person and when played on television. The exact date and location change every year.
3. Pchum Ben - September
This 15-day festival is for honouring the dead and making sure they don’t return to feast upon the pus and blood (yes, it is that specific) of the living. Many Cambodians living and working in Phnom Penh head to the provinces and devotees descend on Cambodia’s wats with offerings of food and cash for monks and beggars. Unlike Khmer New Year, however, things keep operating. If you are in Cambodia during this time, head to a wat (temple) for an interesting look at a unique tradition.
4. Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) - November
When it’s not cancelled due to drought (which is pretty common) the Water Festival draws millions of Cambodians to the banks of Phnom Penh’s Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers to watch traditional boat races. Be prepared for the city’s already crowded streets to reach new heights of congestion. Security and crowd control have improved slightly since the deaths of 353 people during a stampede at the festival in 2010, but this is still a fairly chaotic event. Don’t expect to be able to get in – or out – of the capital with ease in the days before or after the festival.
5. Kampot Readers and Writers Festival - November
While it hasn’t operated every year since its inauguration, the Kampot Readers and Writers Festival is definitely worth checking out if it coincides with your visit. The cafes, bars and sidewalks of this sleepy town make a tranquil setting for the literary festival, which features performances, workshops and discussions by Cambodian and foreign artists.
You can find a comprehensive, up-to-date rundown of Cambodia’s public holidays at World Travel Guide.
Click to return to Cambodia FAQs
Our tours in Cambodia
18 Days
From
1824
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
9 Days
From
803
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
6 Days
From
1234
Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...
6 Days
From
1044
Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...
13 Days
From
3625
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
18 Days
From
2093
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
20 Days
From
4765
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
14 Days
From
1399
See the Best of Cambodia on a trip from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, via the...
12 Days
From
840
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....
9 Days
From
770
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Explore the temples of...
24 Days
From
6715
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
13 Days
From
2741
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
9 Days
From
1110
See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...
30 Days
From
4215
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
22 Days
From
1800
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
897
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...
9 Days
From
634
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
1972
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...
26 Days
From
1621
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
12 Days
From
892
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
9 Days
From
1144
Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...
13 Days
From
2375
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
2259
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
3580
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
1747
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
3785
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
8 Days
From
1055
Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...
20 Days
From
3005
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
4420
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
