Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

31 May

This event celebrates the arrival of the ploughing season, with the use of `sacred cows' led by Brahmin priests to predict the coming year's harvest.

Chaul Chhnam  (Cambodian New Year)

13 - 15 April

Equivalent to the Songkran celebrations in Thailand, the Chaul Chhnam celebrates the end of the harvest season in Cambodia. Offerings are made at the temples & the streets are brightly lit during this time, with plenty of entertainment all around.

Bonn Phchum Ben Day

28 - 30 September

This annual festival is held at the Silver Pagoda to honour & remember the dead. It lasts for 15 days, with various offerings given to Buddhist monks. On the final day of the festival, which usually falls on a full moon, families will head for the temples to make offerings to their deceased relatives.

King Sihanouk's Birthday

30 Oct - 1 Nov

This is the only day where the Royal Palace is open to the public, as the nation celebrates the King's birthday with various entertainment & firework displays.

Water Festival

11 - 13 November

One of the biggest & most extravagant festivals in Cambodia, this annual event held at the banks of the Mekong River celebrates the changing flow of the river current over 3 days filled with boat races & festivities.

Festival of the Reversing Current (Bon Om Tuk)

Mid November (tba)

Usually held over a full moon, this festival signifies the changing current of the Tonle Sap river, which switches direction - flowing in the opposite direction - in November each year. A colourful procession of boats as well as boat races are held during this event.

Angkor Festival

Mid December (tba)

A festival showcasing the best of Asia performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop, with theatrical interpretations of great epic stories from myths & legends, national dance performances and other cultural shows.