Cambodia is set to host an exciting lineup of festivals, cultural celebrations, sports events, and international tourism activities in 2026. Released by the Ministry of Tourism Cambodia, the official 2026 event calendar aims to help travelers plan unforgettable experiences across the Kingdom.
Whether you’re visiting Phnom Penh, exploring Angkor Wat, or discovering coastal and rural destinations, here’s your month-by-month guide to Cambodia’s top events in 2026.
January 2026: New Beginnings & Cultural Traditions
The year starts with major national holidays and cultural celebrations:
- – New Year’s Day (Jan 1): A nationwide celebration with pagoda visits and blessings.
- – Victory Over the Genocidal Regime (Jan 7): A significant historical remembrance day.
- – Ultra-Trail Angkor Marathon (Jan 17–19, Siem Reap): A scenic international trail run through Angkor temples.
- – Bon Da Lien (Harvest Festival): A traditional rural festival celebrating agricultural abundance.
February 2026: Arts, Culture & Religious Events
- – Meak Bochea Day (Feb 2): A major Buddhist holy day with candlelight ceremonies.
- – Angkor Photo Festival (Feb 12–16, Siem Reap): A global photography event.
- – Giant Puppet Parade (Feb 22): A creative street spectacle.
- – Khmer Traditional Skirt Gala (Feb 24): A cultural fashion showcase.
March 2026: Festivals, Sports & Film
- – International Women’s Run (Mar 8, Phnom Penh)
- – Kep Half Marathon (Mar 8)
- – River Festival (Mar 27–29, Kratie): Celebrating river culture with performances and boat races.
- – Angkor Equinox (Mar 21–23): A rare sunrise alignment at Angkor Wat.
- – Cambodia International Film Festival (Mar 21–29): Showcasing global and local cinema.
April 2026: Khmer New Year & Cultural Highlights
- – Khmer New Year (Apr 14–16): Cambodia’s biggest celebration with water games and traditions.
- – Nokor Sangkranta (Apr 14–19): Cultural festivities highlighting Khmer identity.
- – Bonn Phum Festival: A modern reinterpretation of traditional village life.
- – Arts & Cultural Exhibitions: Featuring young Cambodian artists.
May 2026: Royal Ceremonies & Tourism Events
- – Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May 5): Marks the start of the rice-growing season.
- – King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday (May 14)
- – Visak Bochea Day (May 22): Celebrating Buddha’s life.
- – Phnom Penh Designers Week: A growing fashion and design platform.
June 2026: Sports & Royal Celebrations
- – Phnom Penh International Half Marathon (June 14): A major running event through the capital.
- – Queen Mother’s Birthday (June 18): National celebrations honoring the royal family.
July 2026: Heritage & Cultural Commemorations
- – Preah Vihear Temple Run (July 5): A unique race at a UNESCO site.
- – UNESCO Heritage Anniversaries: Celebrations at Sambor Prei Kuk and Preah Vihear temples.
August 2026: Trade & Sporting Events
- – Angkor Empire Marathon (Aug 2): Running through ancient temples.
- – CAMBO AGROTECH Expo (Aug 6–9): Showcasing agricultural innovation and technology.
September 2026: Global Tourism & Natural Phenomena
- – World Tourism Day (Sept 27, Siem Reap): Celebrating tourism with cultural showcases.
- – Angkor Equinox (Sept 21–23): Another chance to witness the iconic sunrise alignment.
- – International Travel Expos: Connecting Cambodia to global tourism markets.
October 2026: Religious Festivals & National Holidays
- – Pchum Ben (Oct 10–12): Honoring ancestors through Buddhist rituals.
- – Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk (Oct 15)
- – Coronation Day (Oct 29): Celebrating the King’s coronation.
- – Smile of Angkor Festival: Cultural performances near Angkor.
November 2026: Major Festivals & International Events
- – Independence Day (Nov 9): Nationwide celebrations.
- – 20th Francophonie Summit (Nov 14, Siem Reap): A major international event.
- – Water Festival – Bon Om Touk (Nov 23–25): Cambodia’s biggest water festival with boat races in Phnom Penh.
- – Film, Art & Circus Festivals: Including Tini Tinou Circus Festival and urban art events.
December 2026: Cultural Celebrations & Year-End Events
- – Angkor International Half Marathon (Dec 6)
- – Sea Festival (Dec, coastal provinces): Promoting beach tourism.
- – National Book Fair (Dec 17–20)
- – Celebrating Cambodia (Dec 31): Year-end cultural celebrations and performances.
- – UNESCO Cultural Heritage Days: Highlighting traditions like Krama, Chapei Dang Veng, and Bokator.
Why Visit Cambodia in 2026?
Cambodia in 2026 offers:
- – A rich mix of cultural festivals and religious traditions
- – World-class sporting events and marathons
- – Unique UNESCO heritage celebrations
- – Vibrant art, film, and design scenes
From the spiritual atmosphere of pagodas to the energy of the Water Festival, Cambodia provides year-round travel experiences for every type of visitor.
Download the Calendar from the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia:
Source: ក្រសួងទេសចរណ៍ Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia
