PHNOM PENH – The inaugural Nokor Sankranta festival concluded on Sunday, cementing its place as a massive cultural success after attracting nearly 9 million visitors to the capital between April 13 and 19.
The seven-day event, organized to celebrate the Khmer New Year, transformed Phnom Penh into a vibrant hub of traditional games, religious ceremonies, and modern entertainment. According to Dor Samphors, Spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, the festivities drew a diverse crowd of both local families and international tourists in an atmosphere described as “lively and peaceful.”
Record-Breaking Turnout
The scale of the 2026 celebrations significantly impacted the capital’s tourism figures. The peak of the activity occurred during the core Khmer New Year days:
- April 14–16: Over 4 million visitors flooded the city during the primary three-day holiday.
- Post-New Year Surge: The momentum continued through the week, with 1.3 million attendees on April 17, followed by 1.5 million on April 18.
- Grand Finale: The event concluded on April 19 with more than 1.4 million tourists, including 23,232 international visitors who stayed for the final day.
Key venues such as the Wat Phnom Historical Site, the Chaktomuk Walking Street, and the former Phnom Penh International Airport were cited as major contributors to the record-breaking turnout.
Safety and Management
Despite the massive crowds, municipal authorities reported a smooth operation with no major security incidents. The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration highlighted the effectiveness of their event management and public health strategies.
“Authorities ensured strong public health and safety measures, treating 2,379 minor medical cases with support from dedicated medical teams, ambulances, and mobile units,” stated Dor Samphors.
A New Cultural Milestone
Nokor Sankranta 2026 marks a shift in Cambodia’s holiday landscape. While the Angkor Sankranta in Siem Reap has traditionally been the centerpiece of the New Year, this year’s “Nokor” theme in Phnom Penh was designed to preserve ancestral heritage and boost the capital’s economy.
The event featured over 20 cultural performances and traditional games like Bos Angkunh and Leak Kanseng, aimed at strengthening national identity and solidarity. With nearly 9 million participants recorded over the week, officials believe the event has set a new standard for urban cultural festivals in Southeast Asia.
Also read, Kampot Attracts Over 430,000 Visitors During Khmer New Year Celebrations
