Make sure you know all the official public holidays in Cambodia for 2024 so that you can plan your rest and celebrate properly. Check out the official holidays below for all employees and civil servants:
January 1
International New Year’s Day
While Cambodia has a different celebration for the Khmer New Year, the international New Year’s Day every January 1 is also celebrated here.
January 7
Victory Day over Genocide
Every January 7 marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime that occurred on the same day back in 1979. This holiday is commonly known as Victory Day over Genocide or Cambodian Victory Day.
March 8
International Women’s Day
Every March 8, numerous countries around the world including Cambodia, recognizes and celebrates everything that women have done to contribute to society. This includes achievements in these areas: social, culture, economy, and politics. Commonly, the colors used to celebrate this holiday are white, purple, and green.
April 14, 15, 16
Khmer New Year
Closely following the Khmer calendar, the Khmer New Year spans each year for three days. This usually starts every April 13 or 14.
May 1
International Labor Day
Every May 1, there is a global celebration and recognition of all employees’ labor around the world. Generally, it’s celebrated with a parade and other festivities.
May 14
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
May 14 has been declared a public national holiday to celebrate the Royal Birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
May 22
Visak Bochea Day
The Visak Bochea Day is celebrated yearly to celebrate the three main events in Buddha’s life which are his birth, enlightenment and death (also known as nirvana). The date of celebration varies annually since it depends on the Gregorian calendar but it’s typically held in May.
May 26
Royal Plowing Ceremony
One of the biggest events in Cambodia yearly is the Royal Plowing Ceremony which commemorates the beginning of the planting season. It’s also commonly known as Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal in Khmer.
June 18
Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday
June 18 has been declared a public national holiday to celebrate the Royal Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
September 24
Constitutional Day
Every September 24 is a national public holiday to commemorate the day when the constitution was signed by the late King Norodom Sihanouk in 1993.
October 1, 2, 3
Pchum Ben Festival
Every year, a festival to celebrate and remember your ancestors is held in Cambodia for three days. This is known as Pchum Ben Festival or Ancestors’ Day.
October 15
Day in Honor of the Late King Father
Every year since the late King Norodom Sihanouk passed, the day of his death has been declared as a national public holiday to commemorate him. This day is known fully as the Commemoration Day to the Royal Soul of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Preahmahaviraksat, King-Father of the Cambodian National Independence, Territorial Integrity and Unity.
October 29
Coronation Day of King Sihamoni
Since the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni, his coronation day has been celebrated annually. Typically, the celebration consists of a variety of parades, fireworks, and more.
November 9
National Independence Day
November 9 is celebrated in Cambodia as the National Independence Day. This is to commemorate the time that Cambodia became independent from France in 1953.
November 14, 15, 16
Royal Water Festival
Every year when the Mekong river and Tonle Sap river reverses their water flows it is celebrated as a three day festival known as the Royal Water Festival. Water shows, live music and boat races are commonplace during this celebration.
KH