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Cambodian New Year (or Chol Chnam Thmey) is the Khmer ethnic group's traditional New Year festival. This is also the New Year celebration for Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Chol Chnam Thmey is not only an occasion to celebrate the New Year but also a time for Cambodians to remember and honor their ancestors' contributions. During this time, people organize various cultural activities, including traditional folk games that reflect the nation's rich heritage. Here are some of the most traditional games in the Cambodian New Year festival that you can join to immerse in their culture.
Angkunh is a tree fruit that is mainly found in the Cambodian regions of Stung Treng and Kratie. The 5 cm nut is flat on both sides and looks similar to a large, flattened chestnut.
In the Angkunh game, two teams compete against each other. The two teams face each other and place Angkunh nuts on the floor in front of them. One of the typical formations consists of 2 rows with a total of 7 nuts. In the back row, there are 4 nuts, and in the front row, there is 1 nut at intervals, making a total of 3 nuts. There are also variations where players use 5 or only 3 Angkunh nuts.
Tourists join Bos Angkunh game with locals (Source: Kiripost)
Before the game begins, the parties negotiate:
Once clarified, the game begins, and the first player of the starting team throws an Angkunh nut at the nuts of the opposing team. For each nut hit, there is one point, and the player retrieves their nut for the next throw when it’s their turn again. Each player gets one throw, and if a player misses, the round goes to the opposing team.
Bos Angkunh – A traditional game that brings friends together (Source: Visitangkor)
The game continues until the agreed number of points is reached and the winning team is determined. The team wins the right to “gently” tap the bent knee of the losing team using the two flat sides of the Angkunh nut. The sound produced causes great amusement among the players. However, if the correct sound is not heard, the losers have the chance to strike the winners’ knees instead.
In this game, players sit in a circle on the floor. One player holds a "Kanseng" (a traditional Cambodian towel) and walks around the outside of the circle while singing:
“Hide the Kanseng, the cat bites the heel and pulls the leg.”
People sit in a circle to play Leak Kanseng (Source: Cambodia)
As the song continues, the player discreetly places the Kanseng behind one of the seated players. Once the towel is dropped, this player and their neighbor must quickly jump up and chase the first player.
If the chaser fails to catch the runner before they return to their seat, they must take on the role of the runner, circle around, and place the Kanseng behind another player. The game continues in this lively and entertaining manner.
Read more: Itinerary for Chol Chnam Thmay 2025: A Cultural Journey through Cambodia
This is one of the most popular traditional games in the Cambodian New Year holidays. In this game, thin clay pots filled with flour and a small prize (usually something sweet) are hung on a rope between trees.
Breaking Pot - A traditional game in Cambodian New Year (Source: Vov)
The goal is to smash one of the pots using a stick while blindfolded. The player must rely on the shouts and directions of the cheering crowd to find the right position to strike.
If the player successfully hits the pot, a shower of flour bursts out, covering them, while the surrounding players eagerly collect the sweets that fall to the ground.
This game is especially popular among young Cambodians, as it creates a fun opportunity to interact with the opposite gender. It is played using a ball made from a rolled Krama (the traditional Cambodian scarf), with one end of the scarf sticking out.
Chol Chhoung is popular among young Cambodians (Source: Khmertimes)
The game consists of two opposing teams - one of boys and one of girls. The game begins when a boy throws the Krama ball into the air. Before the ball touches the ground, the girls’ team must try to catch it by its loose end.
If none of the girls catch the ball, they must simply pick it up and toss it back into the air for the boys to catch. The game continues with each team quickly throwing the ball back, always aiming at someone they like.
In Teagn Prot – a male and a female team are playing against each other. They show their strengths to each other by pulling the rope.
Teagn Prot in Cambodian New Year (Source: Visitangkor)
The goal is to pull the rope and the opposing team into their own playing field. Teagn Prot has a number of important stories in Khmer culture, as the following folk tale shows. The hidden meanings reach far into the history of Cambodia.
The Trot Dance
The "Trot" Dance, also known as "Robam Trot," is a popular traditional performance during the Cambodian New Year celebrations. The word "Trot" means "the end," symbolizing the conclusion of the past year.
The Trot Dance is performed in Cambodian New Year (Source: Asiatrail)
This dance narrates the tale of a hunter who, after failing to find any wildlife, performs a ritual dance as an offering. In response, a magnificent stag with golden fur and jewel-encrusted horns appears. The hunter captures the stag and presents it to the monarch. Impressed by his offering, the ruler rewards the hunter by appointing him as the village chief.
Water Splashing
People often gently pour water on the hands or shoulders as a sign of respect (Source: Asia)
In Cambodian culture, water plays a significant role, appearing in many traditional rituals. It is believed that splashing water helps wash away misfortune and negativity from the past year, bringing good luck and happiness to the new one.
Bring offerings to the pagodas
People dress elegantly, offer incense, present flowers at temples (Source: Kampatour)
During the festival, Cambodians bring fresh flowers and offerings to the pagodas, listen to Buddhist sermons, and participate in traditional ceremonies. The streets are beautifully decorated with colorful flowers, and people gather to enjoy Khmer traditional dishes along with palm wine.
Most visitors who travel to Cambodia during this festival have such an unforgettable experience that they often say they “never want to leave”.
As the Cambodian New Year festivities unfold, these traditional games play a crucial role in creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. All ages come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage while fostering a sense of unity, friendship, and community. These games not only serve as a reminder of the country’s past but also as a symbol of hope and prosperity for the future.
Read more: The main festivals in Cambodia
