AKP Phnom Penh, April 17, 2026 --

A staggering 4.3 million domestic and international tourists flooded Phnom Penh over the three days of Khmer New Year, shattering expectations and cementing the capital’s status as a premier holiday destination.

Crowds swelled daily from April 14 to 16, peaking at over 1.8 million on Day 3 alone, drawn by the “Nokor Sankranta” festivities across six major venues and 14 Khans (districts). Foreign arrivals nearly tripled from Day 1 to Day 2, hitting nearly 18,000.

Municipal Spokesperson Ms. Dor Samphors attributed the success to “excellent security and public order,” noting the celebrations proceeded under a “canopy of peace” with no major incidents. Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Chuon Narin confirmed police remained on high alert, ensuring traditional games and gatherings went off without disruption.

The “Nokor Sankranta” event, organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia and the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, will continue until April 19 even though the official three-day celebrations of the Khmer Traditional New Year were concluded on Thursday.

'

By K. Rithy Reak