Good to know
Good to Know
- Khmer New Year (April) and Water Festival (November) are the two largest annual celebrations in Siem Reap; book travel and lodging well in advance.
- Most events are centered at Angkor Archaeological Park or Siem Reap River; easily accessible from city center.
- All major festivals require small cash in Cambodian Riel; card readers are rare at street events.
- Temple-based ceremonies require covered shoulders and respectful behavior; women should avoid revealing clothing.
- During Khmer New Year, many businesses close as locals return to hometowns; plan accordingly.
- Tuk-tuk rates increase significantly (triple or more) during evening festival events after 10pm; agree on fare before boarding.
- Festivals attract large crowds; arrive early to secure good viewing spots, especially for river-based events.
- Most festivals are outdoor, riverside, or temple-based; bring sun protection and comfortable footwear.
Events
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
- Significance
- Cambodia's most important annual holiday, marking the end of harvest season and beginning of rainy season. Deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions.
- Visitor Note
- Book accommodation 3 months in advance; many local businesses close; temple ceremonies require covered shoulders. Small cash in local currency needed for street activities.
- Cultural Context
- Cambodians reunite with families and celebrate cleansing of past misfortunes, welcoming new fortune. Festival blends Buddhist rituals with modern celebrations.
Timing
- Dates
- April 14–16, 2026 (official holiday); April 13–16, 2026 (Siem Reap city celebrations)
- Season
- April
- Lunar Based
- Yes
Key Experiences
- Traditional games (Chhoung, Tek Khmao, clay pot breaking)
- Temple visits for merit-making and offerings to monks
- Water-related activities (though water splashing heavily restricted in 2026)
- Evening riverside parties and performances
- Food festivals and local cuisine
Siem Reap Specifics
- Riverside celebrations organized in zones A–F along the Siem Reap River
- Boat races at CPP Provincial Office on April 14–15
- Temple ceremonies including bathing of Buddha statues on April 16
- Traditional games and folk performances throughout city center
- Angkor Archaeological Park filled with Khmer families and cultural activities
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
- Significance
- Commemorates reversal of Tonle Sap River flow at end of monsoon season and marks start of fishing season. Based on 15th-century legend of naga serpent king.
- Visitor Note
- Claim riverside curb space by 2pm; tuk-tuk rates triple after 10pm; carry small cash notes.
- Cultural Context
- Celebrates the role of water in Cambodian culture and the ecological significance of the Tonle Sap's seasonal reversal. Deeply spiritual tradition honoring ancestral legends.
Timing
- Dates
- October–November (full moon of Buddhist month Kadeuk; typically early November)
- Season
- End of monsoon season
- Lunar Based
- Yes
Key Experiences
- Elaborate longboat races with 40+ paddlers per boat
- Floating lantern lighting ceremony on the river
- Illuminated boat parades with Buddhist symbols and mythical creatures
- Moon worship rituals and water ceremonies
- Street food vendors, live music, fireworks
Siem Reap Specifics
- Dragon boat races on Siem Reap River featuring traditional Cambodian pirogue boats
- Races typically over 2–3 days with boat blessing ceremony at 3pm on Day 1 and competitive races at 8am–3pm on Day 2
- Closing ceremony around 5pm; floating lantern ceremony at 11pm
- Best viewing at Old French Quarter riverside and Wat Bo neighbourhood
- Cultural performances at various venues around town
Pchum Ben (Ancestors Festival)
- Significance
- Buddhist and ancestral worship festival where Cambodians pay respect to deceased ancestors with offerings and ceremonies over 15 days.
- Visitor Note
- Dress conservatively for temple visits; covered shoulders required. Many locals away visiting hometowns and families.
- Cultural Context
- Spiritually significant time blending Buddhism with ancestral veneration. Reflects Cambodia's respect for family heritage and connection to deceased loved ones.
Timing
- Dates
- September–October (15-day festival; final 3 days are Oct 8–10 in 2023 cycle)
- Season
- September–October
- Lunar Based
- Yes
Key Experiences
- Temple visits and merit offerings
- Traditional ceremonies honoring ancestral spirits
- Community gatherings and family meals at pagodas
- Candlelit vigils at sacred temple sites
Siem Reap Specifics
- Candlelit processions at Angkor temples and pagodas
- Sand mound building ceremonies at temples
- Merit-making at pagodas with food offerings to monks
- Evening temple ceremonies with chanting and incense
Visak Bochea (Buddha's Birthday)
- Significance
- Sacred Buddhist holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
- Visitor Note
- Temple visits require covered shoulders and respectful dress.
- Cultural Context
- Deeply spiritual Buddhist observance centered on temple-based devotion and community merit-making.
Timing
- Dates
- May (typically mid-May, varies by lunar calendar)
- Season
- May–June
- Lunar Based
- Yes
Key Experiences
- Candlelit temple processions
- Offerings to monks and statues
- Merit-making and prayers
- Evening temple gatherings
Siem Reap Specifics
- Candlelight processions at Angkor Wat and major temples
- Merit-making ceremonies at pagodas
- Temple blessings and rituals
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Siem Reap
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.