Cambodia has 21 distinct nationwide public holiday dates in 2026, covering national commemorations, royal occasions, Buddhist festivals and traditional celebrations. Major holidays include Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Water Festival, each with three official holiday dates. International Labour Day and Visak Bochea Day share the same date in 2026. The calendar is officially published by Cambodian government authorities and includes paid holidays applicable under the country's labour framework.
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Next Public Holiday in Cambodia
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 29, 2026 | Thursday | King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Cambodia 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | International New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| January 7, 2026 | Wednesday | Victory Day over Genocide | Confirmed |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | International Women's Day | Confirmed |
| April 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Khmer New Year | Confirmed |
| April 15, 2026 | Wednesday | Khmer New Year | Confirmed |
| April 16, 2026 | Thursday | Khmer New Year | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | International Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Visak Bochea Day | Confirmed |
| May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Royal Ploughing Ceremony | Confirmed |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday | Confirmed |
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk's Birthday | Confirmed |
| September 24, 2026 | Thursday | Constitution Day | Confirmed |
| October 10, 2026 | Saturday | Pchum Ben Festival | Confirmed |
| October 11, 2026 | Sunday | Pchum Ben Festival | Confirmed |
| October 12, 2026 | Monday | Pchum Ben Festival | Confirmed |
| October 15, 2026 | Thursday | Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk | Confirmed |
| October 29, 2026 | Thursday | King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day | Confirmed |
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | National Independence Day | Confirmed |
| November 23, 2026 | Monday | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Confirmed |
| November 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Confirmed |
| November 25, 2026 | Wednesday | Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Confirmed |
| December 29, 2026 | Tuesday | Peace Day in Cambodia | Confirmed |
Cambodia's 2026 holiday schedule is established through Royal Government Sub-Decree No. 167 and Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training Prakas No. 216/25 on paid public holidays. The Ministry of Economy and Finance's official 2026 calendar provides the nationwide dates.
The calendar contains 22 holiday entries covering 21 distinct dates. International Labour Day and Visak Bochea Day coincide on 1 May, so they count as two recognized occasions but only one calendar day. No additional nationwide replacement day is included solely because two celebrations overlap.
National and Historical Holidays in Cambodia
Cambodia's national holidays commemorate independence, constitutional government, historical events and peace. These holidays recognize important milestones in the country's political development and national identity.
Victory Day over Genocide
Victory Day over Genocide is observed annually on 7 January. It commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 and is an important national remembrance day. Official ceremonies and commemorative activities recognize the suffering experienced during that period and the country's subsequent recovery.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is celebrated on 24 September each year. It marks the promulgation of Cambodia's 1993 Constitution, which established the constitutional framework of the modern Kingdom of Cambodia following the country's political transition.
National Independence Day
National Independence Day is observed annually on 9 November. It commemorates Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. National celebrations traditionally include ceremonies at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, with participation by government officials and members of the public.
Peace Day in Cambodia
Peace Day in Cambodia is observed on 29 December. The holiday commemorates the end of Cambodia's prolonged armed conflict and the restoration of peace associated with the country's late-1990s national reconciliation process. It is included in the official 2026 nationwide holiday calendar.
Khmer New Year in Cambodia 2026
Khmer New Year, known locally as Choul Chnam Thmey, is one of Cambodia's most important traditional celebrations. In 2026, the government has designated 14, 15 and 16 April as public holidays for Khmer New Year.
The festival marks the traditional beginning of a new year and is closely associated with Cambodian cultural customs and Buddhist practices. Families gather, visit pagodas, make offerings and participate in traditional games and community celebrations.
Many people travel to their home provinces during Khmer New Year, making it one of the country's busiest domestic travel periods. Transport services, accommodation providers and businesses may experience changes in demand and operating schedules.
The three officially designated holiday dates create an extended break for eligible workers. Any additional leave taken before or after Khmer New Year depends on employment arrangements rather than an automatic extension of the public holiday period.
Buddhist and Traditional Religious Holidays in Cambodia
Buddhism plays a central role in Cambodian cultural and religious life. Several nationwide public holidays are associated with Buddhist observances and traditional ceremonies that follow the Khmer lunar calendar.
