Khmer New Year (April 14-16): Cambodia's most important celebration lasting three days with water throwing, temple visits, family gatherings, and festive spirit throughout the city. Streets fill with revelers, music, and traditional ceremonies marking fresh starts.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May): An ancient agricultural ritual performed at Chey Chumneas Field predicting the harvest season. Ceremonial oxen plow sacred ground while Brahmin priests bless the year's crops through traditional rituals.
Bon Om Touk - Water Festival (November): Phnom Penh's most atmospheric festival celebrating the reversal of Tonlé Sap River flow with boat races, riverside festivities, and illuminated processions. The city transforms with decorative boats racing and nighttime celebrations along the river.
Independence Day (November 9): National holiday commemorating Cambodia's independence with parades, flag ceremonies, and official celebrations throughout the city.
Pchum Ben - Ancestor Festival (September-October): Traditional observance honoring deceased ancestors with temple visits, merit-making, and family gatherings lasting two weeks.