When is Coronation Day?
In 2026, Coronation Day falls on Thursday, October 29, 2026. It is classified here as a Cambodian public holiday.
History of Coronation Day
Coronation Day marks the accession of King Norodom Sihamoni in 2004. It is distinct from his May birthday: this October public holiday remembers the constitutional act through which he became King of Cambodia and links personal monarchy with the state’s institutional continuity.
The day may be marked by official messages, flags, ceremonies and cultural programmes. For many households, it is also simply a national day off in the middle of the autumn festival season, used for visits and family time.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s coronation ceremonies took place in October 2004 after the Throne Council selected him following Norodom Sihanouk’s abdication. The anniversary represents continuity of the constitutional monarchy, not the start of an executive presidency or a second birthday celebration. October 29 remained a one-day paid holiday in 2026. Royal and government messages may be prominent, while private employers and essential services manage operations under the labour calendar and applicable work-on-holiday procedures.
How Coronation Day is observed
A paid public holiday on October 29 commemorating King Norodom Sihamoni’s 2004 coronation, distinct from his May birthday holiday.
Traditions of Coronation Day
Royal and government messages
Cambodian institutions publish formal greetings and material about King Norodom Sihamoni’s 2004 coronation and the country’s constitutional monarchy.
Flags and ceremonial displays
Cambodian public buildings may display national and royal imagery, with ceremonies concentrated in official rather than ordinary household settings.
Paid family time
Many Cambodian workers use the October holiday for family meals or visits amid the country’s already busy autumn festival calendar.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Cambodian official and legal guidance. Lunar dates and annual government, provincial or employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Office of the Council of Ministers, Cambodia: 2026 public-holiday calendar, National Bank of Cambodia: Public Holidays 2026, Cambodia Ministry of Tourism: Public holidays and festival guide, Ministry of Economy and Finance: 2026 public-holiday calendar, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training: Labour Law, KPMG Cambodia: 2021 Labour Law amendment and revised Article 162.
Continue exploring