Cambodia's Bom Chaul Chnam Festival travel tips for travelers

If you are looking for a trip filled with color, joy, and cultural experiences, this festive season in Cambodia is a perfect choice. More than just a holiday, this is also the time when Khmer people welcome the new year with traditional rituals, community festivals, and especially exciting water fights throughout the streets. Discover useful Bom Chaul Chnam Festival travel tips to prepare for your memorable trip with Asia King Travel!

Cambodia has many fun festivals, one of which is Bom Chual Chnam. Source: bankervn

About Bom Chaul Chnam Festival

Bom Chaul Chnam is a traditional Khmer New Year festival in Cambodia, originating from Theravada Buddhist culture combined with traditional agricultural beliefs. This is an occasion for people to say goodbye to the previous year and welcome the new year with luck and prosperity. 

Bom Chaul Chnam Festival is believed to bring luck for a bountiful harvest. Source: BaoSon Travel

The festival lasts about 3 days and is widely celebrated throughout the country, from the capital Phnom Penh to the provinces. For the Khmer, this event is not only a time for family reunion, but also an opportunity to show gratitude to ancestors, do good things, and wash away bad luck to start a new year peacefully. 

The festival’s highlights

This festival usually takes place in mid-April, from April 13 to 15, or to April 16, which is the third day of the Traditional Khmer New Year. During these holidays, the Cambodian atmosphere is brighter than ever with traditional rituals at temples such as offering goods, praying for peace, and bathing Buddha statues.

There are many exciting activities waiting for you to take part in. Source: Asia Color Travel

After the solemn rituals, community entertainment activities begin to be organized widely - the most prominent of which is the interesting "water battle", where people splash each other with clean water in the belief that it will wash away bad things and bring good luck. There are also Apsara dances, Khmer folk games, and bustling street markets.

Read more: Explore Bom Chaul Chnam Festival in Cambodia

Why should you come to Cambodia during this festival time?

Traveling to Cambodia during this festival is a great chance for visitors to engage in the local culture most vividly and authentically. You will see how Cambodian people celebrate their traditional New Year with deep faith and respect, and participate in enthusiastic community pursuits. 

There are many dishes that only exist during the holiday season. Source: Cambodia Travel

The festival is also an occasion for you to explore divine street food and enjoy typical Khmer dishes that only appear during the festival. Moreover, the joyful, cohesive, and colorful atmosphere during this holiday season will leave an unforgettable impression on anyone who has ever experienced it. 

Activities that should not be missed

Water splashing 

One of the highlights of the festival is the “water battles” – a lively activity for groups. In the Cambodian water festival culture, splashing water on each other is a way to express hope for a successful new harvest season. You can join locals or other tourists on the main streets of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Don’t be surprised if strangers splash water on you – it is the Khmer New Year’s best wishes. 

Splashing water on each other is a way to express hope, so don't miss it. Source: Travstore

Buddha bathing ceremony

Next, you should take part in the Buddha bathing ceremony and pray for blessings at Wat Phnom Pagoda or other major temples. This is a traditional ritual with profound spirituality, expressing respect and wishing for a peaceful and healthy new year.

Buddha bathing is a traditional ritual to pray for blessings. Source: Tuyen Quang News

Strolling through the colorful markets

During this holiday, the streets and traditional markets of Cambodia are busier than ever. Many stalls sell specialty cakes, handicrafts, traditional costumes, and even interesting folk game services. Visitors can enjoy street food and chat with locals to fully experience the authentic Khmer New Year atmosphere.

Besides the traditional ceremonies, there are many other pursuits. Source: tour Campuchia

Watching a traditional Apsara dance performance

During the Bom Chaul Chnam Festival, all villages and big cities in Cambodia organize a traditional art performance - the Apsara dance. The dance is the pride of the Cambodian people, representing the values and diversity of Khmer culture. This is an ideal opportunity for you to admire the beauty of Khmer culture through each amazing dance move, splendid costumes, and unique traditional music. 

The Apsara dance represent the beauty of Khmer culture. Source: Gody

Sitting in the middle of the communal house yard or the temple yard, immersing yourself in the sound of drums and the bustling sound of instruments, you will feel the rhythm of Khmer New Year more fully and deeply than ever.

Tips for holiday-makers when joining the festival

• Bring clothes that are light and dry quickly, because you will get wet when taking part in the water splashing games. Besides, preparing a waterproof bag for your phone is also necessary when you use it to take videos or images of the festival season. 
• Do not bring valuables when going out or engaging in water-splashing activities to avoid losing them in crowded and chaotic places.
• Respect religious rituals, especially when coming to temples or pagodas. When visiting several sacred places, you need to dress politely, such as not wearing off-shoulder shirts, shorts, or skirts, and leaving your shoes outside the gate when entering to worship.
• It is advisable to book hotels and transportation early, as the Bom Chaul Chnam Festival is peak tourist season in Cambodia, so services may run out quickly or the prices may increase. 
• Always keep a friendly and open attitude, as the festival is an occasion when local people are very excited to welcome travelers from all around the world. If you participate happily, you will receive many smiles and good wishes.
• Because Bom Chaul Chnam is a big festival, the number of people coming to entertainment venues, temples, or city centers is very large. You should stay away from crowded areas to ensure your safety and avoid unwanted situations such as losing belongings or collisions. 

Conclusion

The festival is not only a special occasion for Cambodians but also a great opportunity for tourists to explore the local culture deeply and completely. With these useful tips for traveling during the Bom Chaul Chnam Festival, you can prepare to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the most interesting events in Southeast Asia. Don’t hesitate to contact Asia King Travel to plan a trip for the upcoming festival season in Cambodia!

Read more: The main festivals in Cambodia