Nokor Sangkranta 2026: Guide to Khmer New Year Celebration in Phnom Penh

Nokor Sangkranta is a new theme of Khmer New Year Celebration in 2026 in Phnom Penh. Over the past 10 years, we have had Angkor Sankranta in Siem Reap Province.

The “Nokor Sangkranta” 2026 celebrations will be held in Phnom Penh from April 14 to 19 as part of this year’s Khmer New Year festivities. The six-day event will showcase Cambodia’s customs and traditions while strengthening ties with displaced citizens and frontline armed forces

Nokor Sankranta that will be held in Phnom Penh was designed to preserve ancestral heritage, boost the economy and attract tourists under the campaign “Khmer New Year” to visit Cambodia. Religious ceremonies will be held to dedicate merit to fallen heroes and victims, and to pray for peace and prosperity.

A key focus of the 2026 event is to provide encouragement and financial support to soldiers on the border and displaced communities. Income generated from "Nokor Sangkranta" products will be donated to people.

Nokor Sankran 2026 is a six day Khmer New Year event starting from 14th April until 19th April 2026.

The event will take place at key locations across Phnom Penh, including Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walking Street, Vattanac Capital Lifestyle, the Night Market, Wat Botum Park, Bassac Lane and Toul Tompoung Market. These are the place where you can celebrate Khmer New Year in Phnom Penh.

During Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey), one of the most exciting experiences for both locals and travelers is joining the vibrant Khmer traditional games played across pagodas and public spaces. As part of the wider celebration, events like Nokor Sankran in Phnom Penh bring these cultural activities to life, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Khmer traditional games are a key highlight of Khmer New Year celebrations in Cambodia, especially in popular locations like pagodas and city festivals. These games are not only fun but also deeply meaningful—they symbolize unity, friendship, and the strong social bonds within Cambodian communities.

From classic games like Bos Angkunh and Leak Kanseng to group-based activities that encourage teamwork and laughter, these traditions create unforgettable moments for families, friends, and tourists exploring what to do during Khmer New Year in Phnom Penh.

Whether you are visiting Phnom Penh for the first time or returning to celebrate, experiencing Khmer traditional games during Nokor Sankranta 2026 is one of the best ways to connect with local culture and enjoy the true spirit of Cambodian New Year.

During Khmer New Year, visitors can experience a vibrant mix of Khmer traditional dancing and modern performances, making it one of the most exciting times to explore Cambodian culture. At major celebrations like Nokor Sankranta, the stage comes alive with classical dances such as the graceful Apsara dance, alongside energetic modern music concerts and live entertainment.

These performances highlight the unique blend of Cambodia’s rich heritage and contemporary creativity, attracting both locals and international tourists looking for Khmer New Year events in Phnom Penh. From cultural showcases to live concerts, this fusion of traditional and modern performances offers something for everyone and is a must-see for anyone wondering what to do during Khmer New Year in Cambodia.

Whether you enjoy cultural arts or lively music, the performances during Nokor Sankranta 2026 create an unforgettable festive atmosphere in Phnom Penh.

Beyond Khmer traditional dance, games, and live performances, Nokor Sankranta also features vibrant exhibition booths where enterprises, SMEs, and local sellers showcase their unique products and services. These booths create a lively marketplace atmosphere, making it one of the top Khmer New Year events in Cambodia for both locals and tourists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of authentic goods, from handmade crafts to local specialties. Most importantly, you can enjoy traditional Khmer food that has been passed down through generations, offering a true taste of Cambodian culture during Khmer New Year.

From street food favorites to heritage recipes, this food experience is a must-try for anyone looking for what to eat during Khmer New Year in Phnom Penh while enjoying the festive atmosphere in Phnom Penh.

Date: 14th April - 19th April 2026

Location: Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walking Street, Vattanac Capital Lifestyle, the Night Market, Wat Botum Park, Bassac Lane and Toul Tompoung Market

When traveling during the Cambodia dry season, it is essential to prioritize mosquito protection to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. While the weather is ideal for exploring, the local environment means proactive insect bite prevention is key. We highly recommend packing breathable, long-sleeved clothing and lightweight trousers.

To safeguard your valuables against the tropical elements, we highly recommend investing in a high-quality waterproof dry bag. Before departing your accommodation and upon arrival at your destination, always perform a personal security audit of your essential travel documents, electronics, and currency.

Booking your hotel 2 weeks or 3 weeks before you come to celebrate Nokor Sankrane in Phnom Penh is a good ideal. Every time there’s a big major event in Cambodia occur, most of hotels in Phnom Penh and in Cambodia are fully book 1 or 2 weeks in advance.

Before exploring the vibrant celebrations of Nokor Sankranta, your journey begins the moment you land at Techo International Airport. One of the most important things to plan ahead is your airport transfer from the airport to your hotel in Phnom Penh, especially during Khmer New Year when travel demand is at its peak.

During this festive period, traffic in Phnom Penh can be extremely heavy, and many ride-hailing apps are often fully booked. To avoid long waiting times or last-minute stress, it’s highly recommended to book your airport transfer in advance.

Services like TapTaxi offer a reliable and convenient solution, allowing you to secure your ride before arrival. With professional drivers, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support, it’s a practical choice for travelers. Plus, TapTaxi is currently running a special airport transfer promotion until the end of April, making it even more appealing during the Khmer New Year season.

To make the most of your trip, it’s best to book your transportation at least 1–2 days in advance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience while getting around the city during one of Cambodia’s busiest holidays.

1. What is Nokor Sankranta?

Nokor Sankrata is a six-day event in Phnom Penh to celebrate Cambodia New Year.

2. When is Khmer New Year 2026?

Khmer New Year 2026 starts from 14th April until 16th April 2026.

3. Where to celebrate Khmer New Year in Phnom Penh?

Here are the place where Khmer New Year will take place in Phnom Penh: Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walking Street, Vattanac Capital Lifestyle, the Night Market, Wat Botum Park, Bassac Lane and Toul Tompoung Market

4. Is it hard to find transport during Khmer New Year?

Most of the transport will be busy during Khmer New Year. To avoid this, you should book your transport in advance with a special khmer new year offer on www.taptaxi.asia.