Cambopedia

Rediscover Cambodia

Category: Blog

a local travel blog dedicated to guiding you through the heart of Cambodia

  • Public holidays in Cambodia

    Cambodia has a number of public holidays throughout the year, many of which are religious or cultural in nature. If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, it is important to be aware of the public holidays, as many businesses and government offices may be closed on these days.

    Cambodia public holidays in 2025

    1. January 1: International New Year’s Day
    2. January 7: Victory Over Genocide Day
    3. March 8: International Women’s Day
    4. April 13-16: Khmer New Year
    5. April 22: Royal Plowing Ceremony
    6. April 24: Visak Bochea Day
    7. May 1: International Labor Day
    8. May 13-15: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
    9. May 19: King’s Father, King Norodom Sihanouk’s Birthday (Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh)
    10. June 18: Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday
    11. September 24: Constitution Day
    12. October 5-7: Pchum Ben Day
    13. October 15: Commemoration Day of King Norodom Sihanouk
    14. October 23: Paris Peace Agreement Day
    15. October 29: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
    16. November 9: Independence Day
    17. November 14-16: Water Festival (Bonn Om Touk)
    18. December 10: International Human Rights Day

    The most important public holidays in Cambodia

    Khmer New Year (Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei): This is the most important holiday in Cambodia, and is celebrated over three days in April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year.

    Water Festival (Bon Om Touk): This festival is celebrated in November, and coincides with the full moon. It is a time for Cambodians to celebrate the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season.

    Pchum Ben: This is a 15-day festival that is celebrated in September or October. It is a time for Cambodians to pay their respects to their ancestors.

    Royal Ploughing Ceremony: This ceremony is held in May, and is a traditional way to mark the beginning of the planting season.

    Independence Day: This holiday is celebrated on November 9, and marks the day that Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953.

    In addition to these major holidays, there are also a number of other public holidays in Cambodia, such as:

    New Year’s Day (January 1): This is a global holiday that is celebrated in Cambodia.

    International Women’s Day (March 8): This is a global holiday that is celebrated in Cambodia to honor women’s achievements.

    Victory over Genocide Day (January 7): This holiday commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

    How many public holidays does Cambodia have? It depends. In 2023, the number of days off are less as the holidays coincide with the weekends.

    The most important holiday of the year is Khmer New Year (Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei in Khmer) in mid April.

    This is a complete list of Cambodia’s national public holidays in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 (from ministry of labor). The day(s) off is/are meant for government officials, although businesses have to observe these national holidays. Cambodian people enjoy about 20 days of public holidays in Cambodia, probably more than other countries in the world.

    [Books about Cambodia](https://cambopedia.com/best-books-about-cambodia/)

    Public holidays in Cambodia in 2024

    Please note that these dates are subject to change, so it is always best to check with the Cambodian government or a local source for the most up-to-date information.

    New Year’s Day – January 1

    Victory over Genocide Day – January 7

    International Women’s Day – March 8

    Khmer New Year – April 14, 15, 16, 17

    International Labour Day – May 1

    King’s Birthday – May 13, 14

    Royal Plowing Ceremony – May 20

    Visak Bochea Day – May 22, 23

    Constitution Day – September 24

    Ancestors’ Day – October 1, 2, 3

    Commemoration Day of King’s Father – October 15

    Independence Day – November 9

    Water Festival – November 14, 15, 16

  • Things to do when in Phnom Penh

    Things to do when in Phnom Penh

    If you’re coming to Phnom Penh for the first time and wondering about how to spend your time wisely, this post is all about things you can do in this capital city of Cambodia. But remember that I’m a local resident. So it’s pretty much from my perspectives and experience as a Phnom Penher. Founded in 1372, Cambodia’s largest city is known for its historical architecture and attractions. Also known as the Pearl of Asia or Paris of the East, I think it really matters when it comes to how many days you’ve got when visiting Phnom Penh. But, you can decide things you want to do based on your preference. I’ll try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions like: free things to do or unusual to do in Phnom Penh.

    Discovering Cambodia’s financial history at Sosoro Museum

    How to stay safe in Phnom Penh

    What to do when in Phnom Penh?

    Relaxation

    Stressing out? You should take care of body and mind. How about floating effortlessly on a bed of water that has been saturated with over a thousand pounds of Epsom salt? You can have a regular float practice at Floating Phnom Penh. According its founder, “floating is about sensory deprivation, getting away from all the external ‘noise’ and having a very peaceful environment which can be very relaxing and reinvigorating.” He added that “it’s the first one in the Cambodian city of Phnom Penh.”

    Shopping in Phnom Penh?

    Shopping? If you love shopping, these are shops, markets, shopping malls in Phnom Penh, and tips, and what you should know. Believe it or not, Phnom Penh is a new city of shopping malls in Asia. But Phsar Thmey (New Market or Central Market) is Phnom Penh’s best market to see. Its unique architecture is marvelous.

    Some historical places in Phnom Penh to visit:

    Common tourist spots: Royal Palace, Cambodia National Museum, Choeung Ek, Tuol Sleng Museum

    Arts in Phnom Penh?

    Nation Museum

    Cambodian Living Arts, Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center, ArtSpace at the Factory Phnom Penh

    NOWHERE is an independent artist-run space to learn, collaborate & inspire in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

    The Royal University of Fine Arts

    YK Art House

    Meta House Art Cafe

    Pagoda or Buddhist temples

    Unusual things to try (and why not?)

    Eat what the locals eat

    If you have a Cambodian friend. You should try at least once to have him or her taking you attend a Khmer wedding ceremony and reception. Try the dishes served at the wedding reception. It’s not daily meal you find everyday in a Phnom Penh restaurant.

