Khmer New Year, Chaul Chnam Thmey, is Cambodia’s biggest celebration: three days of temple visits, family reunions, traditional games and water-splashing in mid-April, just as the hot season peaks. Visitors are warmly welcome, and a little planning makes it a highlight of a trip.
Khmer New Year follows an astronomical calculation. For 2027 it is expected on 14 to 16 April, matching the 2026 official dates, but the government announces the official holiday each year. Check before you book transport or rooms.
The three days
Day 1
Moha Sangkran
The first day welcomes the new year. Families clean and decorate their homes, visit the temple to offer food to the monks and receive blessings, and many people wash their face, chest and feet with scented water through the day.
Day 2
Veareak Vanabat
A day of generosity and remembering ancestors. Families bring rice and food to the pagoda and listen to monks’ chants, and you may see sand mounds being built in temple grounds to ask for blessings and good luck.
Day 3
Veareak Leung Sak
Temple ceremonies continue, and people pour scented water over Buddha statues as a mark of respect and to wash away bad luck.
English spellings of the day names vary, and some customs differ between regions and families.
What visitors can expect
Phnom Penh celebrates at Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh holds some of the biggest public celebrations. At Wat Phnom, the Wat Phnom Sankranta festival brings ceremonies, performances, traditional games and lively water and talc-spraying, and more than 480,000 people were counted there on the first day in 2025. Events have also been held at the Chaktomuk pedestrian street and Wat Botum Park. Many residents do travel to their home provinces, and many museums, restaurants and shops close, so streets away from the event sites can be much quieter. Check opening days before you plan around them.
Siem Reap and Angkor Sankranta
Local holidaymakers head to Siem Reap, where the Angkor Sankranta celebrations at the temples bring exhibitions, concerts and traditional sports, along with crowds and plenty of water-splashing. Our three days in Siem Reap guide helps you plan around it.
Quieter options
Smaller towns such as Battambang and Kampot offer a calmer, more local celebration, where neighbours gather at the temple and in the street.
Water and games
Children and adults splash passers-by with buckets and hoses, which is part of the fun and a way of washing away bad luck. Traditional games such as Bos Angkunh and Chol Chhoung are played in villages and at temples during the holiday.
Planning your visit
Transport
Book early
Roads and buses are busy as people travel home, and tickets sell out. Reserve long-distance journeys well ahead and confirm your departure time. See transport booking in Cambodia.
Rooms
Expect higher prices
Hotels in popular places such as Siem Reap and the coast can fill up and cost more over the holiday. Book as early as you can.
Weather
April is hot
This is one of the hottest times of year. Start sightseeing early, rest in the middle of the day and carry plenty of water.
Water play
Protect your things
Use a waterproof phone pouch, wear quick-dry clothes and keep documents sealed. It is fine to say no politely, and monks, elders and anyone carrying valuables are not splashed.
Joining respectfully
- At the temple: dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove shoes where asked, and give worshippers space. See our temple etiquette guide.
- Photography: ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies. See respectful photography.
- Be a good guest: accept an invitation if one comes, and see our guide to being a welcome guest.
Khmer New Year FAQ
When is Khmer New Year 2027?
It is expected on 14 to 16 April 2027, with the official holiday confirmed by the government.
Is Khmer New Year a public holiday in Cambodia?
Yes. It is one of the country’s official public holidays, and many businesses close for several days.
Are shops and attractions open?
Many businesses, museums and restaurants close for the holiday, though event areas such as Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh and central Siem Reap are lively. Check opening days in advance.
Where is the best place to celebrate?
Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with Angkor Sankranta at the temples, host the biggest public celebrations. For a quieter, more local experience, try a smaller town such as Battambang or Kampot.
Can tourists join the water-splashing?
Yes, with good humour, including at Wat Phnom and other busy event areas. Protect your phone and documents, and avoid splashing monks, elders or anyone who does not want to join in.
Our festival calendar lists the next 12 months with “add to calendar” buttons, and the Khmer lunar calendar shows holy days and holidays.
Sources: customs from Cambodge Mag and Culture Trip; Phnom Penh celebrations from Cambodge Mag and Khmer Times; 2026 dates from the official public-holiday list. Last checked 4 October 2026.