Have you dreamed of experiencing the vibrant culture and colorful festivities of Cambodia? Then you’ve come to the right place. Cambodia’s festivals are the perfect way to dive into the country’s history, beliefs, and zest for life. Whether you want to party with the locals during Khmer New Year, witness ancient traditions during Pchum Ben, or immerse yourself in the arts at Bon Om Tuk, Cambodia’s festival calendar has something for every free spirit. So pack your sense of adventure, an open mind, and of course, a camera, then head to Cambodia to make memories that will last a lifetime. The Kingdom of Wonder awaits!
Khmer New Year or Songkran: Out With the Old, in With the New
The Khmer New Year, also called Songkran, is Cambodia’s biggest festival. Held in April, it’s a time to celebrate renewal, family, and new beginnings. It’s a chance to relax, release the old, and embrace the new. During Songkran, families come together, clean their houses, and pay respect to elders and ancestors.
-On the first day, people clean their houses and villages. They wash statues of Buddha, clean pagodas, and tidy up their communities.
-The second-day centers around family. People visit elders, offer them gifts, and pour scented water over their hands as a sign of respect and blessing.
-The remaining days are filled with games, parades, dancing, and lots of water-throwing! People roam the streets with squirt guns and buckets of water, ready to douse friends and strangers alike. Locals and tourists join in the fun.
As a visitor, the best way to experience Songkran is to just dive right in! Buy a water gun, fill up your bucket, and join the crowds. Dance in the parades, sample delicious street food, and make new friends. The energy is contagious!
Songkran is all about renewal and new beginnings. May the old year be washed away, and the new year bring you joy, love, and prosperity. To Cambodia, and new adventures! Cheers!
Pchum Ben: Feeding the Spirits
Every year during Pchum Ben, Cambodia comes alive to honor ancestors and feed the spirits. If you want an authentic Khmer experience, join the 15-day festival.
- Visit a wat (temple) to witness monks chanting ancient Pali scriptures. The hypnotic sounds of drums and bells will transport you. Offerings of food, flowers, and incense perfume the air.
- Light candles and incense at a pagoda. Release birds or fish as acts of merit. Chat with locals about their cherished traditions. Pchum Ben is all about community, compassion, and remembrance.
- Try kuy teav, a pork and rice noodle soup, or amok, a fish curry steamed in banana leaves. Sweet mango sticky rice satisfies any leftover hunger.
Pchum Ben invites you to slow down and connect to Cambodia’s cultural and spiritual roots. Make the most of this rare window into the Khmer soul. The welcoming smiles and moments of quiet reverence will stay with you long after the festival has ended.
Water Festival ( Bon Om Tuk): Splashing Good Fun
Splashing in the Celebrations
The Water Festival, or Bon Om Tuk, is one of Cambodia’s most popular festivals. Held in November, it celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. During the rainy season, the river flows into the Tonle Sap Lake, increasing its size. When the dry season comes, the river’s flow reverses, draining water from the lake back into the river. This natural phenomenon is celebrated with boat races, cultural events, and lots of splashing!
Get Your Splash On!
The highlight is watching traditional long boats race along the river, with rowers singing traditional songs to keep rhythm. Crowds line the riverbanks, cheering on their favorite team. You’ll get soaked, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet! Locals and tourists splash each other with water as a sign of fun and blessing. Buy a plastic squirt gun or just splash with your hands. Everyone joins in the fun!
Cultural Performances and Food
There are also cultural shows, dance performances, and live music along the riverfront. Sample delicious Khmer cuisine from food stalls like fish amok, beef skewers, and tropical fruit. At night, the celebrations continue with concerts, dancing, and partying into the early morning.
Where to Stay
Book a hotel along the river in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Battambang months in advance. While the festival officially lasts 3 days, celebrations continue for a week or more. Some highlights:
- Watch the boat races and splash with the crowds in Phnom Penh.
- See traditional Khmer houses and a hilltop pagoda in Battambang.
- Explore Angkor Wat and catch water festival events in Siem Reap.
The Bon Om Tuk festival is all about blessing, renewal, and community. Join the celebrations and experience the heart of Cambodian culture – you’re sure to get soaked in the lively atmosphere! Splash into the fun at one of Cambodia’s biggest festivals.
Sea Festival Cambodia
Celebrate the Sea at Koh Kong’s Sea Festival
The sea festival in Cambodia is usually held at the end of December in Kampot, Sihanoukville, Kep, and Koh Kong provinces. They change the place every year. As a visitor, one of the best ways to experience the festivities is to join a boat tour. You’ll spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, glimpse exotic birds in the mangroves and stop at pristine beaches. When night falls, watch the sky light up with fireworks over the Gulf of Thailand.
On land, the festival comes ashore with cultural shows, live music, and a vibrant night market where you can sample fresh seafood and shop for handmade goods. Kids will love the carnival rides and games set up along the waterfront promenade.
Some other fun things to experience during the Sea Festival include:
-Watching traditional Khmer dancers in colorful silk costumes
-Learning about mangrove conservation at the education exhibits
-Trying your hand at activities like kayaking, beach volleyball, or building sandcastles
By visiting during this special time, you’ll make cherished memories and gain a deeper understanding of life in this coastal paradise. Plan to stay at least 3 to 4 days to experience all the festival has to offer on land and sea. A perfect beach getaway, the Sea Festival showcases the very best of Cambodia.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a brief glimpse into the colorful cultural celebrations of Cambodia. Whether you want to party with locals at a quirky water festival or find inner peace at a Buddhist holiday, Cambodia has you covered. The best way to experience the real Cambodia is to time your visit to one of these festivals. Dance, eat, drink, and make memories that will last long after the lanterns have gone dark. Don’t forget to pack light, comfortable clothes, an open mind, and your sense of adventure. Once you’ve gotten a taste of the festive spirit, the Kingdom of Wonder may just capture your heart forever. Time to start planning that trip of a lifetime!
You might also want to read: Cambodia’s Khmer Temples: A Historical Wonder, Royal Palace in Cambodia: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting