English
French
Spanish
Italian
Chol Chnam Thmay, or the Cambodian New Year, is one of Cambodia's most influential culture festivals that introduce the Khmer New Year. Celebrated every year in mid April, the festival comes in the forms of family get-togethers, spiritual rituals, flowered street processions, and cultural festivities. For all those who shall witness the beauty and essence of Chol Chnam Thmay in 2025, here's an ideal travel plan to assist you in maximizing this phenomenal moment.
Chol Chnam Thmay Festival (Source: baolaodong)
Touring Cambodia during Chol Chnam Thmay is a unique opportunity to experience the country's vibrant culture and rich traditions. The festival is an ideal moment for Cambodians to rediscover tradition, honor their ancestors, and share blessings for the coming year. For visitors, it is an opportunity to get in touch with real Khmer traditions, sample fine local food, and join the festive atmosphere.
No matter whether you are exploring the beauty of Angkor Wat, taking part in the water festivals, or just soaking up the smiles of Cambodian politeness, Chol Chnam Thmay 2025 will be a holiday not quickly forgotten.
Rich traditions festival in Cambodia (Source: baolaodong)
The instant you step into Phnom Penh, the capital of the country, you can feel the atmosphere as preparations get underway for the festivities ahead. Chol Chnam Thmay is not just a family affair but one of national importance with all hands on deck, from cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to rural villages. Temples are thronged by numerous people on the first day to present alms and perform rituals to bring good fortune to the new year. The highlight of the day is Maha Songkran, a ritual that marks the end of the previous year and the arrival of the new year.
Maha Sonkran (Source: TATnewsroom)
At dusk, rejoice with the city with visits to night markets. The nightlife of the city features street vendors peddling local food such as kralan (steaming bamboo sticky rice), fish curry, and papaya salad, all auspicious dishes which usher good fortune and prosperity. It comes alive, featuring energetic performances and waves of traditional music engulfing the city streets.
Local food “Kralan” (Source: threeland)
The second day, Virak Vanabat, is one of helping other people, the poor in particular. In an atmosphere of liberality and generosity, Cambodians donate food, clothes, and money to the poor. Guests can become a part of these acts of kindness by participating in visits to nearby villages, helping in relief distribution, or even participating in ceremonies at pagodas.
One of the most exciting and widely celebrated festivals of Chol Chnam Thmay is the Water Festival. While it is held on the last day of the holiday, preparations begin in advance, and locals begin splashing water on each other as a way of washing evil fortune away and cleansing the soul. This festival is derived from the tradition of bathing the Buddha, and it's among the most enjoyable and interactive events you can take part in when traveling.
Water Festival (Source: kampatour)
The third day, Vearak Loeng Sak, is when the major water related activities take place. This day is also the time when Cambodians clean Buddha statues and perform symbolic rituals to cleanse away the old year's misfortunes. You’ll see large crowds gathered at pagodas to wash Buddha statues, which is believed to bring good luck and happiness for the coming year.
Dusk sets in with more celebration as the people get involved in family reunions and preparations for the final of Chol Chnam Thmay ceremonies, Pithi Srang Preah, or "Buddha Bathing Ceremony." Individuals pour fragrant water over Buddha statues and elderly men and women as they ask for forgiveness and blessings.
Tradition “Vearak Loeng Sak” (Source: Travelasia)
It is also a celebratory time, during which there is a water fight among locals and visitors. It is possible, as a visitor, to be part of the fun by receiving a splash of water or, alternatively, sit and watch the moment as the boisterous joy takes its course.
On the fourth day of the holiday, it's time to leave the big cities and head out into rural Cambodia, where Chol Chnam Thmay is celebrated in a more traditional and local environment. Head to small villages where Cambodians are celebrating the New Year with family reunions, games, and traditional dancing. The rural areas offer a different perspective on the celebration of the holiday, with fewer tourists and more of a sense of local community.
For a more relaxed time, take a day trip to Kep or Kampot. Both of these spots are renowned for their stunning scenery, fresh seafood, and chill vibe. You'll see the local families in the villages preparing traditional altars and cooking the special Khmer foods that form a big part of the New Year celebrations. Favorites like amok (fish steamed in coconut milk) and sour soup with tamarind are popular.
Traditional cuisine - fish steamed in coconut milk (Source: cosmoappliances)
On the sixth day of your journey in Chol Chnam Thmay, delve deeper into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Siem Reap, where the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park is located, is the ideal place not only to visit its ancient ruins but also to learn about its old arts and crafts.
Begin your day with a visit to a traditional Khmer cooking class. Discover how to make favorite Cambodian foods like amok (a coconut milk curry) and lok lak (stir fried beef served with rice and dipping sauce). Siem Reap cooking classes tend to emphasize the use of fresh local ingredients, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's culinary culture that is particularly lively during the New Year.
Khmer cooking class (Source: khmercookingclass)
Afternoon: Experience Cambodian dance and music. Visit the Angkor Village Apsara Theatre to watch an Apsara dance performance. Apsara is a classic Cambodian dance from the Khmer Empire and is normally performed to honor deities and ancestors in Chol Chnam Thmay.
Watching this dance is not so much for fun, it's a glimpse of the cultural soul of Cambodia. The graceful movements and elaborate dress make it a spectacle, spanning the past and the present.
Angkor Village Apsara Theatre performance (Source: Traveloka)
After the performance, stroll through the vibrant Siem Reap Old Market. Exclusive hand made souvenirs such as silk scarves, wood carvings, and stone carvings can be found here, which will keep you reminded of your stay during the festival.
Read more: The main festivals in Cambodia
On the seventh day of your tour, venture into the countryside to feel the beauty of nature in Cambodia. During the celebrations of Chol Chnam Thmay, the countryside away from the cities offers a different but equally rewarding experience.
Begin the day with a boat ride across Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Locals residing in and around the lake celebrate Chol Chnam Thmay by setting off fireworks and making offerings in floating villages.
Tonle Sap Lake (Source: AsianTrails)
You can also go to the floating villages like Kampong Phluk and Kampong Khleang, where everything revolves around the water. These villages are quite picturesque, with stilted houses and boats being the primary mode of transportation.
After your boat tour, visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, which has thousands of birds, including endangered species, the painted stork and white shouldered ibis. The sanctuary is a peaceful refuge from the festival crowds and a chance to view Cambodia's natural diversity.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary Travel (Source: peter.wedell)
By the final day of Chol Chnam Thmay, you will have seen the full gamut of Cambodia's vibrant culture, from religious rituals and village celebrations to the devious water festivals. As you are ready to depart, take a moment to reflect upon the experience and memories you have enjoyed throughout the Khmer New Year.
Take a last stroll through the busy streets of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap before departing for the airport. Visit local markets to buy some souvenirs, or simply relax with a Cambodian iced coffee, a cooling beverage to round off your vacation. If you are still in Siem Reap, don't forget to visit Angkor Wat early in the morning, which offers a serene and beautiful end to your travels.
Souvenirs in Phnom Penh (Source: PacificHotel)
Chol Chnam Thmay 2025 will be a year of renewal, family, and community. With this entire travel package, you'll enjoy Cambodia's Khmer New Year to the fullest from city celebrations to peaceful village ceremonies. Book your baggage with Asia King Travel and get ready to soak up one of Southeast Asia's most exciting and spectacular festivals.
Read more: Khmer New Year: All about Cambodia’s Largest Festival