    Street food to eat when Phnom Penh

    Just like other major cities, street food is common and popular among locals. Should you try? Why not? Cheap and goood, you should try a variety of things when you stumble upon.

    Hang out where the local do

    There are some hidden places you cannot find on expats’ online guide. Make friends with the locals is the way to go.

    Visit a local wet market

    If you love taking photos you want to really see the ordinary lives of people, you should stroll around and inside a market. There are interesting things you don’t really find everyday.

    Best cafes for remote work in Phnom Penh

    Five things to consider doing when visiting Phnom Penh

    Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, offers a wide variety of things to see and do for visitors. From historical sites to vibrant markets, the city has something for everyone. Here are five things to consider doing when visiting Phnom Penh:

    Visit the Royal Palace

    The Royal Palace is one of the most important historical sites in the city and is home to the Cambodian king. The palace is a beautiful complex of buildings and temples that are a must-see for anyone interested in Cambodian culture and history.

    See the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum

    These sites are sobering reminders of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime and they offer a powerful insight into the recent history of Cambodia.

    Wander around the Central Market

    The Central Market, also known as Phsar Thmei, is a vibrant and bustling market that offers a wide variety of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to food and spices. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and buy some traditional Cambodian handicrafts.

    Take a boat ride on the Mekong River

    The Mekong River is one of the most iconic features of Cambodia, and taking a boat ride on it is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to experience the local culture.

    Take a cooking class

    Cambodian cuisine is delicious and diverse, taking a cooking class is a great way to learn how to make traditional Cambodian dishes, it’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the culture and the history of the country through its food.

    These are just a few of the many things to do and see when visiting Phnom Penh. The city also has many other places of interest like Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda, Independence Monument, etc, that can be added to the list. And it’s always a good idea to ask locals for recommendations, as they know the city best and can help you find hidden gems and lesser-known places to explore.

    In Phnom Penh, the charming capital city, Cheoung Ek and the S-21 prison (for those who are brave enough to delve into the country’s dark past). S-21 prison is an ideal place to visit and learn about Khmer history.

    You might want to visit the floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake. Cambodians people are typically friendly, smiley, and polite. If you’re planning a long-term stay in Cambodia, you’d be able to figure out how to enjoy the low cost of living.

    You should visit the floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake. Cambodians people are typically friendly, smiley, and polite. If you’re planning a long-term stay in Cambodia, you’d be able to figure out how to enjoy the low cost of living.

    Phnom Penh Safari Zoo

    This Phnom Penh’s first zoo is located in Prek Tasek commune, Chroy Changvar district, about 18 kilometers from Phnom Penh. The Phnom Penh Safari Park has four main areas where you can see tiger performance, crocodile performance, monkey, orangutan, and the fourth parrot performance from Africa and from other countries.

    There are many other types of animals for sightseeing and also water parks for cruises and a playground. Ticket prices $15 for for adults and $5 for children.

    A day trip to the Silk Island from Phnom Penh

    The Silk Island (or Koh Sach known among locals) has been a popular day trip for bikers and Phnom Penh visitors who want to take a break from the crowded capital city. If you want to spend a relaxing time away from Phnom Penh, you should pay a visit to this Silk Island, a local pinic place on the entire, big Koh Oknha Tei.

    Koh Oknha Tei

    While the Silk Island is more known to tourists, the name of the entire island is Koh Oknha Tei. Oknah is a honorific title given by His Majesty the King of Cambodia. Thus, the entire island is named after Oknha Tei, who a long time ago contributed greatly to this commune. So, on this Oknha Tei island, there are several more places called islands. It’s as if there are smaller islands (at least by name) on this Koh Oknha Tei.

    Silk Island or Koh Dach

    Known for being a village that makes Krama and Khmer silks (or silk weaving village), tourists get there to visit the homes of villagers who still work on this by hands. In addition to this, there are places to hang out for a drink or lunch. Unlike in Kien Svay, another local picnic site, the Khmer villagers on this Silk Island don’t market much their local produces like vegetables and fruits. As you get on and drive into the middle part of the island, you can see the green fields where corns, papayas, and mangoes.

    How to Get to the Silk Island

    It’s easy to get there. The distance from Wat Phnom to the Silk Island is about 10 km or about an hour drive. You can hire a Tuk Tuk for a day long trip or just get a PassApp driver. To across the Mekong river, there are ferries getting back and forth. Usually, it doesn’t take long to wait to catch the ferry, which cost about a dollar for a round ferry cross. When you get to the other side, you would realize that it’s a rural Cambodian village still in development. It might not be long that this small, beautiful island will be transformed into a village of village and boutique hotels.

    – 45-minute tuk-tuk from central Phnom Penh
    – Crossing the Mekong river by ferry at Prek Leap: $1 for round trip

    Chamkar Sneh (Love Farm)

    On the way to the Silk Island, there is a picnic place called Love Island (Koh Sneh). Within this small resort, visitors can take a look at the silk worms, some animals, and Khmer traditional houses. There is a small resort on the Silk Island that is called Koh Sneh. You can also order meals and sit by the riverside.

    – Entrance ticket: $1
    – Swimming: $1

    Mekong Keo Morokot Island

    There is a new resort or picnic site, Koh Mekong Keo Morokot (maybe run by a Chinese business group) on the other end of the Oknha Tey island. More about Mekong Keo Morokot when it’s officially opened (hopefully in the next few months).

    More Phnom Penh Places to Visit

    • Central Market
    • The Killing Fields
    • Independence Monument
    • National Museum
    • Night Market
    • Cruises on river side
    • Royal Palace
    • Market of Tuol Puong
    • Tuol Sleng Museum
    • Wat Phnom