Public Holiday
Visak Bochea
27 Dates · 2023-05-04 – 2050-05-05
Visak Bochea is a major Buddhist public holiday in Cambodia marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
Visak Bochea (Vesak) is the high day of the Buddhist year in Cambodia: the full moon of Visakha, remembering the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. It is a public holiday. People take precepts, offer morning alms, and walk with candles around the vihara at night. The Gregorian date changes every year. Pair this page with the holy-day guide if you are learning how Thngai Sil works.
Common practices include temple visits, offerings, meditation, releasing animals, and evening candle circumambulation around the vihara.
FAQ
Is Visak Bochea a public holiday in Cambodia?
Yes. Visak Bochea is an official Cambodian public holiday.
Why does the Visak Bochea date change each year?
It follows the Khmer lunar calendar and is observed on the full moon of Visakha.
Related
Upcoming dates
2025
- 05/11Sunday, May 11, 2025 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Snake · B.E. 2568View all →
2026
- 05/01Friday, May 1, 2026 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Horse · B.E. 2569View all →
2027
- 05/20Thursday, May 20, 2027 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Goat · B.E. 2570View all →
2028
- 05/08Monday, May 8, 2028 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Monkey · B.E. 2571View all →
2029
- 04/27Friday, April 27, 2029 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rooster · B.E. 2572View all →
2030
- 05/16Thursday, May 16, 2030 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Dog · B.E. 2573View all →
2031
- 05/06Tuesday, May 6, 2031 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Pig · B.E. 2574View all →
Earlier and later years
2023
- Thursday, May 4, 2023 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rabbit · B.E. 2566
2024
- Wednesday, May 22, 2024 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Dragon · B.E. 2567
2032
- Monday, May 24, 2032 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rat · B.E. 2575
2033
- Friday, May 13, 2033 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Ox · B.E. 2576
2034
- Tuesday, May 2, 2034 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Tiger · B.E. 2577
2035
- Monday, May 21, 2035 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rabbit · B.E. 2578
2036
- Saturday, May 10, 2036 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Dragon · B.E. 2579
2037
- Wednesday, April 29, 2037 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Snake · B.E. 2580
2038
- Tuesday, May 18, 2038 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Horse · B.E. 2581
2039
- Saturday, May 7, 2039 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Goat · B.E. 2582
2040
- Wednesday, April 25, 2040 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Monkey · B.E. 2583
2042
- Sunday, May 4, 2042 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Dog · B.E. 2585
2043
- Saturday, May 23, 2043 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Pig · B.E. 2586
2044
- Wednesday, May 11, 2044 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rat · B.E. 2587
2045
- Sunday, April 30, 2045 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Ox · B.E. 2588
2046
- Saturday, May 19, 2046 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Tiger · B.E. 2589
2047
- Thursday, May 9, 2047 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Rabbit · B.E. 2590
2048
- Monday, April 27, 2048 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Dragon · B.E. 2591
2049
- Sunday, May 16, 2049 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Snake · B.E. 2592
2050
- Thursday, May 5, 2050 — Khmer lunar: 15 Koeut Pisak · Year of Horse · B.E. 2593