Cambodia has suspended the main Royal Water Festival celebrations planned along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh for 2026. The affected dates are November 23, 24 and 25, when the capital would normally host major boat races, illuminated floats and large riverside crowds.
The Phnom Penh riverside program is one of Cambodia’s most visible annual events, so its suspension changes the usual expectations around hotel demand, sightseeing plans, restaurant bookings and transport in the capital. Visitors who were planning a Phnom Penh stay specifically for the festival should now treat the central riverside celebrations as cancelled for 2026, unless authorities issue a later update.
What has changed?
The suspension applies to the main national-style celebration in Phnom Penh, especially the riverside events in front of the Royal Palace. According to the government circular published by Cambodia’s Ministry of Information and reported by local media, provincial Water Festival celebrations may still go ahead where local authorities and communities have the practical capacity to organize them.
This means the situation is not a complete nationwide shutdown of every local event. Travelers may still find smaller or provincial celebrations in other destinations, but schedules are likely to depend on local announcements. Anyone planning a trip around Bon Om Touk should confirm the latest details with hotels, tour operators or provincial tourism offices before booking non-refundable transport or accommodation.
The public holiday remains in place
The three-day Water Festival public holiday remains listed for November 23–25, 2026. Official public holiday listings from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin and the National Bank of Cambodia both show the Water Festival holiday on those dates.
Even without the main Phnom Penh celebrations, the holiday can still affect travel logistics: government offices and some banks may close, domestic transport can be busier, and Cambodians may travel to visit family or attend provincial events. Hotels in popular destinations may still see higher demand over the long holiday period.
Why was the Phnom Penh celebration suspended?
The government circular says the suspension reflects Cambodia’s focus on urgent priorities, including the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, support for displaced citizens, assistance for soldiers and families affected by the border situation, and help for Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand. Authorities were also instructed to focus on public order, local economic stability and preparedness for flood and drought risks.
The update is about the festival program in Phnom Penh, not a general travel ban. Normal travel to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other destinations can continue, but festival-related expectations for the capital should be adjusted.
What to do if you planned to visit Phnom Penh for the festival
- Check your hotel booking: If you booked riverside accommodation mainly for the boat races or illuminated floats, review cancellation or modification terms.
- Do not assume provincial events are identical: Local celebrations may be smaller, may change at short notice, or may not include the same scale of boat races and fireworks as Phnom Penh.
- Plan around the public holiday: Expect possible holiday crowds, reduced office services and busier domestic travel from November 23–25.
- Verify local schedules close to travel: Ask your hotel, guide or tour operator for the most recent provincial event information before changing routes.
- Keep Phnom Penh plans flexible: The Royal Palace area and riverside remain major visitor zones, but the central Water Festival program should not be relied on for 2026.
Background: why the Water Festival is a major travel event
Bon Om Touk, commonly known as the Water Festival, marks the seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow and is traditionally one of Cambodia’s largest public celebrations. The Ministry of Tourism has previously described the Royal Water Festival as a major opportunity for international visitors to experience Cambodian culture, with boat races and floating lanterns in Phnom Penh.
Because the Phnom Penh celebration can attract very large crowds in normal years, the cancellation changes the value of a festival-focused trip to the capital. Travelers who are visiting Cambodia for temples, food, city sightseeing or onward regional travel can still plan around the holiday, but those expecting the full Phnom Penh festival atmosphere should revise their itinerary.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
The main Phnom Penh Water Festival celebrations along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace are suspended for November 23–25, 2026. Provincial celebrations may still take place depending on local authorities and local capacity.
Yes. Official 2026 public holiday listings still show the Water Festival holiday on November 23, 24 and 25. Travelers should expect possible holiday closures and increased domestic travel demand.
You can still visit Phnom Penh, but you should not expect the main riverside boat races, illuminated floats and central festival program in front of the Royal Palace. If your trip was built around those events, consider adjusting your plans.
Possibly. The government circular allows provincial celebrations to proceed according to local tradition and capacity. However, travelers should verify schedules locally because provincial programs may vary or change.
