Festivals Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodian monk during Pchum Ben in Kratie, Cambodia Bonn Pchum Ben is the festival held for commemoration of the spirits of the dead. The highlight is on the 15th day of the waxing moon during the tenth month of the Khmer calendar, called Pheaktrobotr. Date in 2010: October 7-8-9 The festival does not just begin and end on one day. In fact, it lasts 15 days, each of which...

Watch out for water filled plastic bags! The Khmer New Year is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia. Also celebrated in Thailand and other Buddhist countries, these days are filled with water throwing at passers-by and other games. Many people confuse this with the Water Festival, but then there is no water throwing. For the best atmosphere in Phnom Penh, go...

Illuminated floats during the Water Festival The annual three-day Water Festival competes with the Khmer New Year for being the most important holiday for Cambodians. The boat races on the Tonle Sap and the carnival atmosphere ashore attract millons of people from all over the country. A smaller Water Festival is held around Angkor Wat, but for the real thing you’ll...