If you are planning a trip to Cambodia in November, the Water Festival is an important traditional celebration to know about. Known in Khmer as Bon Om Touk, this traditional festival celebrates Cambodia’s connection with water, the end of the rainy season, and the natural rhythm of the Tonle Sap River.
In a typical year, the Cambodia Water Festival brings people together for exciting boat races, illuminated boats, traditional food, and cheerful gatherings along the river. It also gives visitors a chance to learn more about Khmer culture and experience one of the country’s best-known annual celebrations.
However, there is an important update for 2026: the main Water Festival celebrations in Phnom Penh have been suspended, although the public holiday remains in place and celebrations in the provinces may still take place.
If you are visiting Cambodia this November, here is what you should know about the festival, its traditions, and places to consider for your trip.
What Is the Water Festival in Cambodia?
The Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, is one of Cambodia’s major traditional celebrations. It is held around the full moon of the Khmer lunar month of Kadeuk, usually in October or November.
The festival is closely connected to the Tonle Sap River, which reverses its flow seasonally. During the rainy season, water from the Mekong River flows into Tonle Sap Lake. As the rainy season ends and water levels change, the river begins flowing back toward the Mekong.
This natural phenomenon is an important part of Cambodia’s environment and agricultural life. The festival also marks the end of the rainy season and expresses thanks for the water and fertile conditions that support fishing and rice farming.
For Cambodian people, the Water Festival means more than a public holiday. It’s an honouring of cultural heritage, community, and the relationship between people and nature.
When Is the Water Festival in Cambodia in 2026?
In 2026, Cambodia’s Water Festival public holiday falls on November 23–25, 2026 (Monday to Wednesday).
There is an important distinction between the public holiday and the official celebrations. The Royal Government of Cambodia has suspended the main festivities planned along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. The decision indicates the need to prioritise urgent national needs, including assistance for displaced people and border-related issues.
The three-day public holiday remains unchanged. The government also said provincial celebrations may still take place, depending on local traditions and the practical capacity of local authorities and communities.
If you hope to experience the festival in person, check announcements from provincial authorities before making plans. Don’t assume the usual boat races and riverside events in Phnom Penh will take place in 2026.
How Is the Khmer Water Festival Celebrated?
The traditional Water Festival includes several cultural activities. Although the full programme may vary by location, three important traditions help explain what makes the celebration special.
1. Traditional boat racing
Boat racing is one of the best-known parts of the Water Festival. Teams from different communities traditionally compete in long, narrow boats, paddling together to the rhythm of drums and the crowd’s cheers.
The races reflect teamwork, community pride, and Cambodia’s long relationship with its waterways. In years when the main celebrations take place, spectators assemble along the riverbanks to watch the competition.
2. Illuminated boats
Known as Loy Pratip or Bandaet Pratip, illuminated boats are another traditional feature of the festival. Decorated with colourful lights, the boats create a striking sight on the water after dark.
In Phnom Penh, these displays have traditionally been part of the evening riverfront celebrations. Visitors should check the local programme to see whether similar activities are planned in their chosen destination in 2026.
3. Sampeah Preah Khae and Auk Ambok
The festival also includes traditions connected to the full moon.
Sampeah Preah Khae is a ceremony of paying respect to the moon. Families may prepare offerings as part of this traditional observance.
Auk Ambok is associated with eating ambok, a traditional Cambodian food made from roasted and flattened rice, often served with banana or coconut. It offers a hint of local food culture and the importance of rice in Cambodian life.
Together, these traditions show that the Water Festival is not only about entertainment. It also reflects Cambodia’s cultural identity, beliefs, and agricultural heritage.
Where to Go in Cambodia During Water Festival Season
Even though the main Water Festival celebrations in Phnom Penh are suspended in 2026, the holiday can still be an opportunity to explore other parts of Cambodia. Provincial events depend on local arrangements, so confirm the latest information before travelling specifically for a festival.
1. Siem Reap: Culture, History, and Festival Preparations
Siem Reap is worth considering if you want to combine Cambodian culture with sightseeing. The province is home to the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, as well as local markets, traditional food, and lively areas to explore in the evening.
