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Where will you be when the clock strikes twelve? Spend New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 for a celebration unlike any other. Whether you're looking for quiet beaches or lively parties, Asia King Travel has the perfect plan for you. Continue reading to explore your best options.
New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 is a one-of-a-kind experience
If you are wondering if Cambodia works for a New Year’s trip, the answer is yes. While Cambodian locals celebrate their Khmer New Year in April, this country also embraces the international countdown on December 31st.
Major hubs like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will light up with energy during these days. You may find travelers and locals mixing in the streets, sharing drinks, and watching fireworks together.
At the same time, the climate during New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 is perfect when late December falls right in the middle of dry season, giving you the best weather of the year. This allows every traveller to combine festivities with cultural experiences. You can party on New Year's Eve and then spend the first day of 2026 exploring the Royal Palace or catching sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Choose the Cambodia New Year tour packages to welcome 2026
However, just keep in mind that you need to be realistic about costs. Because of the favorable Cambodian weather in January and the energy described earlier, it comes as no surprise that this is the busiest time for travel. Hotel and tour prices will be higher compared to other months.
In addition, popular spots will be busy too. The only solution we recommend is booking your services early. If you are willing to plan ahead, the Cambodia New Year tour packages should be ready to give you a backdrop to ring in 2026.
Ready to ring in 2026 with an unforgettable adventure? Explore our exclusive collection of Cambodia tour packages
There is no better way to welcome New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 than with a skyline view. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap transform after sunset, and a rooftop dinner would give you a front-row seat to the action. You then start the night with good food while watching the whole city from a distance. Moreover, things might be relaxed enough for you to talk with your travel companions.
To catch the best sights of Cambodia during New Year’s Eve 2026, head to sky bars
The highlight, of course, is the countdown. At 0:00, sky erupts in color. From your vantage point, you will see fireworks reflect off the water, which is a sight you might miss from street level. For this experience, aim for the Riverside (Sisowath Quay) area. To be more specific, we have venues like Eclipse Sky Bar that provide a 360-degree view of the city, while Le Moon Rooftop cater for a more intimate celebration.
If the rooftop scene feels too formal on New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026, trade the tablecloth for a grass mat at Independence Monument Square. This creates a completely different vibe, one that feels grounded and chaotic.
In Cambodia, public parks are living rooms for the community. On New Year's Eve, you will see groups of friends and families claiming spots on the grass strips along Sihanouk Boulevard to hang out and wait for the countdown.
Gather at Independence Monument Square on New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026
For those who want to dance until sunrise, Pub Street in Siem Reap is your go-to destination. That said, joining the crowds here is one of the most iconic Cambodian New Year’s experiences.
Just imagine the area will be packed with lights and revelers. You start the night at The Red Piano, a landmark for cocktails and some sightseeing from the balcony. Then, in case you want live music to warm up, head over to Paper Tiger or Café Latino. Finally, end your crawl at Temple Club, where the massive sound system keeps the dancing going well past the midnight countdown to New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026.
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Craving an all-nighter on the dance floor? Head straight to Pub Street in Siem Reap
After wild parties, why don’t you balance your trip with a moment of peace? If so, let’s go out early to watch the first sunrise of 2026 at Angkor Wat. In local belief, sunrise symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, making it the perfect metaphor for starting a new chapter. You might need to arrive by 5:00 AM to secure a seat near the reflection pond. As sun climbs behind five lotus towers, the view will be so stunning that it can leave you in awe.
Balance your trip by celebrating New Year in Cambodia at Angkor Wat
Continue celebrating New Year in Cambodia with a visit to a nearby pagoda to "make merit" for the year ahead. In terms of recommendations, you can visit Wat Preah Prom Rath. Here, don’t hesitate to ask for a Kmer knot. This red thread is believed to protect you from bad energy and bring good luck. That’s how your New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 is blessed fully.
For those who want to watch the first sunrise of 2026 at Angkor Wat, this Angkor Trekking Tour 3 Days is designed just for you
What about a New Year's Eve where the bassline drops in sync with waves? That is the reality at Long Set Beach and a compelling reason to visit Cambodia on New Year’s Eve if you appreciate good tunes and fresh air.
New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 can also be celebrated next to the sea
The whole setup is simple but exciting: live acoustic sessions at sunset turn into upbeat DJ sets as the night gets darker. You sit with a cold drink in hand, surrounded by fire spinners and other travelers. There are no walls, no ceilings, just the open sky and the sea while welcoming New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026.
If you are already in the south for beaches of Koh Rong Island, do not end your trip without visiting the nearby Crab Market in Kep. Adding this stop to your itinerary gives you a complete picture of the coast during New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026.
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Don’t forget to include the Crab Market during New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026
At Kep’s Crab Market, you are not just going to order off a menu; you will select your own crabs straight from the ocean and have them cooked right in front of you with aromatic spices. Sharing a plate of pepper crab should really be on your list of things to do in Cambodia during New Year’s Eve 2026.
Just a 30-minute drive from the crab feast in Kep, there is a way to settle your stomach by taking a cruise on the Kampot River. Here, you board a boat near the Old Bridge. After the engine starts, you slowly drift past French colonial shophouses and mangrove forests, with Elephant Mountains rising in the background.
One of our top Cambodia travel tips for New Year is to opt for a "firefly boat tour" specifically. With this choice, you get both the sunset view and the glowing spectacle after dark. They would be a soft preparation for your countdown to New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026.
As we have mentioned above, this is the best time to visit Cambodia. Expect dry, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F - 86°F). The evenings can actually get a bit breezy, especially on the river or near the temples, so packing a light jacket is smart. You won't have to worry about rain ruining your outdoor plans.
The Cambodian weather in January is ideal
Yes. Unlike the Lunar New Year in some neighboring countries where shops close for days, business in Cambodia continues as usual. Tourist attractions, restaurants, museums, and markets remain open on January 1st. In fact, they are often busier than usual, so it won’t be a quiet day out.
Generally, yes. The main areas, such as Pub Street or the Riverside, are heavily policed during festivals. However, with large crowds come pickpockets. Keep your phone and wallet secure, and avoid flashing valuables. If you take a tuk-tuk late at night, agree on the price before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app like PassApp or Grab to ensure a fixed rate and tracked route.
Why settle for an ordinary celebration when you can have an extraordinary adventure? New Year’s Eve in Cambodia 2026 promises a unique blend of culture and celebration that you won't find anywhere else. Spots are filling up fast for the holiday season, so make sure to secure your itinerary early. Reach out to Asia King Travel now, and let our local experts craft a New Year’s journey just for you.
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