Cambodia is a country that loves to celebrate, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the top events to check out during your visit:
Khmer New Year (mid-April): This is the biggest and most important holiday in Cambodia, with three days of festivities that include water fights, traditional games, and religious ceremonies.
Water Festival (November): Also known as Bon Om Touk, this festival celebrates the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. It includes boat races, fireworks, and other cultural performances.
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (December): Held in Siem Reap, this annual race attracts thousands of runners from around the world to run through the stunning Angkor Wat complex.
Bayon Festival (February): This festival celebrates the ancient Khmer city of Angkor Thom and includes traditional dance performances, live music, and food stalls.
Chinese New Year (January or February): With a significant Chinese population in Cambodia, this holiday is celebrated with dragon dances, lantern festivals, and other traditional Chinese customs.
Independence Day (November 9th): This national holiday celebrates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and includes parades, fireworks, and other patriotic displays.
Pchum Ben (September or October): This Buddhist holiday is a time to honor ancestors and includes offerings of food and other gifts at temples throughout the country.
Kampot Writers & Readers Festival (November): This literary festival brings together local and international authors for talks, workshops, and other events.
Angkor Photo Festival (November or December): This annual festival in Siem Reap showcases the work of photographers from around the world, with exhibitions, workshops, and portfolio reviews.
Sea Festival (December): Held in a different coastal city each year, this festival celebrates Cambodia’s maritime heritage with boat races, beach sports, and other activities.