1. Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) – April

The Vibe: Pure, joyous chaos! This is Cambodia’s biggest holiday, and the entire nation erupts into a three-day celebration. Think lively street games, music blasting, and the most fun you’ll ever have getting soaked. It’s like a national water fight, where you wash away the bad luck of the old year with buckets of laughter and goodwill.

2. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – November

The Vibe: A spectacular riverside party. This is arguably the biggest crowd-pleaser, celebrating the incredible seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River. The drums are pounding as enormous, decorated long-boats race down the Mekong, manned by dozens of athletes. The riverside turns into a massive party with food stalls and fireworks exploding overhead—it’s a visual feast!

3. Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) – September/October

The Vibe: Deeply moving and sacred. While less of a street party, this is a profound 15-day religious observance. It’s a sacred time when families reconnect with their lineage and feed the hungry ghosts. Watching families prepare those special food offerings for monks and the departed at the pagodas is a truly beautiful, quiet cultural experience.

4. Angkor Festival – December

The Vibe: History coming alive. Imagine traditional performances, like the elegant Apsara dance, set against the epic, ancient stones of Angkor Wat itself. It’s a phenomenal cultural showcase that uses one of the world’s most incredible backdrops. Pure magic.

5. Independence Day – November 9

The Vibe: National pride on full display. This day commemorates Cambodia’s freedom, and you’ll feel the palpable sense of patriotism, especially in Phnom Penh. Expect grand parades, official ceremonies, and a beautiful royal presence that makes you appreciate the nation’s history.

6. Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkol) – May

The Vibe: Ancient tradition meets farming luck. Held at the start of the planting season, this highly symbolic ritual uses royal oxen to predict the success of the upcoming rice harvest. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the deep connection between the monarchy and the agrarian lifeblood of the country.

7. Sea Festival – December/January

The Vibe: Time to hit the coast! If you need a break from temples, head to the seaside provinces for this one. Think golden beaches, sand between your toes, crazy water sports competitions, and absolutely tons of incredible, fresh-off-the-boat seafood. It’s a coastal carnival!

8. Fruit Festival – June

The Vibe: A sensory overload for foodies. Cambodia’s rich agricultural bounty is celebrated here. Get ready for vibrant displays of tropical fruits (hello, Durian!), tasting stalls, and friendly, local farming contests. If you love fresh, juicy produce, this is heaven.

9. Pagoda Festivals (Bon Phum) – Various Dates

The Vibe: The ultimate local experience. These are the spontaneous, hyper-local temple celebrations that pop up throughout the year. They are the best places to hear traditional Khmer music, try home-cooked food, and join a spontaneous community dance (you’ll be welcomed!).

10. Full Moon Festival (Meak Bochea Day) – February

The Vibe: Peaceful and luminous. This is a highly revered Buddhist ceremony held under the spectacular glow of the full moon. Head to a temple to witness the silent contemplation and the beautiful candle-lit processions of monks and devotees affirming their faith. It’s a truly peaceful and spiritual end to the list.