The Water Festival in Cambodia
Ranked #222 in Holidays & Celebrations, #3,838 overall
Bon Om Touk: The Water Festival of Cambodia
The preparation for the 2012 Cambodia Water Festival has already begun. Big dreams are on especially for those who want to compete in the naga boat race. The cancellation of this boat race in Phnom Penh last year was quite a let down but a wise move given the flooding which affected so many people.
Cambodians from all provinces come to Phnom Penh to celebrate the water festival or what they refer to as Bon Om Touk. Right in Chaktomuk, the confluence of these great rivers, the Tonle Sap, the Bassac, the Mekong Leur (upper) and the Mekong Krorm (lower), they offer thanks for the abundant fish and water resources that these rivers bring.
Last year, many of them came to inaugurate the stupa for those who died in the stampede of 2010. It was sad but also touching as the Khmers believe the spirit of their loved ones are still there and they want to commune with them and give them the proper send off.
Other provinces like Siem Reap and Battambang have also organized their annual water festivals complete with boat races as well.
Pictures of Cambodia's water festival
An interesting festival not to miss
This water festival is a 3-day annual event that you must include in your itinerary when you plan your trip to Cambodia. It is spectacular. The boat races and fireworks are awesome.
Plan now for your trip to Cambodia
Countdown to Cambodia Water Festival
The Three Ceremonies of the Water Festival in Cambodia
More than just the boat race
The water festival observes three ceremonies observed: the salutation of the Moon (Sampeas Preah Khe), the illumination of the float (Loy Pratip), and the eating of pestled new rice with banana and coconut juice (Ork Ambok). So, don't forget. Eventhough the boats are the party piece, there are other observances in the festival thatd mark a really distinctive feature of the Khmer culture.
The Water Festival of Cambodia Foundation
Theravada Buddhism
The water festival celebrated by the Cambodian Khmer is founded on Theravada Buddhism which started in Cambodia during the reign of the Angkorian kings. To understand the ceremonies of the water festival, this book gives a description of Buddhism practiced in Cambodia and how it evolved to become the foundation of Cambodian Khmer culture.
Cambodian Buddhism: History And Practice
Amazon Price: $101.80 (as of 05/24/2012)
This is an important book as it is hard to find one that will give you a scholarly background in English of how Buddhism took over Cambodia and became the central unifying force in Cambodian culture including its festivals and ceremonies.
The Full Moon and Water Festival - A Khmer Buddhist Ritual
The Monks Chant and Make Offerings on this Day
History of the Water Festival in Cambodia
Dates back to the Angkorian era
Practiced first during the Angkorian period, this water festival highlights the long boat race or what they call the naga boat race.
During the Angkorian period, this water festival competition was where the kings tested the skills of their warriors and recruited new ones. They also were occasions to celebrate great maritime victories. Depictions of these battles on water can be found carved in the temples of Bayon and Banteay Chmar. You can see the victory of Jayavarman and his navy over the Chams using these naga serpent boats.
These long naga (five headed snake) boats referred to by the locals as Tuk have earlier been described by a Chinese envoy, Chou Ta-Kuan, who came to Angkor around 1296. He described the Khmer naval fleet navigating the waters with their boats that look like snakes on the water. But these boats were also used for trade and commerce especially to transport the heavy stones used to build the temples. In fact, because of Angkor's advance irrigation and canal systems of barais (manmade lakes) and sras, these boats were described as constantly floating like snakes in these water ways moving products and people.
You can still see in Siem Reap, where the Angkor Temples are, remnants of this advanced water system.
History of Cambodia
Understand Cambodia Better
Prepare yourself for your trip to the water festival by reading something on the history of Cambodia, This book will lead you through the development of Cambodia from its magnificent Angkorian past to the present and the harrowing historical challenges the Cambodians have to go through.
A History of Cambodia
Amazon Price: $34.54 (as of 05/24/2012)
David Chandler has been studying Cambodia for such a long time that his works on this country are far superior than many of the books available on this topic. The recent edition added a more substantial section on the early Angkorian civilization which is of interest to those interested in tracing the history of the water festival in Cambodia.
How well do you know Cambodia?
Try this quiz on Cambodia
By now, you must have visited a few lenses on Cambodia so you have some knowledge of the country. Give this a try. Then, you will know it better.
Majority of Cambodia's population
Which Cambodian ethnic group?
Cambodian UNESCO World Heritage Site
Which of the Cambodian temples?
The Water Festival Khmer Naga Snake Boat Race
The 3-day boat race in Phnom Penh with amazing fireworks every night
Rowers from the different communes come with their Naga snake boats which they painstakingly maintain at their local wats or temples. These Naga snake boats have been cited as used by the Khmer as early as the 13th century. Given the citation, it looks like these boats have been used even earlier.
With these rowers and paddlers in new uniforms and hats all eager to prove their skills, the Phnom Penh Riverside comes to an explosion of colours. The villagers are here, too, to cheer as their teams compete. The fire brigade, police and military are busy as well as the garbage personnel. These three days beat any other celebration in color and dazzle and Phnom Penh shows its best finery to the other provinces in Cambodia. The organization is impressive. And it brings the whole nation together in celebration. If you are not here for the water festival in Cambodia, you miss a great event.
Know more about Cambodia and its history
From glory to tragedy to rising from the ashes
Cambodia is unique in that it has been a great power during the Angkorian period. Then, it came under France. It has suffered a painful setback with the rule of the Khmer Rouge and has now to live with its more developed neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam. It is doing its best and it has lots to offer tourists so it is gaining many visitors each year.
