The Water Festival in Cambodia
Ranked #1,016 in Holidays & Celebrations, #12,618 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 which was cancelled in Phnom Penh this year, 2011. It was quite a let down but a wise move given the flooding which affected so many people. In spite of the cancellation of the boat race, Cambodians from all provinces still came to Phnom Penh to celebrate the water festival this year 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 to these rivers for giving them abundant fish and water and other water resources.
This 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.
Plan now for your trip to Cambodia
Countdown to Cambodia Water Festival
Pictures of Cambodia's water festival
An interesting festival not to miss
This 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.
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
Why the 2011 Water Festival Boat Race in Phnom Penh was Cancelled
Just look at the flood waters
The road and the rice fields became one.
The 2011 Water Festival in Cambodia
First Day was also Cambodia's Independence Day
This 2011, the Cambodia water festival's first day took on a special significance as it happens to be also its Independence Day. Although the water festival was scaled down this year as the government decided to put the resources on the flood victims, the Cambodians still flocked to the capital to celebrate this event. The boat races were cancelled because of concerns for the safety of the boaters. All very good reasons. Phnom Penh was full and tourists were here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Siem Reap, where the water festival started
See the water festival depicted in the walls of the Angkor 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)
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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!
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. The, you will know it better.
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.
Sacred Angkor: The Carved Reliefs of Angkor Wat by Vittorio Roveda
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ANGKOR, CAMBODIA TOUR - A Self-guided Walking Tour - includes insider tips and photos of all locations - explore on your own schedule - Like having a friend show you around! (Visual Travel Tours) by Brendan McGuigan
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Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples (Sixth Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) by Dawn Rooney
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Journey to Angkor by Michael Joseph
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The Treasures of Angkor (Rizzoli Art Guide) by Marilia Albanese
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Guide to Cambodia: The Temples of Angkor by Approach Guides, David Raezer, Jennifer Raezer
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Angkor: Celestial Temples of the Khmer by Jon Ortner, Ian W. Mabbett, James Goodman, Ian Mabbett, Eleanor Mannikka, John Sanday
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Angkor the Magnificent - Wonder City of Ancient Cambodia by Helen Churchill Candee
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Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places) by Michael D. Coe
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Ancient Angkor (River Books Guides) by Claude Jacques, Michael Freeman
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Temples of Cambodia: The Heart of Angkor by Helen Ibbitson Jessup, Barry Brukoff
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Angkor Cities and Temples by Claude Jacques
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Angkor Archaeological Park Sights: a travel guide to the top 35 sights in Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia. Includes Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Siem Reap and much more (Mobi Sights) by MobileReference
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Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide) by Dawn Rooney
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Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Encounter by Nick Ray
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The Civilization of Angkor by Charles Higham
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Angkor: Eighth Wonder of the World (Cognoscenti Books) by Colin Hinshelwood, Andrew Forbes
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Sanctuary: The Temples of Angkor (Monographs) by Steve McCurry
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The Origins of the Civilization of Angkor, Volume 4: The Excavation of Ban Non Wat. Part II: the Neolithic Occupation
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Angkor (New Horizons) by Bruno Dagens
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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
For your trip to the water festival of Cambodia
Make sure you bring 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.
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
The Tonle Sap and the Mekong
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.
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
Here's a quick quiz for you
Give it a try
The Three Ceremonies of the Water Festival in Cambodia
More than just the boat race
But this festival is more than just the boat race. There are three other 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). But the boats are the party piece and mark a really distinctive feature of the Khmer culture.
The Full Moon and Water Festival - A Khmer Buddhist Ritual
The Monks Chant and Make Offerings on this Day
The Foundation of the Water Festival
Rooted in the Khmer Buddhist Tradition
To understand better the water festival of Cambodia, the teachings of Theravada Buddhism is at the roots of this celebration. It is not just a water festival but also the Festival of the Full Moon. Know this better through these books.
