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Cambodia Official Holiday 2026
Cambodia’s Victory Day over the Genocidal Regime is celebrated annually on January 7th, commemorating the 1979 overthrow of the horrific Khmer Rouge regime by Vietnamese forces, marking the end of genocide and the beginning of national recovery, with celebrations including military parades, cultural shows, and tributes to resilience, reminding Cambodians of their journey from devastation to peace and development.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony or “Preah Reach Pithi Bonn Chrot Preah Neangkol” is one of the most significant ceremonies in Cambodia. The ritual is an ancient royal rite traditionally held in Pisak (the month of May), which marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. It is a time of the year when the dry season is over and the rainy season begins; therefore, Cambodian people start preparing their farming activities during the period.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
HM King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Preahmahaviraksat. He was born on May 14th 1953 in Phnom Penh Capital.
To mark the holiday, the King makes offerings to monks and those less fortunate in society. Many government buildings are covered in lights and pictures of the King, while people will fly the flag of Cambodia from their houses. Celebrations take place inside the Royal Palace with a fireworks display on the nearby Tonlé Sap river.
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Birthday
King Mother’s Birthday is a public holiday in Cambodia on June 18th each year.
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath was born on June 18th 1936 in Saigon, when it was part of French Indochina. Her birth name was Paule-Monique Izzi and her father was French.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
Cambodia celebrates King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day every 29 October with a public holiday. King Norodom Sihamoni has reigned over Cambodia since 2004, when his father, Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne.
Every year, Cambodians come out to celebrate the anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation with great fanfare. There are parades, fireworks, entertainment events, and cultural displays. The monarchy in Cambodia is deeply ingrained in the national history and culture, and the people show great love and adoration for the king.
Commemoration of Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk
People of Cambodia annually observe Commemoration Day of King Father on October 15. This public holiday was created after the death of Norodom Sihanouk, the father of the incumbent King of Cambodia.
Norodom Sihanouk died in Beijing on October 15, 2012 at the age of 89, 16 days before his 90th birthday anniversary. He was receiving the treatment for colon cancer, hypertension, diabetes, but he died of a heart attack.
Since 2012 people of Cambodia commemorate the late King Father on October 15. In 2013 a statue of Sinahouk was inaugurated in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
Independence Day
Every year, Independence Day is a very special and happy day for the whole nation. It portrayed the Khmer success over colonization. It is celebrated in many places around the country, and the absolutely crucial one takes place at Independence Monument (វិមានឯករាជ្យ) in Phnom Penh.
Government offices are decorated with some slogans related to the independence of Cambodia as well as light displays. At night, there is fireworks displays in the Chatomuk River (ទន្លេចតុមុខ) located in front of the Royal Palace. Because it is the holiday, there are a lot of people going out to see that event in front of the Royal Palace and Chroy Changvar area, which is opposite to the Royal Palace.
Khmer New Year in Cambodia
Khmer New Year in Cambodia is celebrated annually from April 14th to 16th. The festival lasts for three days, with each day holding specific meaning and traditions that shape the way people observe the occasion. During this time, many Cambodians travel back to their hometowns or villages to spend the festival with family. Public spaces, particularly Buddhist temples, become lively gathering spots, drawing thousands of people. Notable locations for celebrations include Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Cambodia Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
The Cambodian Water Festival, also named Bon Om Touk, has its roots dating back to the Khmer Dynasty in the 12th century. It happened under the reign of King Preah Bat Jayavarman VII, who commanded a formidable fleet. The water festival was organized to commemorate the Cham’s loss and local people believed to be the shelter of gods and nature, bringing favors to fishermen and farmers and thus giving back.
