Cambodia Water Festival 2026: What’s On, What’s Off, and Where to Go

If you were hoping for the dragon boats on the Tonle Sap this November, here’s the honest picture, plus how to still make the most of three days off.

Is the Water Festival Cancelled in 2026?

Partly. A government circular, reported by AKP on 30 June 2026, suspended the Water Festival celebrations along the Tonle Sap in front of the Royal Palace, which had been planned for 23–25 November. No reversal had been announced as of 20 October 2026. The circular cited aid for displaced people and border-related priorities, as reported by AKP, Cambodia’s state news agency. Phnom Penh’s celebrations were also called off in 2025, so this is the second year in a row.

Two things did not change. The three-day public holiday stays in place, and provincial celebrations “may still be held as normal”, in line with local traditions and capacity.

When Is the Water Festival 2026?

For every other day off this year, see our Cambodia Public Holidays 2026 calendar.

What’s Off in Phnom Penh, and What Still Happens

Off: the national boat races, the riverside stages and the illuminated boats in front of the Royal Palace. On: the holiday itself. The three-day public holiday for civil servants, employees and workers stands, so check your bank’s own holiday notice before the long weekend. Expect busier roads, buses and hotels as families travel to their home provinces, so book early.

Where Can You Still See Water Festival Celebrations?

Look to the provinces. In Siem Reap, officials inspected the riverbanks in late August to prepare for the festival, but as of mid-October no final programme with race times had been published. Treat any boat-race plan there as likely, not guaranteed, and check the provincial administration’s announcements in the week before.

Kampong Thom provincial administration has announced provincial boat races on 7–8 November along the Stung Sen riverside, according to Thmeythmey and Fresh News. Prey Veng goes earlier: boat races are set for 24–25 October 2026 along the Prey Veng town riverside at Chong Pom, ahead of the national holiday, also according to Thmeythmey.

For other provinces, only trust an announcement dated 2026. An old poster doesn’t confirm a race this year. We’ll add confirmed local events to this guide as they’re announced.

How to Plan the Water Festival Long Weekend

1. Decide city or getaway. Without the races, Phnom Penh is a calm place to stay. Leaving gives you up to five days, Saturday 21 to Wednesday 25 November.
2. Pick a town. Siem Reap for temples and any local festival, Kampot or Kep for a slow river-and-sea weekend.
3. Book transport early. Buses and roads fill up as people travel home. Our Getting Around Phnom Penh guide covers apps and transfers.
4. Book your room before prices firm up, and keep free cancellation in case local plans change.
5. Sort cash and data. Top up your SIM (see our SIM and eSIM guide) and check your ABA app works before offices close.

Where to Stay Over the Holiday

Staying in town? Our Phnom Penh and Siem Reap hotel guide covers areas and picks. We’re publishing a full long-weekend comparison of Siem Reap, Kampot and Kep, with hotel picks for each, before the holiday. Arriving from abroad for the break? Fill in the free official e-Arrival card before you fly.

Sources: AKP, 30 June 2026; Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin, public holidays 2026; The Map Cambodia, checked 9 Oct 2026; Thmeythmey, checked 20 Oct 2026; Fresh News, checked 19 Oct 2026. Last updated: 20 October 2026.