Bon Om Touk: Cambodian Water Festival 2024 / 2025
In November, one of the most exciting activities in Cambodia is the yearly Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk in Khmer. A three-day celebration will take place across the country. At that time, numerous activities will offer the best chance to experience Cambodia's unique culture.
If you want to participate in the 'cool' water festival in Cambodia, then go on to read our ultimate travel guide. You may learn more about the Cambodian Water Festival and know how to plan your trip.
What Is the Cambodian Water Festival?
The Cambodian Water Festival has its roots dating back to the Khmer Dynasty in the 12th century. It happened under the reign of King Preah Bat Jayavarman VII, who commanded a formidable fleet. The water festival was organized to commemorate the Cham's loss and local people believed to be the shelter of gods and nature, bringing favors to fishermen and farmers and thus giving back.
Boat Races, the Main Event of the Cambodian Water Festival
The Water Festival will run for three days and feature competitive boat races, with each boat competing for the title of champion, especially on the third day. At the same time, colorful celebration events such as Enjoy local specialties, Moon Salutation, and other activities will be organized on different evenings. The specifics of the three-day event will be revealed in depth in the following contents.
When Is the Festival of Water in 2024 & 2025?
Almost every year, the Water Festival is held around November, but sometimes, it can be in late October. The 2024 Cambodia Water Festival will be held from November 14 to November 16, and from November 4 to November 6 in 2025. If you are going to Cambodia to participate in the Water Festival, prepare in advance according to the time.
Tonle Sap Lake
Where to Celebrate the Water Festival?
Phnom Penh
As the capital city, Phnom Penh hosts the greatest events of the festival. You can watch the boat races on the bank of the Tonle Sap River.
During the festival nights, you can see fantastic fireworks and immerse yourself in live Cambodian music concerts, bringing the whole mood to a pinnacle. The vendors on both sides of the river sell various items, from tasty foods to tourist trinkets. Furthermore, you may also explore adjacent tourist attractions such as the National Museum and the Royal Palace.
Royal Palace of Cambodia
Siem Reap
As the location of the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is an ideal venue for the annual water festival. Siem Reap is more peaceful than Phnom Penh, and the boat races on Tonle Sap Lake will be less in magnitude, but still exciting. There will be opportunities to see authentic floating marketplaces.
Traditional Khmer dance performances may be seen all across Siem Reap, in addition to the boat racing. Watching these shows is a wonderful method to get insight into Cambodian history and culture.
6 DAYS 
11 DAYS 
6 DAYS Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is famed for its gorgeous beaches, and the Water Festival is a fantastic opportunity to explore them. With beach parties, boat excursions, and traditional Khmer cultural acts, this coastal city provides a more laid-back way to experience the Cambodian Water Festival. Embark on a ship cruise along the coast, and you may even witness the boat races on the sea.
Sihanoukville
Kampot
If you want an uncrowded Water Festival experience, go no further than Kampot. In Kampot, you may participate in or observe lantern-lit boat races. Additionally, the traditional Khmer food in Kampot is among some of the best in the country. Numerous food vendors during the Water Festival will serve a wide variety of traditional Khmer cuisine, including Amok and Lok Lak.
Lok Lak
What Can You Do During Water Festival?
Watch Boat Races
The biggest draw during Cambodian Water Festivals the colorful racing boats. People from all over the world will participate on behalf of their communities, families, and so on, generally painting vivid colors on the boat, with some painting eyeballs on the bow to ward against evil. In the bow of each boat, a female will dance to the rhythm of the drum. Every day of the three-day tournament festival included exciting rowing competitions, with the final on the last day. There will also be a significant number of people applauding on the coast, creating a startling picture.
Try the Unique Festival Food
Experience the magic of the Cambodian Water Festival with its unique traditions and delicious food! Local people pay homage to the moon with Sampeah Preah Khae (Salution to the Moon) and cook a traditional snack called Auk Ambok, also known as Flattened Rice. Made with rice, husk, coconuts, and bananas. Trying these unique holiday dishes is a unique and delicious way to get a taste of Cambodian culture.
Try the Unique Festival Food
Set Floating Candles
Hand-made boats with floating candles set the river ablaze on the final night of the Water Festival, a blessing ritual to show reverence for Buddha and ward off ill luck. The candles, decorated with flowers and lotus leaves, twinkle like stars in the night sky, reflecting the hopes and dreams of the people for a better life. If you have the opportunity to experience the Water Festival, be sure to partake in this magical ritual. Witness the river transform into a sea of light and feel the sense of hope that fills the air.
Where to Stay During the Cambodian Water Festival Celebration?
Phnom Penh - Daun Penh District
If you visit Phnom Penh, Daun Penh District is suggested first due to a range of accommodation selections and convenient transit. This region, also known as Phnom Penh's downtown, is adjacent to historical attractions such as the famed Royal Palace and is flanked by the Tonle Sap River so that you can enjoy the Water Festival more effortlessly. Also, many nightclubs, bars, and night markets can be found here, offering more ways for entertainment during your stay.
Nightlife in Cambodia
Siem Reap - Old French Quarter and Wat Bo Neighbourhood
In Siem Reap, it's highly recommended to stay at the Old French Quarter and Wat Bo neighborhood since these two areas' grassy riverside offers the best view of the thrilling boat races and is within walking distance. Besides, there is a wide range of hotels for your choice from budget to high-end.
Tips & Suggestions to Join the Water Festival
If you are attending the Water Festival for the first time, the following tips and suggestions may be helpful.
Remember to Leave Valuables in Your Hotel Room
Because of the enormous number of people attending the Water Festival, many pickpockets will take advantage of the crowds this time of year, so keep a modest quantity of paper money in your pocket and especially keep an eye on your cell phone.
Be Sure to Sample the Local Street food
Because nighttime is the busiest time in Cambodia, don't miss out on the Water Festival while eating local street cuisine. The famed Phnom Penh night market contains a broad range of delicacies, the most popular of which are Mussels with salt or chili, a local favorite offered with a cold beer to keep you roaming. Kralan, a popular dessert of sticky rice, coconut, and tiny beans cooked in a bamboo tube over an open flame, is another popular treat. It's tasty and worth a try.
Sample the Street Food
Book Your Accommodation in Advance
Hotels, particularly those along the river, must be fully booked during the event. There will be a range of lodging options near the Water Festival in Phnom Penh, including hotels and resorts. So make your hotel reservation well in advance.
Protect from the Sun
Even in November, the sun in Cambodia is relatively strong, go out to attend the festival, watch the game to wear sun protection, so as not to damage the skin for a long time.
Join the Cambodian Water Festival With Odynovo
After reading this article, you'll be eager to pack your bags and travel to Cambodia for the Water Festival. As you participate, you will gradually grasp why this celebration is so significant to the Cambodian people. Join Odynovo this vacation and let your knowledgeable guides lead you through the Water Festival.
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