Phnom Penh: Events

Chinese New Year (late January or early February) is big in Phnom Penh and dragon dances take place all over the city. Chaul Chnam, the Khmer New Year, takes place in mid-April and sees the capital grind to a halt for a massive celebration. Big crowds congregate at Wat Phnom, but women might want to watch out for the over-eager attention of young gangs of males. Chat Preah Nengkal, an agricultural celebration, includes the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and takes place in front of the National Museum during late May. The royal oxen are said to have a nose for whether it will be a good harvest or a bad one. Boat races are held on the Tonlé Sap river, and up to two million people flood the capital for fun and frolics in late October or November, for the Bon Om Tuk (Water Festival). This time of year it's very hectic on the riverfront, so book ahead for accommodation.

The festivals of Cambodia take place according to the lunar calendar so the dates vary from year to year.