When is Khmer New Year?
Khmer New Year, Choul Chnam Thmey, marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the new year in the traditional Khmer calendar, which follows the sun's entry into Aries. It is celebrated over three days, usually 14 to 16 April, though in some years it begins on 13 April. The Cambodian government confirms the exact dates each year in its official public holiday list.
The three days
- Maha Songkran, the first day, welcomes the new angel (Tevoda) who looks after the world for the coming year.
- Virak Vanabat, the second day, is for giving to the poor, to elders and to the monasteries.
- Vearak Laeng Sak, the third day, includes bathing Buddha statues and elders with scented water as a blessing.
Families return to their home provinces, visit pagodas and play traditional games such as Bos Angkunh and Chol Chhoung. Thailand, Laos and Myanmar celebrate their own new year festivals at the same time.
Khmer New Year dates for the coming years
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 14, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 14, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 14, 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | April 14, 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | April 14, 2030 | Sunday |
| 2031 | April 14, 2031 | Monday |
Frequently asked questions
Is Khmer New Year always on 14 April?
Usually it runs from 14 to 16 April, but because it follows an astrological calculation it sometimes starts on 13 April. The Cambodian government confirms the dates each year.
How long is the Khmer New Year holiday?
The official public holiday is three days. Many businesses close for longer, and travel around the holiday is very busy as people return to their home provinces.
The countdown runs to midnight at the start of the day in your own time zone. Dates of religious and lunar holidays can differ by a day between countries.