The water festival is a big draw to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. Unfortunately, this year, the flooding has really affected Phnom Penh so the boat race in the capital has been cancelled. This year, Siem Reap, where this festival started during the Angkor period, will continue with its own boat race. As it is also a major international gateway to Cambodia, this will definitely enhance attendance to the water festival.
Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples (Sixth Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides)
Amazon Price: $17.74 (as of 05/24/2012)
This is now in its 6th edition and the author has added 180 pages and new photos. This book will not only serve as your guide to the temples of Angkor but to Khmer culture and traditions as well. The pictures clearly show what the Khmers have achieved.You need to pre-order this latest edition.
The King of Cambodia Graces the Water Festival
Bon Om Tuk
The King of Cambodia always graces this celebration with his presence and the royal boat is part of the competition. Government officials from both national and local levels also support teams and are there to give them the necessary boost. Some of the best "boosted" boats never see day 2!
Here's a quick quiz for you on Cambodia
How well do you know Cambodia
Another quiz on Cambodia
Give this Cambodia question a try
Another try at knowing Cambodia
Show you know Cambodia
The Rowers and Paddlers at the Cambodia water festival boat race
Their skills are improving as shown in the 2010 festival
Here is a typical Khmer Naga snake boat showing off at the Cambodia water festival
The Chaktomuk in Phnom Penh
Where the rivers meet in Phnom Penh
The Chaktomuk or the confluence of the rivers as this area is called is the center of the water festival in Phnom Penh. Let's not forget that the water festival also celebrates the reversing current right here in Chaktomuk. Here is a video of the area.
For your trip to the water festival of Cambodia
Make sure you bring your hat
The tilley would be your best choice. It travels well, light and has air flow. Get one that has a little pocket inside the hat where you can put some money. Just take care you don't lose your hat.
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The Water Festival of Cambodia
Also Referred to as the Festival of the Reversing Current
Also referred to as the festival of the reversing current, the Cambodia water festival celebrates each year the river reversing from its course upward towards the Tonle Sap Lake to flow downstream allowing the Tonle Sap lake to empty its waters to the Mekong river leaving behind fish in abundance.
Where the Water Festival Usually Is
Confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap
The Phnom Penh Riverside, site of the Water Festival in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, the seat of the Water Festival
The Riverside in Phnom Penh
The Chaktomuk in Phnom Penh, right where the rivers meet, is where the Cambodians gather to watch the boat race, the major event in the water festival. This place comes alive with over 400 boats manned by over 2,500 paddlers and rowers, men and women in their particular dazzling colors and costumes.
The provinces vie for the top for their entries and businesses get high visibility as they sponsor many of these teams. Even small villages enter, having spent the year at their local temple painting and repairing their vessels. Months before the event, many of the participants now go through training to improve their skills and win the coveted price for their commune.
Water festival boats practicing to win
Here is the blue team
Who will win? The skills have improved much this year. Months before the water festival, the rowers and paddlers start to hone in their skills. Spies from other communes watch to assess the competition. Days before the event, the boats are brought to Phnom Penh. You see the village people carry their boats to the chaktomuk area and the rowers and paddlers practicing in the rivers. Every year, the competition gets more intense as the skills get better.
The Usual Place for the Cambodia water festival
Images of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Sisowath Quay, Cambodia
The Rivers Feted During the Water Festival in Cambodia
These rivers all meet in Phnom Penh
These two bodies of water in Cambodia are central to the daily existence of many Cambodians. With the Bassac, these rivers all meet in Phnom Penh. It is at this meeting point that people come and thank the rivers during the water festival in Cambodia.
The Tonle Sap
Tonle Sap in Khmer means Large Fresh Water River, more commonly translated as the "Great Lake". This is one of Cambodia's little gems that hide jus...
The Mysterious Mekong River
Some rivers seem young and spring like, dancing in joy with sparkling clear water by green wild banks. The Mekong is not one of these. It is Asia's "Big...
Why the Mekong is Feted at the Water Festival
Read this Book on the Mekong
The River's Tale: A Year on the Mekong
Amazon Price: $7.71 (as of 05/24/2012)
The only way to understand why the water festival is such a major celebration among the Cambodians is to see their lives on some of these rivers they offer thanks to. This book focuses on the Mekong but also gives one the idea of how these rivers give communities life.
Coming for the 2012 water festival in Cambodia?
Plan early
This is one time of the year when Phnom Penh gets a huge crowd as you can see in the picture. The hotels get full so plan early so you still can choose the best places to stay in.
Pictures on the Cambodia 2011 water festival
The Stage and the Opening Ceremonies
The stage for the 2011 Cambodia water festival with the Eiffel Tower on the right
The Scaled Down 2011 Phnom Penh Water Festival
The booths were limited
The 2011 Cambodia Water Festival Celebration
First Day of the Water Festival was Independence Day
November 9 was the first day of the 3-day Cambodia 2011 water festival celebration. The first day coincided with the celebration of Cambodia's Independence Day so the ceremonies started at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh where the Cambodians gathered waving their nation's flag and carrying pictures of the King, the King Father and Mother. The King was there to celebrate and, in this picture, you can see him greeting his people.
This coincidence is timely as this year's water festival was scaled down as the government decided to put the resources on the flood victims. The boat races were cancelled because of concerns for the safety of the boaters. All very good reasons.
For some Cambodians, the 2011 water festival brought a sad memory of last year's stampede that killed over 300. Although a new bridge has been inaugurated to allow for better flow of traffic, many still avoid even going near the bridge and being in crowded places. Hopefully, the break from the boat race this year which reduced the inflow of people to Phnom Penh will erase some of the pain and in its place a looking forward to a much better water festival celebration in 2012.
To commemorate this sad event, a stupa with the names of the 353 victims was constructed. During the inauguration, parents and relatives of the victims came to light incense sticks and pray that their dead be reincarnated into better lives.
The 2011 Cambodia Water Festival Opening Ceremonies
The Stage in its Splendour
The stage for the 2011 water festival opening ceremonies. You can see in this picture the offerings of fruits and other goodies to appease the gods and spirits. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe take prominence on the stage to reflect Cambodia's colonial past and still close relations with France.
The 2011 Cambodian Water Festival in the Provinces
Water Festival in Battambang
This is the Battambang boat race held to choose the teams to compete in Phnom Penh.
The Construction of the Stage for the 2011 Water Festival
The 2011 Water Festival Preparation
Lantern Floating and Candle Dropping Ceremony
Royal University of Fine Arts
On November 10, as part of the 2011 water festival celebration, the students at Phnom Penh's Royal University of Fine Arts organized for the full moon and water festival celebration a prayer ceremony to their ancestors, candle dance, candle dropping which helps to predict rain and lantern floating which were in the past so much a part of the Khmer Buddhist traditions. This event was followed by the water festival fireworks which was easily viewed from the venue.
Here are some Cambodia Water Festival Pictures
See what to look forward to
The crowd gathering in Sisowath Quay on the first day of the 2010 Cambodia water festival in Phnom Penh
More Images of the Water Festival
Bon Om Tuk in Cambodia
Another long boat on parade preparing for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Cambodia water festival
The Boat Race at the Water Festival
Be here for the three days
The boats are classified into categories according to size and also the type, the row boat and the pirogue. During the day, the boats manned by about 30-90 men and women race in pairs along a kilometer long course and the sounds of the paddlers and the rowers follow the river's rhythm led at the prow by a man or a woman in distinctive costume. The rowers and paddlers receive money, food, drink, cigarettes and other kinds of prizes.
The first day of the water festival is the best racing as the paddlers tend to party a bit heavily in the evenings and some of the later sprints feature buckets and broken ranks. I have to say, 2010 changed my impression. The rowers and paddlers had more discipline way towards the end. In fact, the closing ceremony was impressive as the boats gathered for the ceremonies and paraded towards the pavilion. Balloons were released and fireworks lighted the sky.
The Festivities in the Evening of the Water Festival
Concerts
The Evening Crowd at the Water Festival
Phnom Penh is Full
People cook and sleep in the parks. Those coming from the provinces often just lay down their mats in the parks and where the concerts and other festivities are. Kids sleep while the adults enjoy the songs.
Long Naga Snake Boats Race at the Cambodia Water Festival
Cambodian provinces support their boat entries
Every year, the competition is fierce. The race is very colorful and highly entertaining. Equally entertaining is watching the people in Phnom Penh's riverside, all cheering for their teams or watching the race. You have to be there at the end when the boats prepare for the closing ceremonies. To see all the naga snake boats cruising the river at the same time is a delightful spectacle. Rowing, in a special way for me, is an art and when the rowers are synchronizedd, it is a joy to watch.
Thomas Eakins: The Rowing Pictures (Yale Art Gallery)
Amazon Price: $33.74 (as of 05/24/2012)
The pictures show rowing as an art and this book enhances my love for it so if you are a rower or just a fan of rowing, get this book.
Watch these videos on the Cambodia water festival
Long Naga Snake Boat Race
The last year, 2010, the 3-day event was full of excitement as around 420 long naga snake boats joined the long boat race. Maybe, more will join in 2011.
The Illuminated Boats and Fireworks at the Cambodia Water Festival
Loy Pratip
In the evening, the various government ministries have brightly lit boats, each often with over a thousand lights displayed in traditional patterns, cruise along the river. This is called Loy Pratip, an important ceremony in the water festival. Add to this the nightly fireworks dazzle the crowd and you have a spectacular celebration.
Each one of the illuminated boats portrays symbols of Cambodia as a nation including the map of Cambodia, the royal palace, and other meaningful ones. With the full moon in sight and the fireworks breaking out for 30 minutes or so, you only hear the wows and the excitement of everyone. Once the fireworks are over, most villagers go to the park, prepare their food, spread their mats on the grass and put their children to sleep while they enjoy the entertainment provided by local singers on a huge stage set up for the water festival.
The Fireworks and Illuminated Boats in the Cambodia Water Festival
Something you have to see
Fireworks during the 3-day water festival celebration in Cambodia
Cambodia water festival fireworks and lantern boats
Sponsored by different government ministries
At night, the different government ministries have lantern boats lighting the river. With the full moon and the lantern boats, one can't have a better background for the impressive fireworks. For three days, these shows were on including a trade fair in Koh Pich or Diamond Island and concerts as well in different locations in Phnom Penh. The streets of Phnom Penh were jampacked.
For your trip to the water festival in Cambodia
A useful guide
Just get yourself a travel guide book to help you plan your trip if you really need to. Once you are in Cambodia, there are many guides locally produced for free or a fraction of the price. I am not referring to the copied ones. These are guides published here for free as they are supported by ads. These guides are more current and are available in many restaurants in the city. They include guides to accommodations, churches, embassies, bars and restaurants, shopping and other sites and attractions around Phnom Penh and the provinces of Cambodia.
You can also buy books at Monument Bookstore or the Russian Market.
