Bon Om Touk 2026: Cambodia’s Water Festival (23–25 November)

Cambodia’s Bon Om Touk, or Water Festival, will take place from 23 to 25 November 2026, celebrating the annual reversal of the Tonlé Sap River—a rare natural event vital to the country’s fisheries and agricultural cycle.

The three-day national festival, rooted in the Angkorian era, is one of Cambodia’s largest cultural events. It is primarily held in Phnom Penh, with parallel celebrations in Siem Reap near Angkor Wat.

The highlight is the traditional longboat races, where teams from across the country compete along the river, drawing large crowds to the capital’s riverfront. Festivities also include illuminated boat parades, fireworks displays, concerts, and street food fairs showcasing Khmer cuisine.

Religious and cultural rituals such as Ok Ambok (flattened rice ceremony) and Sampeah Preah Khe (moon worship) form an integral part of the celebration, expressing gratitude for the harvest.

Bon Om Touk is expected to attract millions of visitors, providing a significant boost to tourism and local businesses, as Cambodia continues to strengthen its position as a leading cultural destination in Southeast Asia.