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