Hotels Across Cambodia Fully Booked Ahead of Grand Khmer New Year Celebrations

Siem Reap Administration

With just days to go before the 2025 Khmer New Year celebrations (April 14–16), hotels and guesthouses across Cambodia are reporting full bookings, as excitement builds for the annual Sankranta festivities.

In Siem Reap, the heart of the Angkor Sankranta festival, nearly all accommodations have been snapped up by eager domestic and international travelers. Themed “Smiles for the New Year Celebration”, this year’s event will be officially opened by Prime Minister Hun Manet and is expected to significantly boost local tourism and the broader economy.

"All our rooms are fully booked," said a staff member at Golden Orchid Angkor, noting that bookings have surpassed last year’s numbers. Similar reports have come from hotels like Siem Reap River View Resident and others across the city.

According to Sokhom Samol, Executive Director of the Siem Reap Tourism Club Association, “The Sangkranta festival is bigger and more attractive than last year, which has significantly boosted the province’s economy.”

Provincial authorities have placed a strong emphasis on fair pricing, hygiene, and quality service, urging hospitality providers not to inflate costs during the holiday season. “Unreasonable price hikes can hurt the reputation of Siem Reap and the Sankranta celebration,” warned Deputy Governor Ngouv Sengkak.

As of March, Siem Reap had 224 hotels offering over 13,500 rooms and 302 guesthouses with nearly 4,700 rooms, according to tourism department figures.

Celebrations are not limited to Siem Reap. In Preah Sihanouk province, accommodations in Koh Rong Island and Sihanoukville are nearly fully booked, with officials promising vibrant entertainment programs throughout the holiday.

Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, and Battambang are also joining the nationwide celebration, setting up cultural events, water stations, and decorative lighting to welcome visitors.

Last year, Cambodia saw nearly 22 million travelers during Khmer New Year. Officials expect this year’s turnout to surpass that, following calls by the Ministry of Tourism to raise service standards and ensure transparent pricing.

As anticipation grows, businesses and authorities alike are working to make this year’s Khmer New Year a memorable, safe, and culturally rich experience for all.

-2025-04-11