November is one of the most interesting months to visit Cambodia. The rainy season is coming to an end, the weather becomes increasingly comfortable for sightseeing, and the country’s major cultural calendar starts getting busy.
November 2026 is slightly unusual, however. Cambodia’s famous Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) is scheduled for November 23–25, but the Royal Government has suspended the main celebrations in Phnom Penh this year. The three-day public holiday remains in place, while provincial celebrations may still take place according to local arrangements.
There are also important national holidays, cultural events, circus performances in Siem Reap and Battambang, and a number of smaller events worth knowing about if you are traveling around Cambodia during the month.
Best Cambodia Events in November 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 9 | Independence Day | Nationwide, major ceremonies in Phnom Penh | National Holiday |
| November 17–19 | Tini Tinou International Circus Festival | Siem Reap | International Arts Festival |
| November 21–24 | Tini Tinou International Circus Festival | Battambang | International Arts Festival |
| November 23–25 | Water Festival / Bon Om Touk | Phnom Penh & provinces | Traditional Festival |
| November 23–25 | Siem Reap Water Festival celebrations | Siem Reap | Cultural Festival |
1. Independence Day — November 9, 2026
Location: Nationwide, with the main ceremonies in Phnom Penh
Date: November 9, 2026
Type: National holiday
Cambodia Independence Day commemorates the country’s independence from French colonial rule, achieved in 1953.
The main national ceremonies take place in Phnom Penh around the Independence Monument, where official commemorations and flag ceremonies are held.
For travelers, November 9 is primarily a date to be aware of when planning transport and sightseeing. Government offices and some businesses may operate differently because it is a national public holiday.
If you are staying in the capital, it can also be an interesting opportunity to see Phnom Penh during an important national celebration rather than simply visiting its usual tourist attractions.
See our Phnom Penh Travel Guide, Phnom Penh 2-Day Itinerary and where to stay in Phnom Penh.
2. Tini Tinou International Circus Festival — Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Dates: November 17–19, 2026
Type: International circus and performing arts festival
Tini Tinou is Cambodia’s international circus festival, bringing Cambodian and international performers together for a week of shows, workshops and cultural activities.
In 2026, the festival opens in Siem Reap from November 17 to 19. Performances are scheduled at Phare, The Cambodian Circus and other locations around the city.
Beyond the main performances, the programme includes children’s activities, workshops, creative markets, public performances and opportunities to meet artists.
This is one of the better November events for travelers who want something different from temples and historical attractions.
If you are visiting Siem Reap during the festival, consider staying for several nights so you can combine the event with Angkor. Our guides to where to stay in Siem Reap, the best hotels in Siem Reap and Siem Reap Travel Guide can help with planning.
3. Tini Tinou International Circus Festival — Battambang
Location: Battambang
Dates: November 21–24, 2026
Type: International circus and arts festival
After its Siem Reap programme, Tini Tinou moves to Battambang from November 21 to 24.
The Battambang programme is centred around the Phare Ponleu Selpak campus and also extends into public spaces around the city.
Visitors can expect circus performances, street activities, artist talks, community workshops, arts and crafts markets and free pop-up performances.
Battambang is already one of Cambodia’s most interesting destinations for travelers interested in art and Cambodian culture, so the festival fits particularly well into a November itinerary.
If you are considering adding Battambang to your trip, compare it with Siem Reap using our Battambang vs Siem Reap guide.
4. Water Festival / Bon Om Touk — November 23–25, 2026
Location: Cambodia; traditional celebrations in several provinces
Date: November 23–25, 2026
Type: Traditional and national festival
Important update for travelers: The Royal Government of Cambodia has suspended the main Water Festival celebrations in Phnom Penh for 2026. The celebrations that had been planned along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace from November 23 to 25 will not take place as originally planned.
The three-day public holiday remains unchanged, and provincial celebrations may still be held according to local circumstances.
Bon Om Touk is traditionally one of Cambodia’s biggest annual celebrations. The festival is associated with the seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River and traditionally features longboat races, illuminated boats, fireworks, concerts and huge crowds along the riverside.
