Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival)
“Dragon-boat races on the Tonle Sap, illuminated floats and three days of national holiday”
Bon Om Touk marks the end of the rainy season, when the Tonle Sap river reverses its flow. Village teams race long, brightly decorated boats on the river in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and after dark illuminated floats drift past while families float lanterns. It is a three-day national holiday and Phnom Penh's riverfront is packed.
Upcoming dates
Held over the full moon of the Khmer month of Kadeuk, usually in November. The government fixes the dates a year ahead.
Dates from the official source · checked 4 October 2026
Booking + planning tips
- ✓Book a riverside hotel early if you want to watch the races from your balcony — they go first
- ✓Arrive at the riverfront early in the day for a viewing spot; crowds build fast
- ✓Keep valuables secure in the crowds and agree tuk-tuk fares before you set off
- ✓The races run in the daytime; the illuminated floats come out in the evening
Book hotels for Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) 2026
Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 2+ months ahead.
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Fly to Techo International, Phnom Penh
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Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) price + date alerts
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