Enjoy Cambodian New Year as a Tourist

Cambodian New Year, known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is celebrated each April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional Khmer New Year.

Visitors can attend temple ceremonies, watch cultural performances, take part in local games, try Cambodian food and observe public celebrations. Events are held across the country, including in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang.

Why Visit During Cambodian New Year?

Cambodian New Year Traditional Sack Race

Cambodian New Year is usually observed over three days in mid-April. Celebrations may include:

  • Religious ceremonies at pagodas
  • Traditional Khmer games
  • Music and dance performances
  • Cultural events in public spaces
  • Food stalls and community gatherings

The festival allows travellers to observe Khmer traditions and take part in celebrations held across Cambodia.

Alt: Cambodian New Year traditional sack race

What Makes It Special?

Cambodian New Year marks the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year in the traditional Khmer calendar. The occasion brings families back to their hometowns and strengthens community ties, with pagodas often serving as central gathering places. 

Expected dates: April 14–16

Best places for first-time visitors

  • Siem Reap: Large cultural celebrations near Angkor.
  • Phnom Penh: Major public events and performances.
  • Battambang: Traditional games, food and cultural activities.
  • Kampot: Smaller celebrations in a quieter setting.

Top Places to Celebrate

Siem Reap

Tourists At Angkor Wat Cambodia

  • Best for: First-time visitors and large celebrations.
  • Morning: Visit the Angkor temples before the busiest part of the day.
  • Daytime: Attend cultural and recreational activities in Siem Reap City and around the Angkor area.
  • Evening: Check the annual program for performances, concerts, and other public events.

Don’t miss: The New Year activities organised around Siem Reap and Angkor. The programme varies each year. Siem Reap hosted extensive city and Angkor-area activities during the 2026 holiday.

Phnom Penh

New Year Performance At Phnom Penh

  • Best for: Large public celebrations
  • Morning: Visit Wat Phnom for religious and cultural activities.
  • Daytime: Watch traditional games and performances and visit Khmer food or product stalls.
  • Evening: Explore designated public celebration areas and walk streets and concert venues when scheduled.

Don’t miss: Events around Wat Phnom and central Phnom Penh. In 2026, the official programme included Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walk Street, the Night Market, and several concert areas.

Battambang

Khmer New Year Battambang

  • Best for: Traditional culture and local food
  • Morning: Visit a local pagoda and observe New Year customs respectfully.
  • Daytime: Attend traditional games and local food exhibitions
  • Evening: Watch arts or cultural performances included in the provincial programme.

Don’t miss: Battambang’s local food displays. Its 2026 Sankranta programme included traditional games, food exhibitions, and arts performances.

Kampot

Kampot New Year Pagoda Gathering

  • Best for: A quieter holiday stay
  • Morning: Visit a local pagoda or explore the nearby countryside.
  • Daytime: Attend community activities if they are included in the provincial New Year programme.
  • Evening: Walk along the riverfront or watch the sunset as a separate leisure activity.

Don’t miss: Check Kampot’s current provincial programme before travelling, as organised New Year events can differ each year.

Important Note: Festival programmes, venues and performance times vary each year. Confirm the current schedule with provincial authorities or official tourism sources before travelling.

What Tourists Should Expect

1. Plan Transport and Accommodation Early

Cambodian New Year is a busy travel period because many residents return to their hometowns. Buses, domestic flights and accommodation in popular destinations may fill quickly.

Pro tip: Reserve transport and accommodation several weeks in advance. Booking three to four weeks ahead may be helpful for popular routes and cities.

2. Prepare for Hot Weather

April is one of Cambodia’s hottest months.

Common daytime temperatures: 32-38°C

Pro Tip: Drink water regularly and take breaks from direct sunlight.

3. Expect Water Throwing in Some Areas

Water throwing may occur in certain public celebration areas, including parts of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. However, it should not be presented as part of every Cambodian New Year celebration, and local rules may vary.

Pro tip: Protect your phone, passport and other valuables with a waterproof bag, and follow instructions from local authorities or event organisers.

A Sample 7-Day New Year Itinerary

Day

Suggested plan

Day 1

Arrive, check in and confirm the local festival programme.

Day 2

Visit nearby landmarks and prepare for the holiday period.

Day 3

Visit a pagoda and attend cultural activities.

Day 4

Watch traditional games and explore food stalls.

Day 5

Attend scheduled performances and public celebrations.

Day 6

Explore local attractions, markets or the countryside.

Day 7

Complete final sightseeing and depart.

