Everything You Need to Know About Organising Your Visit & What To Expect
Ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate Khmer New Year in Siem Reap, Cambodia? Here’s everything you need to know, all based on personal experience, having spent a hectic and fun-filled few days celebrating in Cambodia while backpacking through Southeast Asia in 2023.
What is Khmer New Year?
Khmer New Year is the most significant and culturally immersive annual celebration in Cambodia. It marks the start of the solar calendar and coincides with the end of the harvest season.
Unlike most countries that ring in the New Year on 1st January, Cambodia’s New Year falls around 14th April each year (the exact date varies according to ancient horoscopes). This three-day festival, deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, marks the start of the lunar new year.
Also known as ‘Chol Chnam Thmey’, the festival is centred on community spirit and togetherness. Cambodians travel far and wide to reunite with family, making it one of the busiest times of the year. Expect roads leading in and out of major towns and cities to be gridlocked—something to keep in mind when planning transport.
Each of the three days has a distinct focus. People visit pagodas to make merit, offering food to monks, sharing meals, and presenting offerings to the gods while observing various traditional customs.
Why Siem Reap?
While Phnom Penh is the capital (where you might expect the biggest celebrations), locals and other seasoned travellers alike insist that Siem Reap is the best place to experience Khmer New Year—and having celebrated it there myself, I completely understand why.
As Cambodia’s second-largest city and home to the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siem Reap offers the perfect balance of immersion and accessibility. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet not as congested as the capital, allowing you to soak up the festivities while feeling safe and comfortable.
Endless Water Fights & Street Celebrations
Forget staying dry—it’s simply not an option during Khmer New Year! Instead, embrace the chaos and get ready to be drenched. Kids and teenagers throw baby powder, smearing it on your face, while water pistols are on sale everywhere. Entire streets transform into playful battlegrounds where locals and tourists alike join in the fun.
The atmosphere is lively but respectful—locals can usually tell whether you’re up for water fights based on your body language or if you’re carrying a water pistol yourself.
Expect to see motorbikes zipping past with riders armed with water guns, and huge 4×4 pick-up trucks filled with people hurling buckets of water at passers-by. Pedestrians retaliate with hoses and water balloons, creating an all-out citywide water fight. Given Cambodia’s sweltering heat, the soaking is actually a welcome relief.
We armed ourselves with water pistols and joined in—everyone was so welcoming and thrilled to see tourists getting involved! The streets become a giant playground, buzzing with laughter and excitement. It’s absolute mayhem—but in the best way possible!
Night Markets, Music & Cultural Performances
As night falls, Siem Reap’s central square and riverside come alive with bustling street markets, live concerts, boat rides, and cultural performances. The energy is electric! Food stalls line the streets, offering a vast array of delicious and unusual snacks. The nightlife is vibrant, with colourful lights illuminating the city and music filling the air.
For the wildest experience, head to Pub Street, the epicentre of Siem Reap’s nightlife, where the party spills out onto the streets. Alternatively, wander into the residential areas, where families gather outside their homes to ambush passing tourists with hoses, buckets of water, and anything else they can get their hands on.
My Top Tips For Experiencing Khmer New Year
The best way to enjoy Khmer New Year as a tourist is to fully embrace the chaos! Here are some essential tips:
- Wear swimwear under your clothes – You will get soaked, so there’s no point wearing anything fancy.
- Opt for waterproof footwear – Flip-flops, Tevas, or any other water-friendly shoes are ideal.
- Use a waterproof bag for your valuables – Bring only the essentials, and make sure your phone and money are protected.
- Cover your phone with a waterproof case – this will allow you to take photos and videos worry-free.
- Protect your backpack – If you’re arriving on the first day of celebrations, put a waterproof cover on your backpack to avoid starting the trip with soggy belongings.
- Book transport and accommodation early – Prices surge and availability becomes scarce as both locals and tourists travel for the holiday. We paid more than usual for basic accommodation, but it was worth every penny.
Khmer New Year in Siem Reap is a MUST
This festival is unlike anything you’ll experience in the West, and I truly believe that everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime. Khmer New Year in Siem Reap was one of the most memorable highlights of our backpacking trip, filled with fun, laughter, and a real sense of community.
If you’re looking for a festival that’s full of life, tradition, and non-stop excitement, add Khmer New Year in Siem Reap to your bucket list — you won’t regret it!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
