Public Holidays in Cambodia 2025
Key holidays and observances across the Kingdom
Public Holidays and Observances in Cambodia 2025
Cambodia observes 22 public holidays in 2025, shaping the rhythm of the Cambodian calendar. On these days, activities across the Kingdom slow down significantly as cities operate at a reduced pace.
Among the most important public holidays are the Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, when Cambodians return to their hometowns to celebrate with family. Conversely, during the Water Festival holidays, the movement reverses as people from provinces travel to Phnom Penh, the capital, to witness the spectacular boat races on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace.
Chinese New Year is not officially recognized as a public holiday in Cambodia but is widely celebrated by families of Chinese descent, during which many businesses close. Previously, if a public holiday fell on a Sunday, it was observed the following Monday. Although this practice has been officially canceled, some still follow it.
Public Holidays in Cambodia 2025
All workers in factories and businesses, as per Article 1 of the Labor Code, are entitled to paid leave according to the following calendar:
- January 1 - International New Year’s Day - 1 day
- January 7 - Victory over Genocide Day - 1 day
- March 8 - International Women’s Day - 1 day
- April 14, 15, 16 - Khmer New Year - 4 days
- May 1 - International Labor Day - 1 day
- May 11 - Visak Bochea Day - 1 day
- May 14 - King Sihamoni’s Birthday - 1 day
- May 15 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony - 1 day
- June 18 - Queen Mother’s Birthday - 1 day
- September 21, 22, 23 - Pchum Ben Festival - 3 days
- September 24 - Constitution Day - 1 day
- October 15 - Respect the Spirit of Late King Father - 1 day
- October 29 - King Sihamoni’s Coronation Day - 1 day
- November 4, 5, 6 - Water Festival Ceremony - 3 days
- November 9 - National Independence Day - 1 day
- December 29 - NEW! Peace Day in Cambodia - 1 day
For factories and businesses that cannot fully stop operations, when all employees and employers have holidays that may impact production or public services, employers must organize shifts so that work continues while allowing employees to take leave.
Where agreements exist between employer and employee, or as per company regulations or collective agreements, workers may take holidays on dates other than official public holidays.
Employers must prepare and maintain a list of employees working in shifts during public holidays for labor inspections. During leave periods, other employees may temporarily replace those on holiday.
2020 Reform for Public Holidays
In August 2019, the Cambodian government issued a decree reducing six public holidays starting 2020 to attract more investors. Cambodia now has approximately 21 public holidays (23 in 2025), down from 28 previously.
The following days are no longer official holidays:
- February 19 (approx.) - Meak Bochea religious festival
- May 20 - Memorial Day
- June 1 - International Children’s Day
- October 23 - Paris Peace Agreements Commemoration Day
- December 10 - International Human Rights Day
- May 13 - King Sihamoni’s birthday now celebrated only on May 14 (1 day instead of 2–3 previously)