January
Liberation Day: marking the day the Cambodian people were freed from the oppressive regime of the Khmer Rouge, this nationwide celebration sees fireworks and festivities take place in all corners of the country.


February
Tet Festival: the biggest event of the year in neighbouring Vietnam, Vietnamese New Year is observed in Cambodian provinces bordering Vietnam and by those of Vietnamese descent with fireworks, musical performances and lively merriment.


March
International Women's Day: this UN-designated day is observed on 8th March and serves to celebrate the achievements of women and to help them to fulfil their potential. Activities are commonly held at schools on this day.


April
Cambodian New Year: the biggest event of the year marks the start of the new lunar year according to the Khmer calendar and spans three days: Moha Sangkran, Vornborth, and Thngai Lieng Sak. During this time homes are decorated, games are played and offerings are made at Buddhist temples.


May
Visaka Bochea Day: this religious festival is held in mid-May in honour of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, and consequently is a great day to capture locals making offerings at temples nationwide.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony: this ancient harvest festival is observed at the start of the rainy season, when farmers plough their fields. Cattle are given a choice of foods to eat and predictions concerning the forthcoming harvest are then made based on the results.


June
International Children’s Day: this fun day, designated by the UN to mark the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, sees schools and other organisations host lively children’s activities.

Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk's Birthday: the queen’s birthday is celebrated by the royal family with regal splendour and religious ceremonies. While Cambodians don’t participate in these events, they get to enjoy a public holiday.


July
Buddhist Lent: also known as Bonn Chol Preah Vassa, this religious event sees Buddhist monks across the nation prepare to retreat to their temples for a three-month period. The retreat helps to prevent damage to the paddy fields during the rainy season.


August
Cambodian Living Arts Youth Arts Festival: known as Mahasraop in Khmer, this annual arts event showcases various art forms and performances by Cambodian students. The event is held in a different location each year.


September
Constitution Day: observed on the 24th September, this public holiday marks the signing of the Cambodian constitution by King Sihanouk in 1993.

Bonn Pchum Ben: this religious day sees Cambodians pay their respects to their deceased ancestors by making offerings to them at Buddhist temples across Cambodia.


October
King Norodom Sihanouk’s Birthday: the king’s birthday celebrations see Cambodians across the country celebrate for three days. Special events are typically held in front of the royal palace in Phnom Penh, culminating in a firework display.


November
Bon Om Tuk: also known as the Water Festival, the most popular place to appreciate this lively event is in Phnom Penh, where boat races and fireworks are hosted over the course of three days.

Angkor Photography Festival: held in Siem Reap, the region’s first annual photography event spans one week and allows Cambodian photographers to show off their talent.


December
International Half Marathon: runners from all corners of the globe gather at Angkor Wat to participate in this half marathon much to the delight of the thousands of supporters who come out to cheer the contestants on.