Cambodia: Events

Chaul Chnam Chen (Lunar New Year) is celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese in late January or early February. The Chaul Chnam (Khmer New Year) celebrations bring the country to a standstill for three days in mid-April - a fair amount of water and talcum powder gets thrown around at this time, so it's a lively but noncontemplative time to visit. Chat Preah Nengkal, the Royal Ploughing Festival, takes place near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in early May. The Khmer calendar's most important festival is Bon Om Tuk in early November, celebrating Jayavarman VII's great naval victory over the Chams in 1181 and the end of the wet season - it's a very busy time to visit Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Banks, ministries and embassies are closed during all public holidays and festivals.

Public Holidays:January 1 - New Year's DayJanuary 7 - Victory Over the GenocideMarch 8 - Women's DayApril 13 - Khmer New YearMay 1 - Labour DayMay 1 - International Children's Day13-15 May - King Sihamoni's BirthdaySeptember 24 - Constitution DayOctober 23 - Paris Peace AccordsOctober 30 - King's BirthdayNovember 9 - Independence DayDecember 10 - Human Rights Day