Khmer New Year

Decorations and water guns on sale ahead of Khmer New Year in Siem Reap.

Khmer New Year is almost here and Siem Reap is busy preparing for the most important holiday of the year. The new year always falls in mid April, the hottest time of the year. Located inland, Siem Reap is unforgivingly sweltering during April but never fails to draw throngs of visitors from across the country during the new year festivities. Domestic tourists flock to Angkor Wat and the array of activities Siem Reap has to offer to celebrate the new year.

This year there is a renewed focus on promoting traditional Cambodian celebrations including games, music and dance rather than the more chaotic water fighting that can turn the entire city into a water-soaked battlefield. This year will also feature boat races along the river, a wonderful and exciting sight usually reserved for water festival in November.

Besides the activities, Khmer New Year is a time for families to come together from near and far, enjoy family meals and have a good time.

If you’re in Siem Reap during this special time, make sure to reserve your accommodation and travel well in advance and enjoy the experience.

Decorations light up the Siem Reap river ahead of Khmer New Year.