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The New Year in Cambodia brings together vibrant culture, lively festivities, and beautiful natural settings in uniquely memorable ways. Phnom Penh offers energetic riverfront fireworks and rooftop celebrations. Siem Reap is famous for the Pub Street celebrations and the magical sunrise at Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville is known for its beach parties that light up the night, and Kampot, Kep, and Battambang are the places to go if you want to experience a New Year’s Eve by the river that is decorated with local traditions.
10 Places For The New Year In Cambodia
Celebrate the New Year in Cambodia with beach parties, fireworks, and cultural experiences across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal towns for a memorable start.
1. Phnom Penh
Photo: Hanay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Celebrating the New Year in Phnom Penh is one of the most fun options. From the riverside, particularly Sisowath Quay, street vendors rent space to sell food whilst music stages entertain families that line the banks to view the fireworks over the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Soldiers on duty in many luxury hotels and rooftop bars will have a gourmet dinner and countdown party with jaw-dropping views of the skyline. For those who want nightlife, the clubs and bars in the city stay open late with international DJs and live bands to delight visitors looking for a dose of local festivity mixed with cosmopolitan fun.
Location: Phnom Penh, Central Cambodia
Major Highlights: Sisowath Quay riverside fireworks, rooftop bar countdown parties, nightlife with international DJs.
Suggested Read: Explore Places To Visit Near Phnom Penh That Combine History, Nature, And Local Experiences
2. Siem Reap
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Siem Reap is a place to have a great time with its splendid and unique style of welcoming the New Year with a mixture of glamour and tradition. A lot of people are eager to start their spiritual year at Angkor Wat by seeing the first sunrise of the year over the temple’s majestic towers. Such steadiness allows them to take pleasure in not only the vivid nightlife but also the valuable cultural moments. Moreover, Siem Reap is not only about Angkor Wat but is also illuminated by the city’s Christmas spirit. Pub Street is turned into a centre of neon lights, music, and street performances that go on until the morning hours.
Location: Siem Reap, Northwestern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Pub Street nightlife, Wat Preah Prom Rath Temple.
3. Sihanoukville
Photo: Dmitry Makeev / Wikimedia Commons
Sihanoukville is the beach capital of Cambodia, and it’s a popular destination among backpackers to spend the New Year the tropical way. The main beaches of the city, Ochheuteal, Serendipity, and Independence Beach, have wide parties with bonfires, live music, and fireworks over the ocean. The countdown parties are organised by bars and clubs along the coast. For those who want something more glamorous, high-end resorts dish out gala dinners and private parties. The spangled lights and sand, along with the sea sounds, form quite a beautiful setting to ring in the New Year.
Location: Sihanoukville, Southwestern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Ochheuteal and Serendipity Beach parties, fireworks over the ocean, luxury resort galas.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Cambodia
4. Koh Rong
Photo: Rômulo Gama Ferreira / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Rong, one of the most beautiful islands off the coast of Cambodia, perfectly suits those craving something different on New Year’s Eve. This island is known for its beautifully turquoise waters and sandy beaches. For the quieter person, smaller resorts on the island will have bonfire get-togethers beneath the stars. Seeing fireworks reflected in Koh Rong’s ocean, it is hard to deny that this is a great place to begin the year. The beaches are alive with fire shows, beach parties, and music that goes all night long on Koh Touch and the other main beaches; this is an island paradise, and the New Year celebrations are nothing short of magic.
Location: Koh Rong Island, off the coast of Sihanoukville
Major Highlights: White-sand beaches, fire shows on Koh Touch, starlit bonfire gatherings.
5. Koh Rong Samloem
Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
The vibe of the New Year’s celebration on Koh Rong Samloem is much calmer and more relaxed than that of Koh Rong, which is full of life. The island does not throw large raves, but there are always small gatherings on the beach bars and resorts where people can enjoy fires, lanterns, and live acoustic music, which is a perfect setting for couples or families that are looking for privacy. Its lovely nature also contributes to the charm with clear waters, soft sands, and bioluminescent plankton, making a magical night scene. People who want loud parties can go to Koh Rong’s Koh Touch beach, where they can experience fire shows and listen to music until very late at night.
