English
French
Spanish
Italian
The traditional New Year is not only a sacred moment marking the transition between the old year and the new year, but also an opportunity for countries to express their unique cultural identities. In Southeast Asia, the three countries of Laos, Cambodia and Thailand have New Year celebrations with many similarities due to the influence of Theravada Buddhism, but each country still retains its own unique features. This festival is not only an important event in the spiritual life of the people but also attracts international tourists thanks to its unique customs, vibrant atmosphere and profound meaning. Let's explore the similarities and differences between the New Year celebrations of these three countries.
Laos, Cambodia and Thailand all celebrate the Buddhist New Year, which usually falls around April 13-15. This is an important transition between the hot dry season and the cool rainy season, symbolizing the renewal of nature and people.
This time not only marks the end of a climate cycle but also has a deep spiritual meaning. People believe that holding traditional rituals on this occasion helps wash away the bad luck of the old year and welcome a better start in the new year. Splashing water on each other not only shows joy, but also symbolizes purification and blessing.
All three countries - Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand - celebrate the New Year based on the Buddhist calendar. Source: Bien phong Viet Nam
Laos: The New Year is called Bunpimay, meaning "Festival of Blessings," emphasizing purification and the wish for a peaceful and prosperous year.
Bunpimay Festival. Source: ITSC
Cambodia: Known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, which translates to "Entering the New Year," this festival focuses on ancestral worship and the tradition of building sand stupas at temples.
Chaul Chnam Thmey Festival. Source: Viet Nam Thinh Vuong
Thailand: Referred to as Songkran, a word derived from Sanskrit meaning "movement," symbolizing renewal and the beginning of a new natural cycle.
Songkran Festival. Source: Tap chi Du
These names are more than just titles for the festival; they reflect the beliefs, culture, and spirit of each nation. For Laotians, Bunpimay represents purification and blessings. In Cambodia, Chaul Chnam Thmey highlights family bonds and spiritual traditions. Meanwhile, Songkran in Thailand signifies the transition from the old to the new, representing growth and positive change.
These names are more than just titles for the festival; they reflect the beliefs, culture, and spirit of each nation. Source: VinaGroup Travel
All three countries consider this an occasion to show their respect for Buddhism. During the first days of the new year, people often go to pagodas to burn incense, chant sutras and participate in important religious ceremonies. One of the most popular rituals is the Buddha bathing ceremony, where Buddha statues are bathed in scented water to symbolize washing away bad luck and praying for a peaceful and happy new year.
In addition to activities at pagodas, people also spend time cleaning their houses and decorating their living spaces to welcome the new year with a pure mind and cheerful spirit. They also make offerings to monks, do good deeds such as giving alms to the poor, helping the community to accumulate virtue and pray for peace and prosperity for themselves and their families in the new year.
All three countries regard the New Year as a time to express deep reverence for Buddhism. Source: Tieland to Thailand
A special feature of the New Year festivals in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand is the water-splashing tradition. Initially, people would gently sprinkle water on their loved ones and friends as a way to wish them good luck and wash away the misfortunes of the past year. In traditional beliefs, water is considered a symbol of purification and blessings.
In particular, local people also believe that the wetter you get during the water festival, the luckier and more successful you will be in the new year. That is why people try to splash water on each other, making the atmosphere on these days more bustling and exciting than ever. If you have the opportunity to visit this April, visitors should definitely not miss the opportunity to participate in this festival.
Today, this custom has evolved into a lively street festival, attracting thousands of participants. Source: Sakos
Laos: In addition to the water-splashing tradition, Laotians also practice the wrist-tying ceremony to offer blessings. A white thread symbolizes good luck, peace, and the connection between humans and deities. Wrist-tying ceremonies are often held by Lao people on important occasions, such as Bunpimay, weddings, funerals, housewarming ceremonies, etc. The Lao wrist-tying ceremony has many different meanings. If held on New Year's Day, the wrist-tying ceremony is to pray for good luck for oneself and family members.
In addition to the water-splashing tradition, Laotians also practice the wrist-tying ceremony to offer blessings. Source: TST Tourist
Cambodia: Cambodian people often build sand stupas at temples, symbolizing Mount Meru in Buddhist beliefs. They believe that constructing these sand structures brings blessings, wards off misfortune, and expresses devotion to their ancestors.
Cambodian people often build sand stupas at temples, symbolizing Mount Meru in Buddhist beliefs. Source: tour Campuchia
Thailand: Songkran in Thailand is famous for grand parades, beauty pageants, and the most spectacular water fights in the region. In some areas, traditional activities such as releasing birds for merit-making and offering donations at temples are also held.
Songkran in Thailand is famous for the most spectacular water fights in the region. Source: Saco Travel
Besides religious rituals and typical customs, each country also has its own unique artistic features during the New Year:
Laos: During Bunpimay, traditional dances such as Lamvong are performed. This gentle and graceful folk dance symbolizes community unity and togetherness.
Lamvong Dance. Source: The Star
You may like: Lamvong Dance: A Laotian Tradition Dance Recognized by UNESCO
Cambodia: During Chaul Chnam Thmey, temples host Apsara dance performances, a classical dance form dating back to the Angkor Empire. This elegant art form represents spiritual beauty and grace.
Apsara dance. Source: Cambodia Tours
Thailand: Songkran is associated with Muay Thai performances, a famous traditional Thai martial art, often held during major festivals to honor the warrior spirit of the Thai people.
Songkran is often accompanied by Muay Thai demonstrations. Source: Confirm Good
Each country has its own signature dishes for the New Year celebration:
Laos: Popular dishes include sticky rice, larb (minced meat salad), tam maak hoong (papaya salad), and kaeng nor mai (bamboo shoot soup), often served with fresh vegetables and rich dipping sauces.
Larb Laos. Source: TasteAtlas
Cambodia: Cambodians commonly enjoy bai cha (fried rice), num ansom (Cambodian sticky rice cake), amok (steamed fish with coconut milk), and samlor korko (traditional vegetable soup), featuring the distinct flavors of coconut and traditional spices.
Amok. Source: VnEconomy
Thailand: During Songkran, Thai people often enjoy many delicious traditional dishes such as som tam (papaya salad), khao chae (rice soaked in jasmine water), pad Thai (Thai fried noodles), tom yum (sour shrimp soup). Among them, khao chae is a particularly popular dish thanks to its refreshing taste, helping to cool down in hot weather.
Khao Chae. Source: Tap Chi Du Lich
Although they take place at the same time, the time and length of the festival are different:
Laos: The festival usually lasts 3-7 days, depending on the region, some places organize it for up to a week.
Cambodia: Officially lasts 3 days, but the fun activities can last longer.
Thailand: Some regions organize the festival for 5-7 days, especially in Chiang Mai, where the biggest Songkran festival in Thailand is held.
Although the celebrations take place around the same time, the duration and length of festivities vary. Source: Saladin.vn
The New Year celebrations in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand share a common purpose - welcoming the new year with religious rituals, water-splashing festivities, and traditional customs. However, each country has its own unique cultural elements, contributing to the rich and diverse heritage of Southeast Asia. If you ever have the chance, let's experience these vibrant festivals firsthand to immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere and the strong sense of community among the locals!
You may like: Laos or Cambodia: Which destination is more worth exploring?
