Khmer New Year, also known as Chaul Chnam Thmey (ចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី), is Cambodia’s most important traditional celebration, marking the beginning of the traditional solar new year. Celebrated nationwide, the festival is a time for renewal, gratitude, and togetherness, featuring Buddhist ceremonies at pagodas, traditional games, cultural performances, music, and joyful community gatherings. Families honor elders, make...
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...
Cambodia King’s Birthday Show (Celebration Overview) The celebration of King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday is one of the most vibrant and meaningful national events in Cambodia. Held annually in May, this multi-day celebration honors Norodom Sihamoni with a blend of cultural pride, tradition, and public festivity. The “show” aspect of the celebration typically features grand performances...
Pchum Ben, also known as Ancestors’ Day, is a deeply spiritual 15-day Cambodian Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring deceased relatives up to seven generations back. During this time, Cambodians believe the gates of hell open, allowing ancestor spirits to visit the living, and families gather at pagodas across Cambodia to make food offerings to monks,...
Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk Memorial Day is observed every year in Cambodia to honor the memory and achievements of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, one of the country’s most respected leaders. King Sihanouk played a major role in Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and guided the nation through decades of political and cultural change....