The Water Festival, Bon Om Touk (បុណ្យអុំទូក), marks the end of the rainy season with boat races, illuminated floats and a midnight salute to the full moon. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, and when the capital holds its races, Phnom Penh’s riverfront fills with crowds from across the country.
The public holiday dates come from the official list. Whether the boat races and events in Phnom Penh go ahead, and where, is announced by the authorities each year. In 2025 the government called off the capital’s celebrations while provincial festivities continued, and this has happened in earlier years too, so check local news closer to the date.
What is the Water Festival?
The festival falls at the full moon of Kadeuk, when the rains end and the Tonle Sap River, which flows into the lake during the wet season, reverses and drains back towards the Mekong. Boat racing is traditionally linked to the naval strength of the Angkor era. The three days bring together three ceremonies.
Day and evening
Boat races
Long, brightly painted boats with dozens of rowers race in pairs. Crews come from provinces and institutions across the country.
Night
Illuminated floats
After dark, boats decorated with lights, known as bandaet protip, parade along the river.
Full moon
Moon salute and Ok Ambok
At the full moon, families salute the moon (Sampeah Preah Khe) and eat ok ambok, flattened young rice with banana and coconut.
Where to see it
When races are held in the capital, they take place on the Tonle Sap River along Phnom Penh’s riverside, in front of the Royal Palace. Many provinces also hold their own boat races and celebrations, often on a smaller and more relaxed scale. Ask your hotel what is planned locally.
Staying safe in the crowds
Agree a meeting pointPhone signal can struggle in very large crowds, so decide where to meet if you are separated.
Avoid pinch pointsStay out of narrow streets and crowded bridges, and move away if a crowd starts pushing.
Keep valuables closeCarry only what you need and keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket.
Follow official instructionsRoads near the river close to traffic, and police direct the crowds. Allow extra time to get anywhere.
A scenario worth knowing about
You book a riverside hotel in Phnom Penh for the festival, then find that roads near the river are closed and taxis cannot reach your door. Build in time to walk the last stretch with your bags, or choose a hotel a little back from the riverfront with easy walking access.
Planning your trip
Hotels near the Phnom Penh riverside book up when the races are on, and long-distance buses are busy before and after the holiday. Banks and government offices close for the three days. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, the festival is a good time to be in a quieter province, where local races can be just as memorable.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Water Festival in 2026?
The public holiday runs from 23 to 25 November 2026. The full moon of Kadeuk, when the moon salute takes place, is on 24 November.
Will there be boat races in Phnom Penh in 2026?
The authorities announce each year’s plans for the capital. Check local news in the weeks before the festival.
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. It is a three-day national holiday, so banks and government offices close.
Sources: 2026 holiday dates from the National Bank of Cambodia holiday list; history and ceremonies from Bon Om Touk (Wikipedia) and Tourism Cambodia; changes to past celebrations from Cambodianess. Last checked 30 September 2026.