This year the Cambodia Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk to give its Khmer name, falls on 4 to 6 November. For three days watch as Phnom Penh’s riverside explodes into life with boat races and firework displays in what is one of the most dramatic festivals in the region.
During the Water Festival in Cambodia, Phnom Penh is flooded with people coming in from neighbouring villages and all over the country seeking to participate in the races and to join in the festive fun. It presents a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and communicate in Khmer, the local language.
Although the water festival of Cambodia is a great spectacle to watch, it does come with the inherent risk of some danger – particularly petty theft from pick-pockets, so people are advised to leave valuables in their hotel safe. The riverside area is closed to traffic, but as the races run past the central area, it is an easy – albeit crowded – walk.
Easily the best way to enjoy the spectacle is from a lofty perch at one of the riverside hotels or rooftop bars, or across the Japanese Friendship Bridge on the Chroy Changvar Peninsula.
Traditionally this is the time when the Tonle Sap river reverses its flow – a unique sight and the waters are high and the current fast. It really is a spectacular sight and a must for anyone who is in the area at the time.
History of Water Festival in Cambodia
The roots of the Bon Om Touk Water Festival Cambodia roots are believed to stretch back to the 12th century during Angkorian King Jayavarman VII’s reign. According to one version of events, it started as a way for the King’s navy to usher in the fishing season. The celebrations were seen as a way to appease the gods and, in return, secure an ample harvest of fish and rice in the upcoming year.
According to another legend, Water Festival was a way for Jayavarman VII to prepare the navy for battle. At Bayon and Banteay Chmear temples, there are carvings that depict naval battles that resemble today’s boat races.
What to Do at the Phnom Penh Water Festival?
Today, it remains a firm fixture on Cambodians’ calendar. While it is celebrated countrywide, the main festivities take place along Phnom Penh’s riverside, which flanks the Tonle Sap River. Here, people pack the promenaded to get a glimpse of the elaborately-decorated, long boats that carry up to 100 people as the race along the water. In the evenings, a firework display signals the start of an array of illuminated floats – usually sponsored by government ministries or major organisations – dancing down the river.
However, Water Festival isn’t all about boat racing. It is also an opportunity for Cambodians to give thanks to the land as well as the water. This is attained through three special ceremonies. Loy Pratip involves an illuminated fluvial parade involving brightly adorned boats sailing along the waterways Sampeas Preah Khe is the full moon ceremony and is marked with salutations and offerings nationwide. The final ritual is Auk Ambok. This traditional delicacy is made of flattened rice, bananas and coconut. It is eaten after midnight when the harvest moon is celebrated.
Water Festival’s dates change each year but always fall on the full moon of the Buddhist calendar month of Kadeuk. This full moon is also known as the Harvest Moon and is believed to portend bountiful crops ahead. Smaller public celebrations are also held in Siem Reap and Battambang.
Cambodia Water Festival Disaster
For several years the festival was cancelled due to the Cambodia water festival disaster leading to the death of over 300 people, but now the festival has reopened.
When is the Cambodia Water Festival 2025?
In 2025, Bon Om Touk Water Festival Cambodia falls from 4 to 6 November.
Where is the Water Festival Cambodia 2025?
Although Phnom Penh’s riverside is easily the most spectacular place to see the festival with its numerous boat races, if you are in Siem Reap at the time, you can also enjoy the festival there.
Hotels in Phnom Penh
Be sure to book in advance, especially if you want to stay on the riverside, although places such as the boutique Plantation are an easy walk from the festivities and will give you a welcome hiatus. Enter your dates in our flight and hotel comparison engine to search hundreds of sites for the best deals:
For ideas of where to enjoy the Cambodia Water Festival
Read here.