Theravada Buddhism: Social History from Ancient Benares to Modern Colombo (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices) by Richard F. Gombrich
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Virtuosity, Charisma and Social Order: A Comparative Sociological Study of Monasticism in Theravada Buddhism and Medieval Catholicism (Cambridge Cultural Social Studies) by Ilana Friedrich Silber
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Selfless Persons: Imagery and Thought in Theravada Buddhism by Steven Collins
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Religious Giving and the Invention of Karma in Theravada Buddhism (Routledge Studies in Asian Religion) by James Egge
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Pain and Its Ending: The Four Noble Truths in the Theravada Buddhist Canon (Buddhist Tradition) by Carol S. Anderson
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Buddhist Monastic Life: According to the Texts of the Theravada Tradition by Mohan Wijayaratna
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Woman Awake: Women Practicing Buddhism by Christina Feldman
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Buddhism and the Mythology of Evil: A Study in Theravada Buddhism by Trevor Ling
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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.
Long Naga Snake Boats Race at the Cambodia Water Festival
Cambodian provinces support their boat entries
Thomas Eakins: The Rowing Pictures (Yale Art Gallery)
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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
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.
Water Festival Boat Race in Posters
Plenty of choices for posters on the water festival
Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 18x24
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 9x12
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 24x32
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 12x16
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 30x40
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 9x12
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 30x40
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Premium Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 24x32
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Premium Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 30x40
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Premium Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 24x32
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Water Festival, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Indochina, Southeast Asia Premium Photographic Poster Print by Bruno Morandi, 30x40
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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: $13.85 (as of 02/23/2012)![]()
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.
What's News on Cambodia's Capital City?
Cambodia's Capital is Getting More Exciting
- Confessions of a Cambodian war criminal
- Press Officer Neth Pheaktra hands a court passes to Buddhist monks at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on the outskirts of Phnom Penh February 3, 2012. The United Nations backed tribunal, which has handed down a 35-year jail ...
- Prosecutor: I am innocent
- Top Chan Sereyvuth (centre), a former provincial prosecutor in Pursat province, is helped as he leaves the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh yesterday. Kea Chhay told the court that forestry official Ri Lay had accepted US$300 from illegal logging suspects ...
- Local hip-hop takes to stage
- Based around the premise of ?East Meets West?, Tiger Translate, sponsored by Tiger Beer, returns to Phnom Penh with local artists and musicians collaborating with a number of western acts. Phnom Penh-based hip-hop label Klap Ya Handz have been the ...
- Kingdom must diversify its economy, ADB says
- Stephen Groff, a vice president at the Asian Development Bank, speaks to the Post earlier this week in Phnom Penh. Cambodia has enjoyed rapid growth over the past decade. How is ADB targeting its grants and loans to ensure more equitable development?
Planning to be at the Water Festival in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is the place to be
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.
You'll surely need this for your water festival trip
Try this for your trip to the Cambodia water festival
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Planning to come for the 2011 water festival in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh is where you want to be
- 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
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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.”
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: $2.79 (as of 02/23/2012)![]()
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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The 2010 water festival in Cambodia
The boat races were impressive

The Water Festival in Cambodia was very well attended this year. The Chaktomuk was full of people, many of whom are villagers from the other provinces in Cambodia. The fireworks were spectacular and also the lantern boats of the government ministries. There were also many tourists and they were impressed. They wondered how come they haven't heard much about this before.
Rowers and paddlers competed hard showing much improved skills. Communities were there to support their local teams. Many of them just spread out in the parks in the evening, enjoying cooking their meals and sleeping right there, with the live entertainment putting their weary bodies to rest.
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.
Around 9,000 municipal and military police officers were on duty. 350 more trash workers and 1,000 newly designed garbage bins were added as well as more public toilets.
The trade exhibition in Koh Pich or Diamond Island was also successful.
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
- Stronger economic growth for Cambodia in 2012
- By Yvonne Chan | Posted: 23 February 2012 2207 hrs SINGAPORE: Cambodia's central bank expects economic growth in 2012 to accelerate to its fastest pace in four years. The director general of the policy-setting institution told Channel NewsAsia that new ...
- Savannah business professor Russ Wigh on economic nuts and bolts
- By Russ Wigh Nicholas Kristof has been reporting on the Cambodian sex slave trade in the New York Times for several years. Children of a young age, perhaps 10, are often taken from their remote villages, addicted to drugs and put into virtual slavery ...
