Visak Bochea Day 2026, 2027 and 2028 in Cambodia
The Cambodian public holiday called “Visak Bochea Day” is held on the full moon of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar – normally some time in May on the Gregorian Calendar. Visak Bochea celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (nirvana) of Buddha.
In 2027, Visak Bochea Day falls on Thursday 20 May. The holiday will be on Monday 8 May in 2028.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 May | Fri | Visak Bochea Day |
| 2027 | 20 May | Thu | Visak Bochea Day |
| 2028 | 8 May | Mon | Visak Bochea Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Many Cambodian Buddhists visit local temples and shrines to celebrate on this day. They will spend much of the day thinking about Buddha and his teachings. Many also bring food, candles, and flowers to monks at monasteries to give them as gifts. The monks chant from Buddhist scriptures, teach on the ways of Buddha, and lead people in meditations.
Other traditions for celebrating Visak Bochea Day include giving statues of Buddha “a bath”, cleaning up homes and city streets, decorating public and private places with flowers and with “the Buddhist flag”, and circling Buddha statues at night while holding candles.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 May | Sun | Visak Bochea Day |
| 2024 | 22 May | Wed | Visak Bochea Day |