Phnom Penh Events
Victory over Genocide Day
Ceremonies to celebrate the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 take place on 7 January to honour the memory of the thousands of people who died. The main event takes place at the Independence Monument with many small ceremonies of remembrance in pagodas across the city.
Date: 07 January 2019 - 07 January 2019Venue: Throughout the city
Cost:
Free.
Cambodian New Year
This is one of the most important festivals of the year and lasts for three days with celebrations right across the city. Many visit pagodas and offer food and drink to bring good fortune for the new year. It also involves a lot of good-natured water throwing.
Date: 14 April 2019 - 16 April 2019Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:
Free
King's Birthday
Festivities to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.
Date: 13 May 2019 - 13 May 2019Venue: Throughout the city.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Ceremony to celebrate the start of the rainy season when court soothsayers predict whether it will be a good or bad harvest, depending on what the royal oxen eat. The colourfully decorated sacred cows plough a farrow and are then taken to trays of food, including rice and corn. Predictions are made according to the order in which the food is consumed. It also welcomes the beginning of the rice growing season.
Date: 22 May 2019 - 22 May 2019Venue: Held close to the Royal Palace.
Browse our Video Guides