Cambodia Handbook, 6th: Travel Guide to Cambodia (Footprint - Handbooks)
Amazon Price: $14.13 (as of 05/24/2012)
This book identifies the essentials for travel in Cambodia and include a wealth of information on the various things to do and places to see. Khmer words are also included to make you communicate to the locals especially in the rural areas.
For the water festival, Phnom Penh is the place to be
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city
Perch yourself in one of the restaurants in Phnom Penh's famous riverside area and you will have an unobstructed view of the long boats racing and the fully lighted flotilla and fireworks in the evening.
My favourite place is the FCC, the Foreign Correspondents Club. You have a good view for the price of a drink every hour or so. You can also go for dinner at Pacharan or Chow where you can enjoy a drink and watch the flotilla and fireworks.
The Amanjaya Rooftop place is also a good viewing place for the water festival boat race. Know that there is a grandstand right on the river where tourists can view the boat race.
Another Quiz on Cambodia
Another try
Here's another quiz On Cambodia you can try
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What's News on Cambodia's Capital City?
Cambodia's Capital is Getting More Exciting
Phnom Penh is developing fast. It is changing and creating its own personality as a charming city.
- Snap Court Verdict Sentences 13 Lake Protesters to Prison
- Thursday, 24 May 2012 Snap Court Verdict Sentences 13 Lake Protesters to Prison Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh ?They have been doubly victimized.? Thirteen land protesters who were seized during a demonstration earlier this week were handed ...
- Royalist Parties Agree To Join as Election Nears
- Thursday, 24 May 2012 Royalist Parties Agree To Join as Election Nears Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh ?Today, with the royalist reintegration, I think we can join strongly to develop the country.? Cambodia's two main royalist parties struck a ...
- Photos give peek into Phnom Penh's rebirth
- Photographer Kim Hak's series Daun Penh shows scenes around Phnom Penh taken from the backs of tuk-tuks. The framing represents a blindfold being removed to reveal the post-conflict city. Photograph: Kim Hak/Phnom Penh Post After being evacuated from ...
- The 'ill-willed' spark cyber law: officials
- A woman types a text message on a mobile phone at an office in Phnom Penh yesterday. Photograph: Will Baxter/Phnom Penh Post Cambodia is drafting its first cyber law, a move designed to prevent ?ill-willed groups or individuals? from spreading false ...
Planning to be at Phnom Penh?
For the 2012 Water Festival?
Phnom Penh still retains some of its own character even if it is growing as a metropolis. You can sense Asia with its own unique Cambodian culture and bits of French influence in the architecture, food especially bread and language.
The streets are full of life and each one trying to outdo each other in the culture they carefully cultivate. Try going to Street 240 where you can shop for fashion accessories and quilts and refresh yourself in their al fresco cafes. Or Street 178 where you can buy orginal art for less than $20. Or Street 282 where you can sample different restaurants offering Khmer, Indian, Nepali, Greek, and Western food.
Phnom Penh: The Capital of Cambodia
Phnom Penh recently has become a major trip destination for millions of tourists and the boom is just beginning. Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is the great magnet ...
The Streets of Phnom Penh
The Streets of Phnom Penh are the most productive space on earth. We trudge the downtown route most Saturday mornings in a desperate effort to match weight a...
The Royal Palace of Cambodia
A visit to Phnom Penh is not complete without a visit to the Royal Palace, Chatomuk Mongkul. You simply cannot ignore it as a magnificent landmark especiall...
Planning to come for the 2011 water festival in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh is where you want to be
Phnom Penh is the place to go. Book your trip to Phnom Penh and view one of the most spectacular water festivals. Check out these links for more tips to preparing your trip here.
- How To Plan a Trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Cambodia recently passed the 2 million tourist arrivals threshold and the boom is just beginning. Get here soon, or you will miss one of Asia's great bargains as it moves up the cost stairway and becomes another Thailand.
- How To Enjoy Phnom Penh's Phsars
- In Khmer, Phsar is a market and Phnom Penh has great traditional markets that are really fun and really international.....well....sort of! Some of these, like the Russian Market and the Central Market are very popular to tourists as they are colourful and filled with better products, too.
- How To Enjoy Day Trips from Phnom Penh
- The Cambodian countryside offers not only the scenic views of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap with its pagodas, rice paddies and tiny villages but also offers pre-Angkorian and Angkorian ruins that allow you to understand better and appreciate the culture of the Khmers at certain times of history.
- ADB Fact Sheet on Cambodia
- Cambodia development indicators
- Cambodia - Data & Statistics
- Data and Statistics on Cambodia.
For those days of the boat race at the water festival
Carry washcloths with you
I find these more absorbent than handkerchief and very practical, too. You can wet this with cold water and just put it on your head or face as it is really hot.
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“I enjoy watching these races. Every year, I go to the Riverside in Phnom Penh with all my family.”
Another question on Cambodia
The answer is in this lens
More Pictures of the Water Festival in Cambodia
Bon Om Tuk in Phnom Penh
The monks coming out of the Royal Palace to go to Wat Botum for the full moon and water festival ceremony
To have a good view of the water festival
Stay at hotels in the riverside of Phnom Penh
The Ministry of Tourism has put up a viewing stand for foreigners just beside the main grandstand. You can enjoy the water festival from here. Or, book a hotel right on the riverside and view it from your balcony. There is no substitute to the fun you will have in the streets.
Here are some sites of hotels in Phnom Penh's riverside. My favourite is the Foreign Correspondents Club, an old establishment. If you can't get a room, just come to the restaurant and view the boat race from here. Bougainvillier is another boutique hotel that is very nice and located right on the riverside of Phnom Penh. Amanjaya is another good hotel to stay at during the water festival.