Provincial information published in August 2026 reported preparations in Siem Reap to welcome visitors for Water Festival-related celebrations, including work on the riverside area.
If you are hoping to attend festival activities, check the latest announcements from Siem Reap provincial authorities for the confirmed programme and locations. You can also use your visit to explore the temples and experience the local food scene.
2. Kampot and Kep: A Relaxed Riverside or Coastal Escape
If you prefer a slower-paced holiday, consider Kampot or Kep. Kampot is known for its riverside scenery, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, while Kep offers coastal views and seafood.
These destinations are suggestions for a holiday during the public break, rather than confirmed venues for official Water Festival celebrations. They may suit travellers who want to enjoy Cambodia beyond its major tourist centres.
3. Sihanoukville and Koh Rong: Time by the Coast
For travellers looking for beaches and island scenery, Sihanoukville can be a starting point for trips to nearby islands, including Koh Rong.
The coast offers a different experience from the busy festival atmosphere traditionally associated with Phnom Penh. Check travel timetables, accommodation availability, and weather conditions before travelling, particularly if your plans include a boat transfer to an island.
Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
A little planning can make your Water Festival holiday in Cambodia easier and more enjoyable.
- Check official notices: Confirm which provincial celebrations and activities are taking place before choosing your destination.
- Book transport early: Public holidays can increase demand for intercity buses and accommodation. Booking in advance can help you secure a suitable schedule.
- Allow extra travel time: Roads and transport services may be busier around the holiday period.
- Carry some Cambodian riel: Cash can be useful at local markets, food stalls, and smaller businesses, even if some places accept digital payments or cards.
- Respect local customs: Ask before photographing people at ceremonies, dress appropriately when visiting pagodas, and follow local instructions at crowded events.
- Keep your belongings secure: As with any busy public event or tourist destination, stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables safely stored.
If you are travelling between cities, compare departure times and ticket options before your trip. Booking your bus trip through redBus can help you organise transport in advance and spend more time enjoying your holiday.
Experience Cambodia Beyond the Festival
The Cambodia Water Festival gives a window into the country’s traditions, natural environment, and community life. From the excitement of traditional boat racing to the cultural meaning of moon ceremonies and ambok, it’s a celebration that helps explain Cambodia’s close connection with water.
Although Phnom Penh’s main celebrations are suspended in 2026, the November 23–25 public holiday remains an opportunity to discover Cambodia. Consider Siem Reap for its cultural attractions and reported festival preparations, or explore destinations such as Kampot, Kep, and the coast for a different kind of getaway.
Before you travel, confirm local event announcements and arrange your transport in advance. With a little planning, you can make the most of your time in Cambodia during the Water Festival season.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
The Water Festival public holiday in Cambodia falls on November 23–25, 2026. However, the main official celebrations in Phnom Penh have been suspended for this year.
The Water Festival, known in Khmer as Bon Om Touk, is a traditional Cambodian celebration associated with the seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River, the end of the rainy season, and gratitude for water and agricultural abundance.
It is commonly called Bon Om Touk in Khmer. The wider traditional celebration also includes illuminated boats, moon worship, and the eating of ambok, or roasted flattened rice.
The festival reflects Cambodia’s connection with its rivers, fishing, rice farming, and cultural traditions. It also brings communities together through boat racing and other traditional activities.
The main celebrations planned along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh have been suspended. The three-day public holiday remains in place, and provincial celebrations may still take place depending on local arrangements.
Official provincial information has reported preparations in Siem Reap to welcome Water Festival-related celebrations. However, travellers should check the latest local announcements for the confirmed programme, activities, and locations before travelling.
Siem Reap is worth considering for its cultural attractions and reported festival preparations. Kampot, Kep, and Sihanoukville or Koh Rong are also options for a holiday getaway, although they should not be assumed to have official Water Festival events.
Yes. Booking early can help you get your preferred departure time, especially if you plan to travel between cities during the three-day public holiday. Check schedules and ticket availability before leaving.
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