Cambodia Gears Up For Four-Day Celebration Of Khmer New Year In 2024 – What To Expect

Cambodia is preparing for a four-day celebration of the 2024 Khmer New Year from April 13 to 16. In 2023, the country recorded 13 million domestic travellers during the three-day national festival, signifying just how popular and widely celebrated this key holiday is. 

In preparation for the upcoming 2024 national holiday celebrations, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the Labour and Tourism Ministries to collaborate with all provinces in facilitating the return of Cambodian nationals and welcoming foreign tourists over the Khmer New Year period. 

Additionally, the Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of enhancing security, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors throughout the New Year celebrations. 

The major holiday is celebrated at the same time in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Cambodia also normally experiences water splashing or talcum powder play fights during the festivities. However, this year, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration has issued guidelines which pertain to the banning of water splashing or throwing bags of water or powder, illegal gambling for the upcoming Khmer New Year. They have also suggested banning fireworks for the holidays.

What Areas Are Expected To Have Celebrations During Khmer New Year In 2024?

Overall, it can be expected that every province, district, commune, and village across Cambodia will organise Khmer New Year events for their respective communities, so be on the lookout for festivities all around you. Traditionally, the big urban cities, and in particular, Phnom Penh, tend to empty out as most Cambodians travel to their hometown provinces for the holiday, quite often also for a longer period than the stipulated government approved days off. 

In 2023, the capital administration arranged public buses for people travelling to their hometowns during the holiday, with as many as 345 passenger buses planned in 2024 to provide transportation for approximately 50,000 people. Thai authorities are also allowing migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to return to visit home during the period from April 1 to May 15, 2024 without requiring a special permit. 

Cambodia’s international airports are expected to greet all travellers with traditional Khmer dancing during the New Year period. This was confirmed during Siem Reap's River Festival on March 16, 2024, when the Prime Minister instructed officials to organise the ‘Chhay Yam’ dance to greet tourists arriving in Cambodia during Khmer New Year at all airports nationwide. 

Siem Reap often sees an influx of Cambodians, expats and foreign visitors as many cultural festivities and events are organised, however, the popular 'Angkor Sankranta' will not be held this year due to a reported “lack of resources”. 

The islands off the southern coast and in Sihanoukville will most likely also see increased numbers of domestic and international tourism. Many schools will be off for the whole week, while most government and official ministries will be working at less than 100 per cent over this festive and important cultural holiday. 

Some confirmed events for the Cambodian New Year 2024 are:

• Phnom Penh: ‘Wat Phnom Sankranta’ is scheduled to be held at Wat Phnom from April 13 to 16 – the event will feature performances, concerts, traditional games and more.
• Siem Reap: While the province won’t see the much sought after Angkor Sankranta celebrations in 2024, the Siem Reap provincial administration is preparing for broader ‘Siem Reap Sankranta’ celebrations for people to enjoy.
• Sihanoukville: An international half marathon will be hosted in Sihanoukville on April 7 – four races will start from Ochheuteal Beach and continue through Otres Beach.
• Battambang and Prey Veng: Battambang and Prey Veng Sankranta celebrations will be held from April 12 to 16.
• Pursat and Oddar Meanchey: Pursat and Oddar Meanchey Sankranta 2024 will be held from April 13 to 16
• Kampot: Sankranta celebrations in Kampot will be held from April 14 to 16.
• Kampong Thom: A four-day celebration running from April 13 to 16 will be held at Stung Sen Park.
• Kampong Cham: A three-day celebration will be held at the provincial town hall.

Suggestions for first-time tourists visiting Cambodia who hope to make the most of their Khmer New Year celebrations:

• Those who enjoy large crowds and vibrant celebrations can seek to visit Siem Reap, as it is traditionally the biggest party hub in the country over the holidays. You can expect water splashing, traditional dancing, Khmer traditional games, food stalls, and more.
• Kampot, Sihanoukville, and Kep on the coast should also be busier and will have localised events.

Travel And Accommodation In Cambodia During Khmer New Year 2024

The four-day event will be a busy period, but typically, the festive atmosphere lasts for around two weeks – before and after the actual official public holidays. Due to the number of countries in the region celebrating their new year at the same time, there is increased demand across several countries. So expect a surge in bookings for air travel, accommodation, and public transports such as trains, buses and minivans.  

A number of airlines operating Cambodian routes have already indicated they have increased the number of flights but prices will be a premium. These include Sky Angkor Airlines and Cambodia Airways both adding additional Bangkok-Phnom Penh routes over the Songran/Khmer New Year period. 

It is highly recommended to make your bookings well in advance to ensure a stress-free experience and peace of mind during this period. The reality is in some instances certain guesthouses and hotels will overbook, and the roads will be very busy on the eve of the first official public holiday (April 13, 2024 is a Saturday, so probably from the Thursday or Friday preceding) and towards the end of this period. 

All travellers should be aware of an increase of opportunistic theft and pickpocketing nationwide in the period leading up the holidays. Overall, it is still generally safe, but it pays off to be extra vigilant during this period. Make sure to prioritise your own personal safety and security by researching and staying informed before your trip. Reach out to local authorities for assistance and support if you encounter any issues.

Doing Business Over The Khmer New Year

As Khmer New Year is one of the biggest annual holidays in Cambodia, most official business outside of tourism and transport, including business within the food and beverage (F&B) industry, grinds to a halt. 

The release of any official documents from government agencies and ministries over this period will be slower to facilitate than normal (which is true of most nations over a new year period). From a business perspective, the Khmer New Year is a time to unwind and take stock of the year ahead. Many offices will celebrate with functions and, up to the manager's discretion, even allow for a longer time off work as the holidays in 2024 fall mid-week.  

Some state institutions may even give staff their biweekly paychecks earlier, while privately-owned companies might offer a 13th month salary bonus due to the significance of the holiday. Business owners in Phnom Penh should be aware that all state institutions and private sector institutions are expected to display portraits of King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and also decorate their establishments with ribbons, coloured lights, banners and appropriate slogans for the Khmer New Year. 

This article will continue to be updated as more Khmer New Year 2024 festivities are announced.

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