- Bougainvillier Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Bougainvillier Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Reserve now and get instant confirmation online.
- Phnom Penh Boutique Hotel
- FCC Phnom Penh
Sunset happy hour is a must on every traveler's itinerary.
FCC Phnom Penh Boutique Hotel
Overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. - :: Amanjaya Pancam Hotel Co., Ltd :: Phnom Penh :: Cambodia
- This hotel is right at the Phnom Penh riverside and will give you a panoramic view of the water festival.
If you're coming to the water festival, have a sense of the capital city of Cambodia
GEt one of these books on Phnom Penh's culture and history
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's capital city and the gateway to many of the other provinces in Cambodia. Eventhough other provinces celebrate water festival, the big draw is Phnom Penh. The boat race here is a 3-day event and at night, fireworks and concerts enthrall villagers.
Phnom Penh: A Cultural History (Cityscapes)
Amazon Price: $2.55 (as of 05/24/2012)
Milton Osborne, a one time Phonm Penh resident brings us to understand and appreciate the city's journey as it tries to become the center of culture and art during the early reign of King Norodom Sihanouk and its dark period when Pol Pot eliminated anyone who reprsents anything literary and cultural. He does not leave us there but brings us to Phnom Penh's reemergence as it tries today to bring its rich and interesting culture to recognition by its own people and the world.
For your trip to Cambodia's water festival
Bring a camera that can take pictures of boat races and fireworks
This water festival in Cambodia is so colourful you just have to bring your camera and take those pictures or better, videos of the events. Make sure the camera you bring takes good pictures or videos at night as the fireworks and illuminated boats will take your breath away.
Which of these will you choose?
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Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 Inch Wide LCD
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The Boat Race at the Water Festival in Cambodia
The boat races are impressive
The Water Festival in Cambodia boat race is always very well attended. The Chaktomuk where it is held is often full of people, many of whom are villagers from the other provinces in Cambodia to cheer for their own village teams. The fireworks arere spectacular and also the lantern boats of the government ministries. There are also many tourists and they often wonder how come they haven't heard much about this festival before.
Rowers and paddlers compete hard showing much improved skills. In the 2010 water festival, about 420 boats participated with around 27,000 racers. In 2009, only 396 boats participated. There were 20 motorboats with doctors on duty to ensure that boaters were safe.
The water festival trade fair
Koh Pich or Diamond Island
Koh Pich is the site of the water festival trade fair. Booths displayed and sold Cambodian products. This is Cambodia's way of introducing to the public some of its newly developed products. Some government ministries also displayed what they do in terms of product and technology development and skills training.
Products of Cambodia
Exhibited at the Water Festival Fair
Soybeans and soybean products
The Cambodia Water Festival Stampede
Diamond Island , Phnom Penh
Great events do not sometimes end well. The three-day events were full of fun especially the final evening. We were in the riverside (Chaktomuk) to view the final events and we were fascinated by the crowd. We also went home walking. Some intersections were so crowded that people were pressing hard to get through.
Koh Pich is an island connected to Phnom Penh by a bridge going in and a bridge going out. There is always heavy traffic in that bridge as it is quite narrow. Nobody expected that much crowd and the inclusion of this place as part of the venue is quite recent. It seems that some people of the million gathered in that area panicked when someone said that the bridge is not safe and the rest of the crowd just pushed their way to safety. With no other escape route, people started jumping off the suspension bridge. Many of the people in the bridge were from the rural areas and they had no clue whatsoever of the nature of a suspension bridge: it moves.
The bridge is once again opened to public traffic but not before the monks have offered their prayers. People now believe that the monks' prayers have rid the bridge of ghosts. The developers have built another bridge to connect the island to the mainland and allow for more traffic.
This year, the stupa listing the names of the stampede victims was inaugurated and the families of the victims are happy that now the dead had been properly honoured. Many Cambodians still do not want to go back to the area and many of them just stay away from any crowd.
News on Cambodia
Keep yourself updated as you plan for your Phnom Penh trip
Cambodia is fast changing now that development has started. Watch the news so you can prepare accordingly for your trip.
- World Bank: Growth in Developing East Asia Strong, but Slowing
- The World Bank defines developing East Asia as China, Cambodia, East Timor, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam. ??While it said most East Asian economies were ...
- World Bank outlook for Cambodia positive
- The World Bank's biannual report on Cambodia was largely positive given dire economic prospects in Europe, which economists agreed were closely tied to the Kingdom's key export sectors. The report, released yesterday, predicted 6.6 per cent growth in ...
- World Bank Tips Robust Asian Growth; Europe Poses Risks
- The World Bank defines developing East Asia as: Cambodia, China, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and the Pacific island economies. It forecast the region to grow 7.6% in 2012 and ...
- First life insurance company launches in Cambodia
- The establishment of Cambodian Life in the Kingdom would develop confidence in the market and eventually attract other life insurance companies to Cambodia, said Aun Pornmoniroth, secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Safety During the Water Festival in Cambodia
Be safety conscious
The Prime MInister and the Chief of Police of Phnom Penh have assured people that they are doing everything to ensure the safety of everyone attending the water festival. The Prime Minister said, "All kinds of armed forces must defend the safety of Phnom Penh. During the Water Festival, people from the rural areas are coming into Phnom Penh more and more." Around 6,500 security personnel have been deployed to maintain public order.
The Water Festival Celebration
Continue or Not?
The stampede that claimed the death of around 353 Cambodians caused some people to call off the celebration. What do you think?
Given the recent stampede, should the celebration of the water festival be discontinued?
