Francophonie 2026 in Phnom Penh | What to See and When to Go
Imagine spending an afternoon at Wat Botum Garden, tasting dishes from across the French-speaking world, catching a live performance and stepping inside a Cambodian tuk-tuk to ask a digital version of Sinn Sisamouth a question. That’s part of what visitors can look forward to when the Village de la Francophonie opens from 13 to 17 November 2026 in Phnom Penh. The five-day celebration takes place alongside the 20th Francophonie Summit on 15 and 16 November, the first Cambodia has ever hosted.
What is the Francophonie Summit?
The Francophonie brings together countries and governments that share a connection through the French language. Every two years, their leaders meet to set priorities for the organisation. In Phnom Penh, the summit will focus on how investment in peace can support shared prosperity and long-term stability. It’s also the first Francophonie Summit in Southeast Asia since Hanoi hosted it in 1997.
Visit the Village de la Francophonie at Wat Botum Garden
The village is open to the public for five days. Start with the national pavilions to discover how different communities express their culture through art, food and traditions. Then head to the food area or check the programme for live performances, exhibitions and talks. If you only have time for one stop, pick a performance you want to see and leave time to wander through the pavilions afterward.
At Pavillon France, you can explore free interactive exhibits in Khmer and French. One highlight brings Cambodian music and technology together inside a traditional reumork. Visitors can ask questions to an AI-powered avatar of Sinn Sisamouth, one of Cambodia’s most beloved singers. France’s wider programme also includes film screenings, concerts, workshops and Francophone karaoke at venues across the city.
Francophonie 2026 dates at a glance
| Event | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Village de la Francophonie | 13–17 November | Wat Botum Vatey Garden |
| Ministerial Conference | 14 November | Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel |
| 20th Francophonie Summit | 15–16 November | Phnom Penh |
| FrancoTech | 14–16 November | Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre |
Check the official programme and village map before you go.
Make an afternoon of it in Phnom Penh
Pair your visit to Wat Botum Garden with a walk past the Royal Palace and along the riverside. If you’re looking for something Cambodian to bring home, stop by Kabas Concept Store in Phnom Penh to discover krama textiles, locally designed gifts and Kampot pepper.
