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| Cambodia holiday, Khmer New Year - Photo: TourismCambodia |
Cambodia is a country that enjoys an abundance of public holidays with more than 25 scheduled annually.
During important religious holidays, which can spread over several days, Phnom Penh empties as Khmers head back to the provinces to spend time with their families and expats seek some solace outside the chaos of city life.
This often means the capital operates on shut down mode, with the majority of shops, restaurants, bars, banks and other businesses closing their doors. If you're thinking of traveling during a public holiday, then make sure you have pre-booked your accommodation and transport as buses fill quickly and private taxis are sparse and hike up their prices significantly.
During the lifetime of this issue, Cambodia will enjoy a series of public holidays that are worth nothing in your calendar, the details of which appear below:
Meak Bochea Day is a religious holiday. It commemorates the ordainment of Buddha's original disciplines on the same day of 2000 years ago. Many Khmers will go to pray and give offerings at local pagodas, as it is believed that on this day one can wash away all sins and cleanse ones mind. It will be business as usual for bars and restaurants however.
Khmer New Year is the big annual holiday in Cambodia, lasting three days officially, but many locals will also take the Monday and Friday off work. During this time you will find many locally owned bars and restaurants closed as people head back to their home provinces and generate a fun party atmosphere. Be warned ... in some areas you may find yourself getting soaked with water, all in good fun, much as you would find in Thailand or Laos.
King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday is a three day national holiday during this time many government buildings are decorated with small colorful lights and large portraits of the King. Locals with also raise the national flag outside their houses or businesses. Most people will have a day off work, and government offices, banks, and many companies will be closed.
Source: Pocketguidecambodia