Yes. We don't want another stampede
onlinecertification says:
accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, we should not miss opportunities to visit beautiful.
No. This is part of Cambodia's tradition
grannyann says:
There are always accidents but sometimes they must go on.
SquidooPower says:
No way!
Luv2help says:
No. There is misfortune all around; the stampede is not the essence of the celebration. It is unfortunate, though. People might be helped by reminding each other to be kind and gentle.
seosrija says:
This great festival should not stopped by any how. But the govt can take more precaution to avoid the accident. They should think of it. They have to manage it.
waldenthree.net says:
I say "Yes". I vote "Like" for this wonderful lens. Love Cambodian Culture.
How many people will attend 2012 Cambodia Water Festival?
Just in Phnom Penh
Between 3-4 million people attended the 2010 Cambodia water festival. The 2011 water festival has been scaled down due to flooding so less people came. The boat race was cancelled so this reduced the crowd immensely and last year's stampede also discouraged some from coming. Tourists in 2010 were in awe and wondered how come they have not heard of this festival before.So, hopefully the 2012 water festival celebration will again draw people to come.The government is very optimistic in its forecast. What do you think?
aesta1 predicts:
About 5 million people
grannyann predicts:
no more accidents
joycetmann predicts:
less rain for next year's festival! (Let's hope so.)
YolandaLacar predicts:
3 million people?
waldenthree.net predicts:
I say do more smaller "Water Festival" variations whereever Cambodian people live including USA !
goo2eyes predicts:
that more people will come and see the spectacle and that the weather will also do its part, sunny but no rain.
Who will win the Cambodia Water Festival long boat race?
Do you have a favourite team?
In 2010, Kampong Cham had four boats winning the first place, Phnom Penh had 3 and Takeo 1.Last year, 2011, the boat race was cancelled. This year, 2012, who do you think will win?
aesta1 predicts:
goo2eyes predicts:
that Kampong Cham will win again. they will defend their title.
collettehrock predicts:
I predict that I can't wait to find out who did win as it has already taken place so I would be interested to know
daria369 predicts:
Let the best boat win, whoever that might be... :)
LubosLabik predicts:
Kampong Cham is the best, he can't be beaten by anybody :)
onlinecertification predicts:
no idea, but would love to know
When you get here for the water festival
Try Cambodian food
To prepare yourself for the taste of Cambodian food, get your copy of this book. This book will show you food that the Cambodians eat regularly and the things they use for their cooking. At least, you can prepare yourself.
The Food & Cooking of Cambodia: Over 60 authentic classic recipes from an undiscovered cuisine, shown step-by-step in over 250 stunning photographs; ... using ingredients, equipment and techniques
Amazon Price: $10.93 (as of 05/24/2012)
It is good to look at a copy and see what you can sample when you come here. You are also prepared just in case there are things you can't eat. Cambodian cooking is very interesting and it is worth knowing and trying out for yourself how to do it.
More on Cambodian food
Eat safely during the water festival
The Elephant Walk Cookbook: The Exciting World of Cambodian Cuisine from the Nationally Acclaimed Restaurant by Longteine de Monteiro, Katherine Neustadt
Written by the chef-owner of Boston's renowned The more...0 points
Cambodian Cooking: A humanitarian project in collaboration with Act for Cambodia by Joannes Riviere, Dominique De Bourgknecht, David Lallemand, Maja Smend
New cookbooks on Asian cuisines are much easier to more...0 points
The Food and Cooking of Vietnam and Cambodia: Discover the deliciously fragrant cuisines of Indo-China, with over 150 step-by-step authentic recipes and over 700 photographs by Ghillie Basan
Discover the deliciously fragrant cuisines of Indo more...0 points
Angkor Culinaire by Van M. Touch
This book offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy more...0 points
Cooking the Cambodian Way: The Intertwined Story of Cooking and Culture in Cambodia by Narin Seng Jameson
So much more than a cookbook, Narin Seng Jameson takes more...0 points
Know more about other places in Cambodia
Worth visiting when you come for the Water Festival
You will find in these lenses other things you can do in Cambodia other than just being in Phnom Penh for the water festival.
Kirirom National Park
Kirirom or Mountain of Joy is Cambodia's first officially designated national park and what an exciting start to protecting the countries natural history. Lo...
Preah Vihear
Straddled between Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear has changed ownership at different times and has since been disputed by these two countries that border...
Tips in planning your trip to the water festival in Cambodia
Vote the best tip in the list
I had been here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for several water festival celebrations including the latest where a stampede killed many. Here are some tips I want to share with you. Hope this will help in your planning. Which do you think is the most important tip?
To avoid the stampede that took place during the water festival last year, a new bridge was built to enable the crowd to get out easily. So come and enjoy the concerts.
Perch yourself for the boat race at the FCC, Foreign Correspondents Club in Phnom Penh
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Bring a travel journal to Cambodia
And write about the water festival
Cambodia needs more people to write about what is happening as at the moment, they are still hampered by their lack of proficiency in English and very few in the world understand Khmer.
