lifestyle
Updated 2026-10-29 5 min
In short
- ●The national Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) celebrations in Phnom Penh have been cancelled for the second year in a row.
- ●Several provinces are keeping their local festivities: boat races, concerts, local product fairs and a 10 km run.
- ●The provincial events are open to the public. The programme and access vary from one province to another.
- ●For next year's edition, follow official announcements and local pages from the end of summer.
2026 (cancelled in Phnom Penh)
Edition
Varies by province
Participants
Riverbanks and waterfronts in the provinces
Location
Generally free for spectators
Cost
About the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Bon Om Touk is one of Cambodia's biggest festivals. It marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap's current and celebrates the rivers. In 2026, the national celebrations in Phnom Penh have been cancelled for the second year running. Several provinces have decided to keep their own events going.
- Date: the end of the rainy season, around the full moon of the month of Kadeuk. Dates change every year and are announced by the government.
- Audience: Cambodian families, expats, travellers and retirees curious about local culture.
- Location: riverbanks and municipal sites in the provinces that are keeping the festival. Check the exact location before you set out.
- Group size: varies. Local events range from small village gatherings to several thousand spectators.
- Cost: spectator access is generally free. Set aside a small budget for food, drinks and transport.
What a Typical Festival Day Looks Like in the Provinces
The exact programme changes depending on the province and the year. Here is the usual schedule, to be confirmed with local organisers.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Fun run | Some provinces offer a 10 km run. It starts early, before the heat sets in. |
| Morning | Boat races | Crews in long boats, cheered on from the banks. The first heats are often held in the morning. |
| Midday | Break and lunch | Local food stalls along the riverbank, with shade and seating. |
| Afternoon | Local product fair | Handicrafts, farm produce and regional specialities. |
| Late afternoon | Boat race finals | The decisive heats, with a more festive atmosphere. |
| Evening | Concerts | Open-air stages with Cambodian artists. Crowds get much denser after dark. |
How to Take Part in the Next Edition
Most public events don't have ticketing. Preparation is mostly about staying well informed.
- Step 1: follow announcements from the government and Cambodian media to find out the official dates and which towns are keeping the festival.
- Step 2: follow the Facebook pages and Telegram channels of provincial authorities and local media, where programmes are published.
- Step 3: if you want to run the 10 km or another event, find the registration link on the organiser's page and sign up early.
- Step 4: book your accommodation and transport as soon as the dates are announced, because roads and guesthouses fill up fast.
- Step 5: confirm the venue and times the day before with the organiser or a local contact.
- Step 6: arrive early to get a good spot on the riverbank and somewhere to park.
- Step 7: plan how you'll get back in the evening, when the concerts finish and transport is in high demand.
What to Bring
- Hat and sunglasses — the riverbanks offer little shade during the day.
- Sunscreen — you'll be exposed for several hours.
- Water bottle — staying hydrated is essential in the heat.
- Small notes in riel and dollars — food stalls and taxis rarely accept large bills.
- Light, modest clothing — comfortable in the sun and suitable for a family festival.
- Poncho or small umbrella — the end of the rainy season can still bring showers.
- Power bank — for photos, maps and digital payments.
- Copy of your passport or visa — useful in case of checks while travelling in the provinces.
Similar Events in Siem Reap
If you enjoy the atmosphere of Cambodian festivals, these events deserve a spot in your calendar.
- Angkor Sankranta (Khmer New Year) — in April, with traditional games, music and entertainment around Angkor.
- Pchum Ben — the Festival of the Ancestors, in September or October, with offerings at the pagodas.
- Races and half marathons around Angkor — several sporting events are held each year, often towards the end of the year.
- Photography, arts and music festivals — a number of one-off cultural events, best followed through local pages.
- Night markets and artisan markets — a festive atmosphere all year round, with local products and street food.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Water Festival completely cancelled in 2026?
No. Only the national celebrations in Phnom Penh have been cancelled, for the second year in a row. Several provinces are keeping local events going, with boat races, concerts and local product fairs.
Are there events in Siem Reap?
The programme depends on decisions by local authorities, which change every year. Check the province's official pages and local media to confirm events. Neighbouring provinces may also host events that you can reach in a day trip.
Do I have to pay to watch the boat races?
Spectator access to public events is generally free. Budget for food, drinks and transport. Sporting events, such as the 10 km run, may require registration.
What is the best time of day to go?
Morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant, with the boat race heats and cooler temperatures. The evening concerts draw the biggest crowd. Arrive early to get a good spot.
When will the next edition take place?
Bon Om Touk follows the lunar calendar and falls on the full moon of Kadeuk, in October or November. Official dates are announced by the government a few months in advance. Follow the announcements to confirm the celebrations and which towns are involved.
Free expat guide
Visa, housing, health — in your inbox.
Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia