New Year’s Eve is one of the few international celebrations that is followed by an official day off in Cambodia. Phnom Penh’s riverside, Siem Reap’s Pub Street and the beach bars of the islands fill up for the countdown, and the temples of Angkor draw crowds for the first sunrise of the year.
International New Year’s Day, 1 January, is on the official public holiday list every year, and the 2027 list is expected to follow the same pattern. Public countdown events and fireworks are decided by the authorities each year. At the end of 2025, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and several provinces held their celebrations without fireworks, so check local news closer to the date.
Where to count down
Capital
Phnom Penh riverside
When the city holds a public event, it is usually on Preah Sisowath Quay in front of the Royal Palace. The countdown into 2025 included a parade, giant lanterns, food stalls from all 25 provinces and fireworks. Rooftop bars and hotels host their own parties.
Temples
Siem Reap
Pub Street and the Old Market area are the heart of the night, with live music and crowds spilling into the streets. Hotels and resorts offer quieter gala dinners.
Islands
Koh Rong
Beach bars and parties on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Boats and rooms book up, so arrange both well ahead.
For something calmer, the riverfront in Kampot and the seafront in Kep have a relaxed dinner-and-drinks atmosphere.
New Year’s Day at Angkor
Watching the first sunrise of the year at Angkor Wat is popular with both Cambodian and international visitors, so expect a big crowd at the reflecting pools. Buy your Angkor Pass the day before, arrive early, and consider heading to a quieter temple once the sun is up. Read our first-time guide to Angkor before you go. Your pass supports the conservation of the temples and the communities who live around them.
Staying safe on the night
Plan your ride homeRide-hailing apps get busy after midnight. Agree a pickup with a driver in advance, or stay within walking distance.
Never drink and driveRoads are busier and riskier than usual on New Year’s Eve. Leave the motorbike at the hotel.
Watch your belongingsKeep your phone and wallet in a front pocket in crowds, and carry only what you need.
Agree a meeting pointPhone signal can be patchy in very large crowds.
A scenario worth knowing about
You book a riverside table in Phnom Penh for the fireworks, then find out that there will be no fireworks this year. It happened at the end of 2025. Choose a venue for the whole night, the food, the music and the company, rather than for one display, and read the announcements in the last week of December.
Planning your trip
Late December and early January is peak season. Book rooms and island boats early, and expect higher demand for hotels in Siem Reap and on the coast. Banks and public offices close on 1 January and again on 7 January. See our transport booking guide and where to stay guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 January a public holiday in Cambodia?
Yes. International New Year’s Day is on the official list, and banks and public offices close.
Are there fireworks in Phnom Penh on New Year’s Eve?
It depends on the year. The countdown into 2025 had fireworks, while at the end of 2025 the authorities did not allow them. Check local news in late December.
Where is the best place for New Year’s Eve in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh for city celebrations, Siem Reap’s Pub Street for a party near the temples, and Koh Rong for the beach.
Sources: public holidays from the National Bank of Cambodia holiday list; the countdown into 2025 from Cambodianess; fireworks decisions for the end of 2025 from Cambodianess. Last checked 30 September 2026.