In a normal year, Phnom Penh would be the main place to experience the festival. In 2026, travelers should not assume that the usual riverside programme will take place.
Instead, check local announcements if you want to experience provincial or city-level celebrations. Siem Reap, for example, is expected to have its own smaller Water Festival activities around the Siem Reap River.
If you are traveling through Cambodia during November 23–25, plan transport carefully because the public holiday remains in effect even though the main Phnom Penh festivities have been suspended.
For travelers staying in Siem Reap, see our Siem Reap Travel Guide, Siem Reap 2-Day Itinerary and best hotels in Siem Reap.
5. Siem Reap Water Festival Celebrations — November 23–25
Location: Siem Reap River and surrounding areas
Dates: November 23–25, 2026
Type: Local cultural celebration
While the main Phnom Penh Water Festival celebrations have been suspended, Siem Reap is expected to hold smaller local activities during the same period.
Local programmes can include illuminated boats, riverside activities, food, music and cultural performances. The scale is considerably smaller than the traditional Phnom Penh celebration, but the atmosphere can still be interesting for visitors already staying in Siem Reap.
Because local programming can change, travelers should check the latest information shortly before the festival rather than assuming that every activity will take place on all three days.
If you want to combine the festival with Angkor, November is an excellent time to build a longer Siem Reap itinerary. See our Ultimate Angkor Wat Guide, Angkor Wat Sunrise Guide and Angkor Wat 3-Day Pass Itinerary.
November 2026: What Travelers Should Know
November is the beginning of Cambodia’s popular dry-season travel period. Conditions are generally becoming better for sightseeing, road trips and temple visits, while the countryside can still be relatively green after the rainy season.
The most important thing to remember in November 2026 is that the Water Festival holiday and the Water Festival celebrations are not the same thing.
- November 9: Independence Day is a national public holiday.
- November 23–25: The Water Festival public holiday remains in place.
- Phnom Penh: The main 2026 Water Festival celebrations have been suspended.
- Provinces: Local Water Festival celebrations may still take place.
- Siem Reap: Local Water Festival activities are expected, but travelers should check the latest programme.
- Transport: Expect increased domestic travel around major public holidays.
- Accommodation: November is already entering the high tourist season, so popular hotels can become more expensive and availability can tighten.
For planning your trip, see our Cambodia hotel prices guide, Cambodia packing list and Cambodia safety guide.
Where to Stay in Cambodia During November Events
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the strongest base for travelers interested in the Tini Tinou festival, local Water Festival celebrations and Angkor. It also gives you the widest choice of accommodation around the city’s main tourist areas.
Compare where to stay in Siem Reap, the best hotels in Siem Reap and luxury resorts near Angkor Wat.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh remains useful for Independence Day and the city’s normal cultural calendar, but travelers should not book a November trip specifically expecting the traditional 2026 Water Festival spectacle along the Royal Palace riverfront.
For accommodation, see our Phnom Penh accommodation guide and best hotels in Phnom Penh.
Battambang
Battambang is particularly interesting from November 21 to 24 because of Tini Tinou. If you are looking for a more cultural and less tourist-heavy alternative to Siem Reap, the festival gives you another reason to add the city to your itinerary.
November 2026 Cambodia Events Calendar: Quick Summary
- November 9: Independence Day — nationwide
- November 17–19: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival — Siem Reap
- November 21–24: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival — Battambang
- November 23–25: Water Festival public holiday — nationwide
- November 23–25: Main Phnom Penh Water Festival celebrations — suspended for 2026
- November 23–25: Local Water Festival celebrations — possible in provinces, including Siem Reap
Sources
- Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) — Royal Government announcement on the suspension of the 2026 Phnom Penh Water Festival celebrations
- Visit Cambodia — official month-by-month Cambodia events calendar
- Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts — Tini Tinou International Circus Festival information
- Tini Tinou / Phare Ponleu Selpak — 2026 festival programme
- Local Siem Reap event information for November 2026