Cambodian New Year, also known as Khmer New Year or Choul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most important year celebrations for Cambodian people. It marks the traditional solar New Year and reflects centuries of cultural, agricultural, and spiritual traditions across the Khmer country.
If you are wondering when Cambodian New Year 2026 takes place, how Khmer New Year celebrations work, and what customs are observed in both rural and urban areas, this guide explains everything in a clear and respectful way. For a related celebration in Thailand, you can also read our guide on when Thai New Year takes place.
When Is Cambodian New Year 2026?
Cambodian New Year 2026 is celebrated from April 14 to April 16, 2026. These dates are officially recognized nationwide. Schools, offices, and many businesses close so families can gather and celebrate.
The exact timing of the New Year is based on ancient astronomical calculations rather than fixed calendar dates, which is why the holiday can shift slightly each year.
What Is Khmer New Year?
Khmer New Year is the traditional solar New Year of Cambodia. It signals the transition from the dry season into the rainy season, which traditionally begins shortly after the holiday. This timing connects the celebration to agriculture, renewal, and preparation for the upcoming harvest season.
Khmer and Cambodian intellectuals historically developed many of the customs and calculations tied to the New Year, blending Hindu and Buddhist influences that remain visible today.
How Khmer New Year Celebrations Take Place
Khmer New Year celebrations traditionally last three days, with each day holding its own meaning and rituals.
First Day: Maha Sangkran
Homes are cleaned and decorated as families welcome the New Year. Many visit temples, light incense, and make offerings to monks. This day focuses on welcoming good fortune.
Second Day: Virak Vanabat
This day emphasizes generosity and free time spent helping others. Families donate food and supplies, especially to elders and those in need.
Third Day: Vearak Loeng Sak
The third day centers on blessings and renewal. People gently wash Buddha statues and elders’ hands using scented water, symbolizing respect and purification.
Traditional Games and Community Activities
During Khmer New Year celebrations, communities gather to play traditional games that have been passed down for generations. These games often take place in temple grounds or village centers and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
In both rural and urban areas, these activities strengthen community bonds and create joyful shared memories.
Rural and Urban Celebrations Across Cambodia
Cambodian New Year is celebrated across the entire country, but traditions may look slightly different depending on location.
- In rural areas, celebrations often focus on family gatherings, temple visits, and traditional rituals.
- In urban areas, especially Phnom Penh, there may also be cultural performances and public events alongside traditional observances.
Despite these differences, the core meaning remains the same nationwide.
Spiritual Meaning and Temple Traditions
Buddhism plays a central role during Khmer New Year. Visiting temples, making offerings, and washing Buddha statues are key practices. These acts symbolize purification, gratitude, and renewal for the year ahead.
Respect for elders and monks reflects long-standing Khmer values that continue to shape Cambodian New Year traditions today.
Cambodian New Year and the Changing Seasons
Khmer New Year marks the transition away from the dry months and signals that the rainy season begins soon after. Historically, this timing helped farming communities prepare for planting and the next harvest season.
This connection between nature, agriculture, and spirituality is a key reason the holiday holds lasting importance.
How Cambodian New Year Relates to Other Southeast Asian New Years
Cambodian New Year shares similarities with Thai New Year and Laos New Year, all of which are based on solar calendars and occur in April. Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is celebrated with more public water festivities, while Khmer New Year tends to be more ceremonial.
If you are also learning about Thai New Year, read our guide on when is Thai New Year. We will also be publishing a Laos New Year guide here: when is Laos New Year.
How to Share Cambodian New Year Wishes From Afar
For Cambodian people living abroad, celebrating Khmer New Year may look different. Many stay connected by sending written greetings, calling family members, and sharing New Year blessings through greeting cards.
Since Songkran is closely connected to Cambodian New Year and Laos New Year, many families use one card collection to celebrate Southeast Asian New Year traditions together. You can browse our curated selection here.
What to Write in a Cambodian New Year Greeting Card
Cambodian New Year wishes often focus on health, peace, prosperity, and gratitude. A great message can be short and sincere. If you are writing to family members, you can include a line about blessings and a hopeful new beginning.
- Simple and warm: “Happy Khmer New Year. Wishing you health, happiness, and peace in the year ahead.”
- Family-focused: “Sending love to you and our family. May the New Year bring blessings and togetherness.”
- Traditional tone: “May this New Year bring you good fortune, calm days, and a heart full of gratitude.”
- For friends: “Happy Cambodian New Year. Wishing you fresh starts and joyful celebrations.”
- From afar: “Thinking of you during Choul Chnam Thmey. Sending blessings from far away with love.”
If you are also celebrating Lunar New Year in Chinese, Korean, or Japanese communities, you may want a separate card style that matches that tradition. You can explore our Lunar New Year collection and message guide below.
Helpful next read: what to write in a Chinese New Year card.
FAQs About Cambodian New Year 2026
When is Cambodian New Year 2026 celebrated?
Cambodian New Year 2026 takes place from April 14 to April 16, 2026.
Is Khmer New Year a public holiday?
Yes. It is a national public holiday observed across Cambodia, and many people travel to reunite with family members.
Why does Cambodian New Year relate to the rainy season?
The holiday aligns with the traditional solar calendar and marks the seasonal shift when the rainy season begins soon after. This timing has long supported agriculture and the harvest season cycle.
Are traditional games part of Khmer New Year celebrations?
Yes. Traditional games are commonly played in villages and temple grounds during the holiday, especially in community gatherings.
Final Thoughts on Cambodian New Year 2026
Cambodian New Year 2026 is deeply rooted in tradition, spirituality, and seasonal change. From temple rituals and Buddha statues to traditional games and family gatherings, Khmer New Year celebrations reflect values that have shaped Cambodian culture for generations.
Understanding the meaning behind these customs can help you celebrate with greater appreciation and respect, no matter where you are in the world.