Cambodia Investment Review
As Cambodia prepares for 2026, the Royal Government has issued the official public holiday calendar under Sub-Decree No. 167, giving citizens, employers and expatriates a clear roadmap for the year’s non-working days. The calendar aligns national commemorations, traditional celebrations and religious observances, offering 21 days of paid public holidays for civil servants, employees and workers covered under the Cambodian Labour Law.
This explainer breaks down the official public holidays in Cambodia in 2026, why they matter and how they might affect business operations and travel planning throughout the year.
Overview: What’s in the 2026 Holiday Calendar
In total, Cambodia will observe 21 paid public holidays in 2026, spanning historic milestones, royal celebrations, Buddhist festivals and cultural traditions. The calendar starts with the Gregorian New Year and wraps up with Peace Day at the end of December.
Here’s the complete official list of public holidays for 2026:
January
- January 1 (Thursday) — International New Year’s Day: Marks the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.
- January 7 (Wednesday) — Victory Over the Genocide Day: Commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge rgime and the liberation of Cambodia in 1979.
March
- March 8 (Sunday) — International Women’s Day: Observes global women’s achievements and contributions.
April
- April 14–16 (Tuesday–Thursday) — Khmer New Year: A three-day traditional and cultural festival celebrating the Khmer New Year, one of the most significant holidays in Cambodia’s Buddhist calendar.
May
- May 1 (Friday) — International Labour Day & Visakha Bucha Day: International workers’ day coincides with one of Buddhism’s holiest days, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha.
- May 5 (Tuesday) — Royal Plowing Ceremony: A traditional rite marking the start of the agricultural season, blessed with royal and spiritual symbolism.
- May 14 (Thursday) — Birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni: Celebrates the reigning monarch’s birthday.
June
- June 18 (Thursday) — Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s Birthday: Honors the Queen Mother’s contributions to the nation.
September
- September 24 (Thursday) — Constitution Day: Marks the adoption of Cambodia’s constitution, solidifying democratic principles.
October
- October 10–12 (Saturday–Monday) — Pchum Ben Festival: A three-day Buddhist observance paying respect to ancestors.
- October 15 (Thursday) — Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk: Honors the legacy of the late King Norodom Sihanouk.
- October 29 (Thursday) — Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni: Celebrates the anniversary of the current King’s coronation.
November
- November 9 (Monday) — Independence Day: Commemorates Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953.
- November 23–25 (Monday–Wednesday) — Bon Om Touk (Water Festival): A major cultural festival marked by boat races and celebrations highlighting the Tonlé Sap River’s seasonal flow.
December
- December 29 (Tuesday) — Peace Day: Recognises enduring peace and national stability.
Why These Holidays Matter
Cambodia’s public holidays blend historical remembrance, cultural identity and religious observance. They are central to public life and often shape work schedules, school terms and commercial activity.
Historical and National Significance
Holidays such as Victory Over the Genocide Day, Independence Day and Constitution Day provide moments for national reflection and celebration of Cambodia’s modern history and governance foundations.
Cultural and Religious Festivals
Festivals like Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and Bon Om Touk are deeply rooted in Buddhist and Khmer traditions. They draw families together, stimulate domestic travel and significantly affect tourism patterns. For many businesses, these periods see a slowdown in formal economic activity as communities observe rituals and festivities.
Royal Celebrations
Observances tied to the monarchy, including the birthdays of the King and Queen Mother and Coronation Day, reflect Cambodia’s constitutional monarchy and its role in national unity and identity.
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Implications for Businesses and Planning
For employers, HR practitioners and investors operating in or with Cambodia, understanding the 2026 holiday calendar is essential for workforce planning, compliance and operational continuity:
- Leave planning: With 21 public holidays, 2026 offers multiple opportunities for long weekends, especially if holidays fall adjacent to weekends. Strategic leave planning can boost morale and optimise productivity.
- Operational continuity: Sectors requiring continuous operations—such as logistics, manufacturing and healthcare—may need staggered staffing or alternative leave arrangements to maintain service levels during peak holiday periods.
- Cross-border coordination: For multinational companies, aligning Cambodian public holidays with international schedules can aid in synchronising project timelines and client communication.
Final Notes
Cambodia’s 2026 public holiday calendar reflects a vibrant tapestry of traditions and commemorations that shape the rhythm of civic and commercial life. Whether for workforce planning, travel scheduling or cultural appreciation, the official schedule offers a useful framework for navigating the year ahead.
