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The Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 5
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, locally known as Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal, is an ancient Cambodian tradition held each May to mark the start of the rice-planting and rainy season, blending sacred ritual with agricultural prediction. In 2026, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, 5 May, typically running from the morning into the afternoon (around 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at Veal Preah Meru / in front of the National Museum near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Presided over by His Majesty the King of Cambodia (or a royal representative), sacred oxen plow a ceremonial field and then choose from trays of food — their choices believed to forecast rainfall and crop success for the year. The colorful ceremony, often featuring traditional music, royal processions, and cultural performances, is a must-see for visitors interested in royal tradition and Cambodia’s deep agricultural heritage.
Next Dates:
• 2026: Tuesday, 5 May (main event)
Location: Veal Preah Meru / National Museum Park, Phnom Penh (near the Royal Palace)
Tourism Cambodia (Ministry of Tourism)
• Phone: (+855) 023 213 741
• Email: info@tourismcambodia.org, ad@tourismcambodia.org
• Website: http://tourismcambodia.org
Alternate Contact (Embassy/Ministry reference)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int’l Cooperation:
Address: No 3 Samdech Hun Sen Street, Phnom Penh
Tel: (+855) 23 214 441 Special Events Cambodia Blog