Visak Bochea Day
Visak Bochea is a major Buddhist observance commemorating events traditionally associated with the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Devotees visit pagodas, offer food and participate in religious ceremonies.
In 2026, Visak Bochea Day falls on 1 May, the same date as International Labour Day. Both holidays appear in the official calendar, but their coincidence does not create two separate calendar days off.
Pchum Ben Festival
Pchum Ben is an important Cambodian Buddhist festival dedicated to remembering deceased ancestors and relatives. Families visit pagodas, present offerings to monks and participate in religious activities intended to honour previous generations.
The wider religious observance traditionally extends over approximately 15 days, while the official public holiday period covers three days. In 2026, those public holidays are 10, 11 and 12 October.
Pchum Ben is a significant family reunion period, and many Cambodians travel to their hometowns or ancestral communities to observe the festival.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known as Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkol, is a traditional royal ceremony marking the beginning of the rice-growing season. It reflects the historical importance of agriculture in Cambodia.
The ceremony includes symbolic rituals associated with agricultural production and expectations for the coming harvest. The officially scheduled 2026 public holiday falls on 5 May.
Water Festival in Cambodia 2026
The Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, is one of Cambodia's best-known annual celebrations. In 2026, the government has designated 23, 24 and 25 November as nationwide public holidays.
The festival traditionally celebrates the seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow and the importance of Cambodia's waterways. It is associated with the end of the rainy season and the country's longstanding river-based traditions.
Celebrations may include boat races, illuminated floats and gatherings near rivers and public spaces. Phnom Penh is especially associated with large Water Festival celebrations, although the scale and organization of events depend on official arrangements each year.
The three-day holiday period gives families and visitors an opportunity to participate in cultural activities. Travellers should check current transportation schedules, accommodation availability and event announcements before making plans.
Royal Public Holidays in Cambodia
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, and its official public holiday calendar includes important occasions connected with the royal family and the monarchy.
King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday
The birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni is celebrated on 14 May. The holiday recognizes the reigning monarch, who became King of Cambodia in 2004, and is associated with national respect for the monarchy.
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk's Birthday
The Queen Mother's birthday is observed on 18 June. This public holiday honours Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and her place in the country's royal history.
Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
This holiday is observed on 15 October to commemorate the passing of former King Norodom Sihanouk in 2012. It provides an occasion for national remembrance of his historical role, including his contribution to Cambodia's independence.
King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day
Coronation Day is celebrated annually on 29 October. It commemorates King Norodom Sihamoni's accession to the throne in 2004 and is an officially recognized nationwide public holiday.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Cambodia?
Yes. Cambodia's Labour Law provides for paid public holidays established by the competent government authorities. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training publishes the annual paid holiday schedule applicable to covered workers and employers.
Article 161 of Cambodia's Labour Law addresses paid public holidays and provides that work cannot normally be treated as a reason to reduce the wages due for those holidays. Other provisions regulate circumstances in which work may continue during public holidays and the applicable employee protections.
Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training Prakas No. 216/25 specifies the paid public holiday schedule for 2026, comprising 21 calendar dates. Employers should apply the relevant Labour Law provisions and official instructions when organizing work during public holidays.
Employment arrangements may vary by sector, and workers with questions about holiday work or compensation should consult their employment agreements, applicable regulations and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.
Does Cambodia Provide Substitute Holidays?
Cambodia no longer applies the former general practice of automatically granting an additional Monday holiday whenever an official public holiday falls on a Sunday.
The government discontinued that general substitution arrangement beginning in September 2021. As a result, a Sunday public holiday should not automatically be treated as creating an extra Monday holiday.
In 2026, International Women's Day falls on Sunday, 8 March, while the three-day Pchum Ben holiday period includes Saturday and Sunday. These dates remain part of the official calendar without assuming extra replacement days.
Employers and employees should follow any specifically issued government or labour ministry instructions rather than assuming that weekend holidays automatically move to another working day.
Long Weekends in Cambodia in 2026
Several public holidays in 2026 create useful opportunities for extended breaks, especially for employees who normally work Monday to Friday.
- International Labour Day and Visak Bochea: Friday, 1 May, creates a three-day weekend through Sunday, 3 May.
- Pchum Ben Festival: Saturday, 10 October, through Monday, 12 October, forms a three-day holiday period.
- National Independence Day: Monday, 9 November, creates a three-day weekend beginning Saturday, 7 November.
- Water Festival: Monday, 23 November, through Wednesday, 25 November, creates a five-day break when combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday.
Khmer New Year runs from Tuesday, 14 April, through Thursday, 16 April. Employees with available annual leave could consider taking Monday, 13 April, or Friday, 17 April, to extend their break. Those additional dates are not automatically public holidays.
These planning examples assume a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Employees working on Saturdays or under rotating schedules may have different arrangements.
Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays in Cambodia?
Bank branches may close or operate under adjusted arrangements during official Cambodian public holidays. Customers should check their bank's announced schedule before visiting a branch or arranging time-sensitive financial transactions.
The National Bank of Cambodia publishes an official holiday calendar, while individual commercial banks may issue separate operating notices.
Digital banking, ATMs and certain payment services may remain available during branch closures, although transaction processing and settlement can follow different schedules.
Are Government Offices and Schools Closed on Public Holidays?
Government offices generally close for nationwide public holidays, except where essential services, special duties or separate operating arrangements apply.
Schools and educational institutions normally take the national public holiday calendar into account when preparing their academic schedules. However, school terms, examinations and additional school-specific closures are separate from nationwide public holidays.
Students and families should consult their institution's calendar for confirmed school closure arrangements. Similarly, businesses and visitors should check administrative office hours before scheduling appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Cambodia?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Cambodia section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
How many public holidays are there in Cambodia in 2026?
Cambodia has 21 distinct nationwide public holiday dates in 2026. The official calendar recognizes 22 holiday entries because International Labour Day and Visak Bochea Day both fall on 1 May. The count includes three days each for Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Water Festival.
What is Cambodia's country code?
Cambodia's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is KH. This code is used in international databases, country identification systems and structured public holiday records.
When is Khmer New Year in Cambodia in 2026?
Khmer New Year is officially scheduled for 14, 15 and 16 April 2026. The three-day public holiday celebrates the traditional Cambodian New Year and is widely observed through family gatherings, pagoda visits and cultural activities.
When is Pchum Ben in Cambodia in 2026?
The official Pchum Ben public holidays fall on 10, 11 and 12 October 2026. The festival is dedicated to remembering ancestors and deceased relatives and is associated with Buddhist ceremonies and family gatherings.
When is the Water Festival in Cambodia in 2026?
The Water Festival public holidays are scheduled for 23, 24 and 25 November 2026. The celebration is traditionally associated with Cambodia's waterways, the Tonle Sap River and cultural activities such as boat races.
Why are Labour Day and Visak Bochea on the same date in 2026?
International Labour Day is a fixed holiday observed on 1 May, while Visak Bochea follows the Buddhist calendar. In 2026, Visak Bochea also falls on 1 May, so both recognized holidays coincide on a single calendar date.
Are public holidays paid in Cambodia?
Yes. Cambodia's Labour Law establishes paid public holidays, and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training publishes the annual paid holiday schedule. Specific rules apply to employees who are required to work during official holidays.
Does Cambodia give a replacement holiday when a public holiday falls on Sunday?
No automatic Monday replacement should be assumed. Cambodia discontinued its general Sunday substitution arrangement in 2021. Any additional day off requires an applicable official arrangement or separate authorization.
Is Peace Day an official public holiday in Cambodia?
Yes. Peace Day in Cambodia is included in the official nationwide public holiday calendar and is observed on 29 December. The holiday commemorates the country's national reconciliation and the restoration of peace following prolonged conflict.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Cambodia
- Ministry of Economy and Finance: Official Public Holiday Calendar 2026, providing the nationwide holiday dates and recognized celebrations.
- Government Annual Holiday Calendar: Annual Holiday Calendar 2026, providing an English-language government listing of the year's holiday occasions and dates.
- Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training: Official Prakas Publications, including the ministry's regulatory framework for paid public holidays and employment matters.
- National Bank of Cambodia: Official Holiday Calendar, providing holiday information relevant to the central bank's published schedule.
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