Location: Koh Rong Samloem Island, near Koh Rong
Major Highlights: Saracen Bay beaches, bioluminescent plankton, small acoustic beach gatherings.
Suggested Read: Explore Koh Rong Island Cambodia
6. Kampot
Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons
Kampot River town is a delightful small town to relax by the riverside and soak in the New Year vibe. The riverfront truly becomes the point of interest in celebration – this is where most locals and visitors enjoy live music, boat parties, and fireworks reflected in the water. There will be countdowns for guests in bars and restaurants along the river, and some bonfire and barbecue events will be organised by guesthouses. The relaxed atmosphere of Kampot is great for those who do not prefer plenty of bartenders and want fabulous scenery in the midst of nature. Watchman Kampot is perfect for relaxing travellers wanting a mellow New Year.
Location: Kampot, Southern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Riverside fireworks, boat parties, colonial architecture and relaxed nightlife.
7. Kep
Photo: Martpan / Wikimedia Commons
Kep is often recognised as a tranquil beach, offering fresh seafood with a few attractions perfect for small gatherings during New Year’s celebrations. Unlike the cities where everyone goes out, celebration events in Kep are more intimate, focused mainly on family dinners, seafood chowdowns, and beach bashes. Fireworks may be mediocre in number but very special due to the calmness of the surroundings and coastal scenery. Kep’s slow atmosphere is most enjoyed by couples and families, while crab markets close by and sunset boat rides are options to take before midnight. Kep is an exquisite, quiet town that prides itself on beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed ambiance.
Location: Kep, Southern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Seaside promenade, crab market seafood feasts, sunset boat rides.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cambodia
8. Battambang
Photo: Milei.vencel / Wikimedia Commons
Battambang portrays more of a cultural and genuine way of celebrating the New Year. Although the city is not as crowded as the two major cities of the country, it makes up for that absence with community festivities, traditional performances, and friendly local street gatherings. You will find the city centre and riverside filled with music, food stalls, and some mini fireworks displays to enjoy. While most of the day can be spent exploring cultural landmarks, one can join the locals in the evening festivities. Battambang is refreshing for a traveller who is off the beaten path. Battambang organises a more genuine and cultural New Year.
Location: Battambang, Northwestern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Local cultural performances, riverside festivities, Baháʼí House of Worship.
9. Otres Beach
Photo: Wikirictor / Wikimedia Commons
Otres Beach, often seen as Sihanoukville’s hidden gem, is a favourite spot to celebrate the New Year in Cambodia. It offers a lively yet laid-back vibe, with beach bars hosting fire shows, sand parties, and live music. Unlike the more crowded city beaches, Otres gives you space to dance on the sand, enjoy seafood, and take in the sea breeze. As the sun sets in stunning colours, the beach comes alive with countdown events and fireworks over the ocean. It’s perfect for travellers seeking a fun beach party without overwhelming crowds—relaxed, festive, and full of local charm.
Location: Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Southwestern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Fire shows on the beach, sand parties, seafood with oceanfront views.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cambodia In February For An Idyllic Getaway
10. Angkor Wat
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most unforgettable things Angkor Wat can offer is the New Year’s celebration. The temples do not hold noisy parties, but the first sunrise of the year is witnessed by a large number of travellers who come early to see how the sun’s first rays of the year pierce the ancient ruins. As the golden rays hit the spires, it becomes an amazing and symbolic sight of new beginnings. Several hotels in Siem Reap have created packages that take guests from an evening gala dinner to a guided temple tour the next morning. Despite the fact that the temple complexes are not designed for celebrations, the spectacle of the sun rising over the towers is very impressive.
Location: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Northwestern Cambodia
Major Highlights: Sunrise over temple spires, symbolic new beginnings, guided cultural tours.
New Year in Cambodia is a celebration like no other—beach dancing under the stars, fireworks over rivers, and sunrise at Angkor Wat create unforgettable moments. Beyond Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot, Cambodia’s mix of nightlife, tradition, and scenery makes it a top destination. Whether you seek lively parties or peaceful escapes, TripXL helps you plan your perfect New Year with expert tips and top travel picks.
Cover Photo: Peter Spencer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
