Planning your work schedule, travel itinerary, or business operations in Cambodia for 2026 requires knowing the official nationwide public holidays. The Royal Government of Cambodia has confirmed 22 paidpublic holidays in Cambodia for 2026 through Sub-Decree No. 167, issued on September 18, 2025. Consequently, this comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national holidays to help you prepare effectively for the year ahead.
Official Public Holidays in Cambodia 2026
The following table presents all nationally recognized public holidays in Cambodia for 2026. These dates apply to civil servants, employees, and workers across the entire Kingdom, as mandated by Cambodian Labor Law.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Victory Over the Genocide Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Khmer New Year (Day 1) |
| April 15 | Wednesday | Khmer New Year (Day 2) |
| April 16 | Thursday | Khmer New Year (Day 3) |
| May 1 | Friday | International Labor Day & Visakha Bucha Day |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Royal Ploughing Ceremony |
| May 14 | Thursday | King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday |
| June 18 | Thursday | Queen Mother’s Birthday |
| September 24 | Thursday | Constitution Day |
| October 10 | Saturday | Pchum Ben Festival (Day 1) |
| October 11 | Sunday | Pchum Ben Festival (Day 2) |
| October 12 | Monday | Pchum Ben Festival (Day 3) |
| October 15 | Thursday | Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk |
| October 29 | Thursday | Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni |
| November 9 | Monday | Cambodia’s Independence Day |
| November 23 | Monday | Water Festival – Bon Om Touk (Day 1) |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Water Festival – Bon Om Touk (Day 2) |
| November 25 | Wednesday | Water Festival – Bon Om Touk (Day 3) |
| December 29 | Tuesday | Peace Day |
Key Holiday Periods and Planning Tips
Several extended holiday periods in 2026 create excellent opportunities for travel and time off. However, businesses should plan accordingly to ensure continuity during these periods.
Three-Day Holiday Clusters
Cambodia features three major multi-day holiday periods in 2026. The Khmer New Year from April 14-16 marks the traditional Cambodian New Year celebration, falling on Tuesday through Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pchum Ben Festival occurs October 10-12, spanning the weekend into Monday, providing families time to honor ancestors. The Water Festival from November 23-25 celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow.
Strategic Long Weekends
Several holidays in 2026 create natural extended breaks. For instance, International Labor Day and Visakha Bucha Day fall on Friday, May 1, creating a three-day weekend. Similarly, November 9 (Independence Day) falls on Monday, offering another long weekend opportunity. Smart planning around these dates can maximize your time off while minimizing leave days used.
Important Considerations for Businesses
Organizations operating in Cambodia should note that continuous operations may implement rotational leave schedules. This flexibility allows essential services to maintain coverage while respecting workers’ holiday entitlements. On the other hand, employers must keep proper records of alternative arrangements for labor inspection purposes. If you need to track time precisely for business operations, consider using a reliable timer tool to manage tasks efficiently during working hours.
Understanding Cambodia’s Holiday Traditions
Cambodia’s public holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage, Buddhist traditions, and historical milestones. Victory Over the Genocide Day (January 7) commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, while Constitution Day (September 24) celebrates Cambodia’s constitutional framework. Buddhist observances like Visakha Bucha Day, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Pchum Ben Festival hold deep spiritual significance for Cambodians nationwide.
Royal celebrations honoring King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk demonstrate the nation’s respect for the monarchy. These occasions are marked with ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country. When planning international coordination, checking the current local time in Cambodia helps schedule meetings that respect these important national observances.
How to Use This Holiday Calendar Effectively
Maximize the benefits of Cambodia’s 2026 public holiday calendar by planning early. Book accommodations and transportation well in advance for major festivals, particularly Khmer New Year and Water Festival, as these periods see significant domestic travel. Businesses should finalize project deadlines around multi-day holidays to avoid delays.
For international businesses working with Cambodian partners, aligning your calendar with these holidays prevents scheduling conflicts. Furthermore, employees should submit leave requests early for periods surrounding public holidays to secure approval and maximize extended breaks. For more comprehensive planning resources and scheduling guides, visit our time management guides section.
Labor Law Compliance for Employers
Under Cambodian Labor Law, all listed holidays are paid days off for workers. If a sanctioned public holiday falls on Sunday, employees receive the following Monday as a compensatory holiday. Employers requiring staff to work on public holidays must provide the regular wage plus 100 percent additional compensation.
Companies with continuous operations—such as hospitality, healthcare, or manufacturing—may implement rotational schedules after consulting with employee representatives. Such arrangements require mutual agreement and proper documentation. Temporary staff can be hired to maintain coverage during holiday periods while permanent employees take their entitled time off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Cambodia for 2026?
All 22 holidays listed in this article are officially recognized nationwide through Sub-Decree No. 167. These include New Year’s Day, Victory Over the Genocide Day, International Women’s Day, three days for Khmer New Year, International Labor Day combined with Visakha Bucha Day, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday, Queen Mother’s Birthday, Constitution Day, three days for Pchum Ben Festival, King Father Commemoration Day, Coronation Day, Independence Day, three days for Water Festival, and Peace Day. Regional or provincial holidays are not included in this official national calendar.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays provide extended break opportunities. May 1 (Friday) creates a natural three-day weekend. November 9 (Monday) also offers a long weekend. The three-day festivals—Khmer New Year (April 14-16), Pchum Ben (October 10-12), and Water Festival (November 23-25)—provide extended periods for family gatherings and travel. Strategic leave planning around these dates can maximize time off throughout the year.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
The dates listed are official and confirmed through government sub-decree. However, certain holidays based on lunar or Buddhist calendars might see minor adjustments as the year progresses. The Royal Government of Cambodia typically announces any changes well in advance. We recommend checking official government sources or this page periodically for any updates to ensure your planning remains accurate.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
According to Cambodian labor law, if a sanctioned public holiday falls on Sunday, employees are entitled to take the following Monday as a paid compensatory holiday. This ensures workers receive the full benefit of all national holidays regardless of when they occur during the week. International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, March 8, 2026, so Monday, March 9 will serve as the compensatory holiday.
Can employers require employees to work on public holidays?
Yes, employers can request employees to work on public holidays under specific circumstances. If required to work, employees must receive their normal wage plus an additional 100 percent compensation—effectively double pay. For businesses with continuous operations, rotational leave arrangements may be established through mutual agreement between employers and worker representatives, allowing some staff to work while others take the holiday.
How should international businesses coordinate with Cambodian partners during holidays?
International businesses should avoid scheduling critical meetings, deadlines, or deliverables during Cambodia’s public holidays, especially the multi-day festivals. Review this holiday calendar when planning quarterly objectives and project timelines. Communication may be limited during major festivals as businesses close and employees travel to their hometowns. Planning buffer periods around these holidays ensures smoother collaboration and demonstrates cultural respect for your Cambodian partners.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s 22 official public holidays in 2026 provide ample opportunities for rest, cultural celebration, and family time throughout the year. By understanding this official calendar, you can plan vacations strategically, schedule business activities effectively, and ensure compliance with labor regulations. Remember to bookmark this page as your reference guide when coordinating schedules, booking travel, or managing workforce planning for 2026.
For additional resources on time management and planning, explore our comprehensive collection of scheduling tools and guides. Stay informed about holiday updates and time-related topics by regularly visiting our site to make the most of your year in Cambodia.