April is a time of celebration in Cambodia as the country rings in their new year. Based on the lunar calendar, the festival is a time for families and friends to come together, share gifts, visit temples and partake in other new year traditions.
Called Choul Chnam Thmey, the festival lasts for three days- although it is not unusual for celebrations to continue for a week or more.
There are a number of traditions around spiritual and social activities, the most famous of which being the throwing of water.
‘It is a happy time during the celebration and linked well to our cultural activities,’ explains Samphoas, EXO Cambodia’s Inbound Manager. ‘People meet at the pagodas and, in recent years, splashing water along the roads, particularly from the afternoon time, became a more popular activity, especially for young people’.
Read on to learn more about the Khmer New Year, its traditions and tips for how travellers can enjoy the best of the festivities.
The festival lasts three days, starting on the 13th or 14th of April, aligning with the Theravada Buddhist lunar calendar. Each day has a unique focus, as Cambodians usher in the new year:
Day 1- Moha Songkran: This is the day of blessing. Most people must prepare a table full of fruits, drinks, flowers and other items as offerings to the new angel. An interesting fact is that the Khmer people believe there are 7 angels who rotate year to year, with each angel having a preferred food. On Moha Songkran, there is also a ritual washing through the course of the day which signifies purification and luck.
Day 2- Veareak Vanabat: This is the day of donating and gratitude. Most people donate gifts to the elders of the family, which includes parents and grandparents, or perform acts of charity.
Day 3- Vearak Leung Sak: This day is about bidding farewell to the year gone by and welcoming the New Year, with new hopes. People may cleanse Buddha status, symbolising the removal of evil, or wash elders’ hands and feet to show gratitude. This is also a day of celebration, with families and communities gathering to welcome the new year.
Where to enjoy Khmer New Year:
While the new year is celebrated throughout the country, the liveliest festivities are focused on Siem Reap, however smaller community events can be found in every province. In fact, in recent years, the government has encouraged each province to host special festivities to promote domestic travel and local economies.
Most travellers will experience Khmer New Year out in the streets, joining in the water festival either in large parties like Siem Reap or in smaller, more intimate gatherings in villages or rural areas.
Travellers can also visit pagodas, witnessing traditions such as making offerings, rinsing of the Buddha statue and presenting alms to monks. If lucky, travellers may be invited into a local home to see the rituals that are so important to the New Year, like cleaning the house and setting the table to offer to angels.
Tips for Travellers:
- Be prepared to get wet: When going outside, we suggest travellers wear light cotton clothes that will dry quickly and wear sport shoes to avoid slipping. Leave phones and cameras at home or bring a high-quality waterproof bag to protect them.
- Restaurant closures: Most restaurants and shops close during the Water Festival, giving staff the chance to travel home and spend time with their family during the holiday. However there are always a handful that stay open, so there is always food to be had- just not a huge variety!. It’s recommended to book a hotel with dining facilities and be prepared for a few days of limited dining options.
- Join in!: Embrace the experience of travelling during the local new year! Grab a bucket or squirt gun to join the crowds, or dress respectfully and head to the nearby temple to witness the spiritual traditions.
A reminder that our teams will be taking some much deserved time off to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. EXO Cambodia will be closed 13-16 April 2024. Our 24/7 hotlines will be operating as usual for any urgent matters regarding travellers on the ground.
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