28 public holidays in Cambodia in 2026: the practical guide for expats

With 28 official public holidays in 2026, Cambodia holds the Southeast Asian record. It's a blessing for social life, but a headache for practical matters. Closed banks, reduced clinic staff, crowded transport, and restaurants shutting their doors: each festival has its impact.

If you're an expat in Siem Reap, knowing these dates saves you from many headaches. This guide gives you the complete list, the three major festivals not to miss, and tips for planning visas, relocations, or business around these periods.

The Cambodian government publishes the list of public holidays each year. In 2026, there are 28, including compensatory weekends. Here are the key dates:

• Khmer New Year: April 13-15. The most important festival. Massive exodus from cities to provinces. Bus/train tickets +30 to 50%. Restaurants and shops closed in Siem Reap.
• Visak Bochea: May 3. Buddha's birthday. Celebrations in pagodas. Banks closed.
• Pchum Ben: September 22-24 (dates vary). Festival of the Dead. Cambodians pay tribute to their ancestors. Banks closed 3 consecutive days.
• Other festivals: Coronation Day (October 29), Royal Ploughing (April), Constitution Day (September 24), Independence Day (November 9), etc.

Source: Cambodian Ministry of Labor, annual decree.

With 28 public holidays, Cambodia is well above the European average. France has 11, Germany has 9 to 13 depending on the state. But be careful: here, public holidays are often observed without compensation, and public services are nearly at a standstill.

For an expat, it's an advantage if you enjoy long weekends and traditional festivals. But it's a disadvantage if you need to deal with administration or travel: delays lengthen, prices climb. Conversely, in Europe, public holidays are better distributed and essential services remain open.

Our verdict: Cambodia is great for social and cultural life, less so for administrative tasks. Schedule your appointments outside festival periods.

Here's how to make the most of the calendar without stress:

1. Check the official list at the start of the year on the Ministry of Labor website or on SiemReapHub.
2. Plan ahead for your tasks: visa, passport renewal, bank appointments. Avoid the 3 days before and after each major festival.
3. Book your transport at least 2 weeks in advance for Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. Prices skyrocket.
4. Do your shopping before the festivals: supermarkets close early or are picked clean.
5. Enjoy the festivals: attend celebrations in pagodas, taste traditional dishes. It's a unique chance to discover Khmer culture.

For more information, check out our Admin Helper guide.

A few common mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming public holidays are the same every year. Pchum Ben and Visak Bochea dates change according to the lunar calendar. Check each year.
• Thinking private clinics are open. Many reduce their staff. In case of emergency, check in advance.
• Forgetting that banks close for several days. During Pchum Ben, banks are closed 3 consecutive days. Withdraw enough cash beforehand.
• Assuming all restaurants close. Some stay open, especially in tourist areas. But expect reduced menus and longer wait times.

Cambodia's 28 public holidays are a cultural treasure and a unique rhythm of life. For expats who love traditions and breaks, it's an asset. For those who need constant services and predictability, it's a challenge.

Our advice: integrate these dates into your planning from day one. Use the festivals to travel, discover the country, and immerse yourself. And always keep some cash on hand.

Cambodia doesn't stop living during festivals: it lives differently. It's up to you to adapt.