Abroad: A Travel Organizer & Journal by Julianne Balmain
Going somewhere? Wish you were? There's no time like more...0 points
Travel Journal, All-weather Rite in the Rain. 4 1/4" x 6 3/4". 78 Lined Sheets. No.180
This Travel Journal is well suited for any adventu more...0 points
Moleskine Passions Travel Journal by Moleskine
Collect and organize your passion for travel: - 5 more...0 points
Blank Leather Writing Journal "World" Cruelty Free Leather
All the paper used, is made by hand from recycled more...0 points
Vacation, The Travelers Journal - MINI Blue Hard Cover
The pocket size, mini version of our popular Write more...0 points
Everywoman's Travel Journal by Ten Speed Press Staff
A stylish and helpful journal designed specifically more...0 points
Travel Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Compact Journal Series) by Peter Pauper Press Editors
Smart little Travel Journal is the perfect companion more...0 points
Graphic Image World Travel Journal, Goatskin Leather, Mocha (TJIMRBLGTIMOC)
About Graphic Image: You know these products. They more...0 points
Bon Voyage: A Travel Journal by Susie Ghahremani
This durable, tote-able tome is bursting with usef more...0 points
Voyages: A Travel Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Suedel Journals) by Evelyn Loeb
With its soft, suede-textured spine and classic cover more...0 points
Graphic Image Medium Travel Journal, Goatskin Leather, Mocha (MTJMRBLGTIMOC)
About Graphic Image: You know these products. They more...0 points
CruiseMinder Journal...Vacation Planner & Diary by F. E. Wilkins
The CruiseMinder Journal is ideal for anyone plann more...0 points
Moleskine Ruled Notebook Large
This basic yet classic Large Ruled notebook is one more...0 points
Rick Steves' Pocket Travel Journal by Rick Steves
No trip is complete without a few stories to tell. more...0 points
Old World Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Travel Journal) (Guided Journals) by Mara Conlon
When you travel, you discover as much about yourse more...0 points
Other Festivals of Cambodia
Know Cambodian culture a bit better
Cambodia has a number of festivals still widely practiced by majority of the people. They are so much embedded in the Cambodian way of life and respected as part of national holidays.
Other Festivals of Cambodia
Not Just the Water Festival
Bon Pchum Ben
All cultures honor their dead but Cambodia makes this an art form! Bon Pchum Ben. Each year, 15 days are devoted to honor the part of the family that is here...
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Weddings in Cambodia among the Khmer majority are marvellously complex 3-day festivals of rituals and rites with the bride and groom going through more outfi...
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Cambodia
Observed not only in Cambodia but also in Thailand, this ancient royal ritual of the ploughing ceremony has been practiced to mark the start of the growing s...
Khmer New Year
Have you ever celebrated new year in April? Cambodia's Khmer celebrate New Year not on January 1 as in the western world or on assorted dates in February as ...
Interesting links on Cambodia
To help you plan your trip to the water festival here
Cambodia has a very interesting history. Cambodians as part of their healing have written about their experience. Many are still in search for families and for meaning of what they went through.
- Cambodia
- More on the water festival 2010.
- Travel Tips
- Travel TipsTravel tips to unique destinations. Lots of tips on Cambodia.
- Cambodian History - Tourism of Cambodia
- The Official Tourism of Cambodia Providing Information about History of Cambodia.
- Cambodia Travel Blogs, Photos, Forum, Hotels and Hostels
- Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, whose Angkor Empire extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Subsequently, attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empir
- Cambodian Information Center (CIC) Homepage
- Cambodian Information Center, non-profit and neutral, news announcements and other information related to Cambodia
- Cambodia travel guide - Wikitravel
- Open source travel guide to Cambodia, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Free and reliable advice written by Wikitravellers from around the globe.
- The official Site for Tourism of Cambodia
- Agency offering information about Cambodia on culture, history, tourists statistic, attractions and tourist highlights, hotels, flights, cars, province guides, directory, jobs, daily news, trip planning, government sites, photogallery and online bookings
- Eat Fit in Cambodia
- A guide to eating safe in Cambodia. Read before you go for the water festival.
Water is Life
Drink plenty of water. Bring a bottle with you when you go to the water festival.
More links on Cambodia
Learn a tip or two
- Joining the crowd through Indochina
- Floods ended my second Mekong attempt so it was another six-hour bus trip to Siem Reap - gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park. Siem Reap is a charming provincial town having grown from a few riverside villages into a thriving town of stylish French ...
- Travel Trend: River cruises
- The 15-day trip includes a 7-day Mekong River cruise and a 7-day tour of Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. The package, which starts at $5047 per person, also includes: - Extensive sightseeing, including two days at the Angkor Wat Temple complex, ...
- Jimenez: Cebu Pacific now flies to Siem Reap, Cambodia
- By Toots Jimenez Jr. THE country's leading low-cost carrier (LCC), Cebu Pacific Air recently made its maiden flight last April 19 from Manila to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The first aircraft of CEB left the NAIA Terminal 3 with a full load of passengers to ...
- Return to Angkor
- This year, Cebu Pacific launched its maiden flight from Manila to Siem Reap, bringing a team of media from Visayas and Mindanao. We were booked in two splendid 5-star resorts, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort and Sokha Angkor Resort.
What others say of the water festival in Cambodia
Interesting blogs on Cambodia
- In Lowell, Hopes 'Cambodia Town' Will Boost Business
- ?Because people would be curious to come and see Cambodia Town,? she said. Related Links Second Cambodian-American Elected to Lowell City Council Lowell Prepares For Its Own 'Cambodia Town' Lowell Water Festival Aids Hospital in Cambodia.
- In Ceremony, Royal Oxen Predict Good Year for Beans, Corn
- Cambodia held its annual Plow Ceremony on Wednesday, with royal oxen predicting a good year for beans and corn. The oxen were presented with wine, water, grass, rice, corn, bean and sesame. They chose to eat only grass, corn and beans this year.
- LA Asian Pacific Film Festival expands to Long Beach
- ?This year in Long Beach we're doing a heavy run of Pacific Islander works as well as Cambodian films to reach out to those communities down there.? Le also is hoping to create programming beyond the annual festival, including a potential mini-festival ...
