Cambodia’s 2018 Public Holidays: Full List of Festive Days & Celebrations

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here, ready to break down Cambodia’s 2018 public holiday lineup. I know planning around these dates is clutch for travelers and locals alike, so let’s dive into everything you need to know about Cambodia’s festive calendar that year.

So How Many Public Holidays Did Cambodia Have in 2018?

Cambodia celebrated a total of 22 public holidays in 2018—yep, that’s one of the highest counts globally! Unlike many countries that stick to 10-15 days off, Cambodia’s mix of Buddhist traditions, royal celebrations, and historical events packs the calendar. Here’s the scoop:

• January: International New Year’s Day (Jan 1) + Victory Over Genocide Day (Jan 7)
• April: Khmer New Year (3 days!), Visak Bochea Day (Buddha’s birthday)
• May: King Sihamoni’s Birthday (May 14), Royal Ploughing Ceremony
• October-November: Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Festival, 3 days), Water Festival (3 days), Independence Day (Nov 9)

Pro tip: April and November were *stacked*—great for cultural immersion but book hotels early!

Why Does Cambodia Have So Many Holidays?

Three big reasons:
1. Buddhist influence: Days like Visak Bochea and Meak Bochea honor Buddha’s life. Temples get packed!
2. Royal events: The King’s birthday and coronation anniversaries are mandatory days off.
3. Historical milestones: Days like Victory Over Genocide (Jan 7) reflect Cambodia’s tough past.

Fun fact: Some holidays follow the lunar calendar, so dates shift yearly (like China’s Golden Week).

Big-Deal Holidays You Can’t Miss

If you’re visiting Cambodia, these 2018 highlights were worth planning around:
– Khmer New Year (April 14-16): Think water fights, street dances, and family feasts.
– Pchum Ben (Oct 9-11): Locals offer food to monks for their ancestors’ spirits. Spine-tingling vibes!
– Water Festival (Nov 21-23): Boat races on Tonlé Sap River + fireworks. Mega crowds but epic energy.

Heads up: Government offices and banks closed on all 22 days, but tourist spots? Mostly open (with holiday surcharges, oof).

To wrap it up, Cambodia’s 2018 holiday roster was a vibrant blend of spirituality, history, and royal pride. Whether you’re a traveler dodging peak dates or just curious about global traditions, I hope this guide helps. Got more Q’s? Hit me up—I’m always here to nerd out about holidays!

FAQpro tip: Bookmark this page if you’re researching Cambodian culture or trip timing. And hey, thanks for hanging with your Holiday Little Assistant—catch you on the next festive deep-dive!