Cambodia festivals and events 2029: dates

Festivals and events in Cambodia in 2029: the dates of each one and what it means for your trip — celebrations, closures, high prices and when to book ahead.

Khmer New Year 2029

Closures
April 2029

Three-day new year (mid-April). Cities empty as locals head home; many shops and services close.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2029

Celebration
May 2029 · approximate dates

Ancient royal rite in Phnom Penh marking the start of the planting season. Usually May.

Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) 2029

Closures
24 Sep – 8 Oct 2029 (approx., may be a day off)

Fifteen days honouring ancestors; Phnom Penh empties as people return to home provinces. Lunar dates, Sep–Oct.

The 15 waning-moon days of the Khmer month of Photrobot (the 10th), ending on the new moon of late September or October; the last three are public holidays.

Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) 2029

Book ahead
20–22 Nov 2029 (approx., may be a day off)

Boat races on the Tonlé Sap draw huge crowds to Phnom Penh. Lunar dates, usually November.

Three days around the full moon of the Khmer month of Kadeuk (the 12th), between late October and late November.