- The Week In Culture (PHOTOS)
- In this Monday, May 7, 2012 photo, visitors look at the paintings during the Babylon Festival of Culture in Hillah, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Baghdad. Poetry has returned to the Triangle of Death. But dancing and singing are being left ...
To remember Cambodia
Items with Cambodia designs
Long Sleeve Infant Bodysuit
How about putting you infant in this body suit for Khmer New Year?
Price: $20.99
Angkor Cambodia Light Angkor T-Shirt
This one you can wear when you come over to attend the water festival here in Cambodia
Price: $18.99
All about Cambodia
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Here are some products with images of Cambodia. Get one for yourself or for your Khmer friends.
The Magic of Water
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.
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Interesting links to water festival in Cambodia
Know more about this water festival
Listed here are sites that feature the water festival of Cambodia.
- Water & Moon Festival - Tourism of Cambodia
- The Official Tourism of Cambodia Providing Information about Water Festival, Boat Racing, Events and Festival in Cambodia.
- The Cambodian Water Festival
- Cambodian Water Festival
10-12 November 2000Click here for photographs from the Water FestivalClick here for follow-up notes after the Water Festival
The Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year in October or November, at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant - CSM
- At least 339 people died in the stampede, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who called it a terrible tragedy. The Water Festival has seen troubles in past years.
- Cambodia Water Festival - Water Festival in Cambodia - Bon Om Touk
- The Cambodian Water Festival (variously spelled in the original Khmer as Bon Om Touk, or Bon Om Thook, or Bonn Om Teuk, or Bon Om Tuk) takes place once a year, on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk. Cambodians celebrate the life-giving Tonle Sap with three days of festivals, fluvial parad
Water is life
The importance of water just can't be denied
Other water festivals in Southeast Asia
Water festivals in Burma, Thailand and Laos
Other Southeast Asian countries also celebrate water festivals and they're just as colourful. Songkran in Thailand coincides with their new year celebration in April. In Myanmar, their water festival, Thingyan, is also in April. Laos celebrate their Bun Nam, water festival, the same time as in Cambodia.
Include in your travel plan to the Cambodia water festival
The Loy Krathong in Thailand
If you are planning to come to Cambodia for the water festival, drop in Bangkok and witness the traditional Loy Krathong. At Loy Krathong, Thais float on the rivers beautifully made boats with flowers and candles. You let the evils of the past go and let your future be lighted. The whole river is full of these and it is a sight to behold. Stay a night there and witness this. There are early flights the next day to Phnom Penh to enjoy the water festival.
Angels blessed this lens on the water festival of Cambodia
Made it really special
These special angels blessed this lens
Thank you so much
More angels blessed this water festival of Cambodia
More thank yous
More angels blessing this lens
Big thank you
More angel blessing for Cambodia's water festival
Thank you so much
This is very encouraging.More stardust for this lens
I do appreciate the blessing
Water festivals around the world
Read on these festivals
Cambodia Collectibles
Bid for these at auctions
Have you attended a water festival?
Please share with us
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AnthonyAltorenna
May 21, 2012 @ 3:52 pm | delete
- What a beautiful country, steeped in culture and tradition. I have not yet traveled to Cambodia, but I hope to visit in the future.
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aesta1
May 21, 2012 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- Time to do so now when you still can find its particular uniqueness.
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TheGirlWithTheRedShoes
May 18, 2012 @ 9:21 am | delete
- i did not ,but i would love to attend one in the future.very beautiful lens.
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aesta1
May 21, 2012 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- Hope to see you in the water festival one of these days.
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desa999
May 16, 2012 @ 6:10 am | delete
- No but I've heard they are great fun and a fascinating activity.
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aesta1
May 16, 2012 @ 9:20 pm | delete
- It is really fun. You must see this one especially the boat race.
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Wordwinder
Apr 2, 2012 @ 3:52 am | delete
- Know this, O worthy and diligent lensmaster;
With accomplishment you've earned a tryster.
As a token of immense appreciation expressed,
A squid angel leaves this lens heartily blessed.
On a rendering that is sparkling in its own right,
Propagating an appealing thought well and quite;
If you were to notice a slender shimmering crust;
From the angel's wand, it is a spill of stardust.
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aesta1
Apr 2, 2012 @ 11:54 am | delete
- You live up to your name. Thank you so much.
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bechand
Apr 1, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | delete
- Looks like an amazing event!
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aesta1
Apr 2, 2012 @ 11:55 am | delete
- It really is.
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- Load More
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I have shared here my own journey and travel adventure.
My Third Year at Cambodia's Water Festival
So much fun
This is our third year at the water festival. The celebration wowed many tourists who kept saying that they could not believe why they have not heard of this celebration before. If you like this lens, you might enjoy my Cambodia travel lensography.
Items with Cambodia designs
Get yourself one
Cambodia in Chinese Rectangle Sticker
Price: $4.49
Women's Angkor Cambodia Dark T-Shirt
Price: $31.99
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Price: $18.99
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Support some of the people in Cambodia
Kiva lends to those in Cambodia interested to make their lives better. You can check this out in their site. You, too, can lend money to start some Cambodians on the road of entrepreneurialism.
Kiva is the world's first online lending platform connecting online lenders to entrepreneurs across the globe. Make a loan to an entrepreneur in the developing world for as little as $25.
Know someone interested in water festival or Cambodia?
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Planning to go to the water festival?
Get some information on the civilization that started the water festival
The Angkorian empire wielded power over most of what is today Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. It was at its height of power that the water festival started.
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