Practical Travel Tips

Book hotels early

Popular areas sell out quickly

Carry small cash

Useful for markets and local transport

Dress modestly 

When visiting temples

Use waterproof protection

For phones and cameras

Stay hydrated

April heat can be intense

Be respectful

During religious ceremonies

Content Disclaimer: Festival dates, programmes, venues, transport and local activities may change. Confirm current details with official Cambodian tourism or provincial sources before travelling.

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Enjoy Cambodian New Year as a Tourist

Cambodian New Year, known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is celebrated each April. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional Khmer New Year. Visitors can attend temple ceremonies, watch cultural performances, take part in local games, try Cambodian food and observe public celebrations. Events are held across the country, including in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. Why Visit During Cambodian New Year? Cambodian New Year is usually observed over three days in mid-April. Celebrations may include: Religious ceremonies at pagodas Traditional Khmer games Music and dance performances Cultural events in public spaces Food stalls and community gatherings The festival allows travellers to observe Khmer traditions and take part in celebrations held across Cambodia. Alt: Cambodian New Year traditional sack race What Makes It Special? Cambodian New Year marks the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year in the traditional Khmer calendar. The occasion brings families back to their hometowns and strengthens community ties, with pagodas often serving as central gathering places.  Expected dates: April 14–16 Best places for first-time visitors Siem Reap: Large cultural celebrations near Angkor. Phnom Penh: Major public events and performances. Battambang: Traditional games, food and cultural activities. Kampot: Smaller celebrations in a quieter setting. Top Places to Celebrate Siem Reap Best for: First-time visitors and large celebrations. Morning: Visit the Angkor temples before the busiest part of the day. Daytime: Attend cultural and recreational activities in Siem Reap City and around the Angkor area. Evening: Check the annual program for performances, concerts, and other public events. Don’t miss: The New Year activities organised around Siem Reap and Angkor. The programme varies each year. Siem Reap hosted extensive city and Angkor-area activities during the 2026 holiday. Phnom Penh Best for: Large public celebrations Morning: Visit Wat Phnom for religious and cultural activities. Daytime: Watch traditional games and performances and visit Khmer food or product stalls. Evening: Explore designated public celebration areas and walk streets and concert venues when scheduled. Don’t miss: Events around Wat Phnom and central Phnom Penh. In 2026, the official programme included Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walk Street, the Night Market, and several concert areas. Battambang Best for: Traditional culture and local food Morning: Visit a local pagoda and observe New Year customs respectfully. Daytime: Attend traditional games and local food exhibitions Evening: Watch arts or cultural performances included in the provincial programme. Don’t miss: Battambang’s local food displays. Its 2026 Sankranta programme included traditional games, food exhibitions, and arts performances. Kampot Best for: A quieter holiday stay Morning: Visit a local pagoda or explore the nearby countryside. Daytime: Attend community activities if they are included in the provincial New Year programme. Evening: Walk along the riverfront or watch the sunset as a separate leisure activity. Don’t miss: Check Kampot’s current provincial programme before travelling, as organised New Year events can differ each year. Important Note: Festival programmes, venues and performance times vary each year. Confirm the current schedule with provincial authorities or official tourism sources before travelling. What Tourists Should Expect 1. Plan Transport and Accommodation Early Cambodian New Year is a busy travel period because many residents return to their hometowns. Buses, domestic flights and accommodation in popular destinations may fill quickly. Pro tip: Reserve transport and accommodation several weeks in advance. Booking three to four weeks ahead may be helpful for popular routes and cities. 2. Prepare for Hot Weather April is one of Cambodia’s hottest months. Common daytime temperatures: 32-38°C Pro Tip: Drink water regularly and take breaks from direct sunlight. 3. Expect Water Throwing in Some Areas Water throwing may occur in certain public celebration areas, including parts of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. However, it should not be presented as part of every Cambodian New Year celebration, and local rules may vary. Pro tip: Protect your phone, passport and other valuables with a waterproof bag, and follow instructions from local authorities or event organisers. A Sample 7-Day New Year Itinerary Day Suggested plan Day 1 Arrive, check in and confirm the local festival programme. Day 2 Visit nearby landmarks and prepare for the holiday period. Day 3 Visit a pagoda and attend cultural activities. Day 4 Watch traditional games and explore food stalls. Day 5 Attend scheduled performances and public celebrations. Day 6 Explore local attractions, markets or the countryside. Day 7 Complete final sightseeing and depart. Practical Travel Tips Book hotels early Popular areas sell out quickly Carry small cash Useful for markets and local transport Dress modestly  When visiting temples Use waterproof protection For phones and cameras Stay hydrated April heat can be intense Be respectful During religious ceremonies Content Disclaimer: Festival dates, programmes, venues, transport and local activities may change. Confirm current details with official Cambodian tourism or provincial sources before travelling.
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