Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmey): A Vibrant Celebration of Renewal and Tradition

Khmer New Year: The Biggest Party of the Year

Forget January 1st. In Cambodia, the real celebration happens in mid-April. Chol Chnam Thmey ("Enter New Year") marks the end of the harvest season. For three days, the entire country shuts down to visit temples, play games, and throw massive amounts of water.

The Three Days of Celebration

Day 1

Moha Sangkran

The Arrival. Families decorate their homes with flashing lights and prepare a table of fruits and incense to welcome the "New Angel" who descends to earth to look after the people.

Day 2

Virak Vanabat

The Day of Giving. This day is dedicated to charity. Families go to the pagoda to offer food to monks and donate money or clothes to the poor.

Day 3

Vearak Loeng Sak

The Cleansing. The final day involves washing Buddha statues with perfumed water. Young people also wash the hands of their parents and grandparents to ask for forgiveness and blessings.

🎲 It's Not Just Prayer... It's Play!

Unlike Western holidays, adults here play playground games for New Year! If you visit a village or temple, you will see:

• Teanh Prot (Tug of War): Huge teams of men vs. women pulling a giant rope. It represents the churning of the Ocean of Milk.
• Bos Angkunh: A game where you throw heavy inedible fruit seeds (Angkunh) to knock over your opponent's seeds.
• Leak Kanseng: A version of "Duck, Duck, Goose" played with a twisted towel (Kanseng).

💦 Warning: You Will Get Wet

Modern celebrations (especially in Siem Reap's Pub Street and Phnom Penh) involve massive water fights. People roam the streets with super-soakers and buckets of water.
Tip: Buy a waterproof bag for your phone and wallet. Do not wear expensive clothes. Embrace the chaos!

Experience the Energy

The best place to be is the "Angkor Sankranta" festival in Siem Reap.

See Festival Dates