Festivals & events
Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.
Khmer New Year
Closures
Apr
Three-day new year (mid-April). Cities empty as locals head home; many shops and services close.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Ancient royal rite in Phnom Penh marking the start of the planting season. Usually May.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
Closures
Sep–Oct · approximate dates
Fifteen days honouring ancestors; Phnom Penh empties as people return to home provinces. Lunar dates, Sep–Oct.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
Book ahead
Nov · approximate dates
Boat races on the Tonlé Sap draw huge crowds to Phnom Penh. Lunar dates, usually November.