- Sciaroni to Represent Cambodia at US Business Conference
- "It's an honor to represent Cambodia at such a high level meeting, bringing together leading businesses and representatives from around the world to discuss ways we can work together to contribute to economic prosperity," he said.
- Cambodia Faces Tests With 2012 Asean Chairmanship
- In terms of Asean's internal affairs, Cambodia may be required to preside over preparations for a review of the Asean Charter ? something that is called for five years after its entry into force, or at the end of 2013. As chair of the Asean Economic ...
Safety During the Water Festival in Cambodia
Be safety conscious
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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes. We don't want another stampede
onlinecertification says:
accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, we should not miss opportunities to visit beautiful.
Posted January 03, 2011
No. This is part of Cambodia's tradition
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.
Posted November 18, 2011
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.
Posted November 15, 2011
waldenthree.net says:
I say "Yes". I vote "Like" for this wonderful lens. Love Cambodian Culture.
Posted November 14, 2011
goo2eyes says:
this is cambodia's tradition and should not be stopped. citizens and visitors should be informed about the precautions,safety measures to avoid accidents and misfortunes.
Posted November 14, 2011
How many people will attend 2011 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 next year, the annual event will again draw people to come.
My prediction
About 5 million people
Reader predictions:
Fetching
predictions now... please stand by
joycetmann, at 4pm on December 18, 2011 predicts:
less rain for next year's festival! (Let's hope so.)
YolandaLacar, at 3am on December 10, 2011 predicts:
3 million people?
waldenthree.net, at 5pm on November 14, 2011 predicts:
I say do more smaller "Water Festival" variations whereever Cambodian people live including USA !
goo2eyes, at 8am on November 14, 2011 predicts:
that more people will come and see the spectacle and that the weather will also do its part, sunny but no rain.
collettehrock, at 2am on November 13, 2011 predicts:
I will go along with your prediction as you know a lot about this particular festival
Who will win the Cambodia Water Festival long boat race?
Do you have a favourite team?
This year, Kampong Cham had four boats winning the first place, Phnom Penh had 3 and Takeo 1.
My prediction
Reader predictions:
Fetching
predictions now... please stand by
goo2eyes, at 8am on November 14, 2011 predicts:
that Kampong Cham will win again. they will defend their title.
collettehrock, at 2am on November 13, 2011 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, at 1pm on October 20, 2011 predicts:
Let the best boat win, whoever that might be... :)
LubosLabik, at 2am on June 27, 2011 predicts:
Kampong Cham is the best, he can't be beaten by anybody :)
onlinecertification, at 6am on January 3, 2011 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: $9.08 (as of 02/23/2012)![]()
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
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Angkor Culinaire by Van M. Touch
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Cooking the Cambodian Way: The Intertwined Story of Cooking and Culture in Cambodia by Narin Seng Jameson
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In planning your trip to the water festival of Cambodia
Interesting places in Cambodia you might want to visit
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 your travel journal
And write about the water festival of Cambodia
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Many people share on the water festival in Cambodia
Read what they have to say on the water festival
- Local hip-hop takes to stage
- Cambodia's second Tiger Translate festival looks set to blow its predecessor out of the water, with the Kingdom's nascent hip-hop and street art scene at centre stage. Artists from the Klap Ya Handz hip-hop label will be performing at Tiger Translate ...
- DAIL Community of Cambodia Shares More
- DAIL Community distributes food and bread to low-income families in Cambodia. But their work goes beyond that. They're visiting a different village today. The news of their arrival immediately brings people out of their houses. Today, they're providing ...
- SE Asians Debate “Intangible” Heritage
- By Shibani Mahtani Thai dancers perform a traditional dance in Chiang Mai, which features the ?jeeb?, a graceful hand gesture shared between Thailand and Cambodia. An ongoing argument over who invented the tradition of tossing a dish of julienned ...
- Indonesia, Are You Ready to Dance?
- The group is planning to take part in a competition for local dancers being organized in conjunction with this year's Indonesian Dance Festival. (JG Photo/Sylviana Hamdani) In 1992, seven art school lecturers pooled their money to organize the first ...
For your travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Make sure you have your hat for the water festival
Interesting Lenses on Cambodian Culture
Get to know some before you go to Phnom Penh
Interesting links on Cambodia
To help you plan your trip to the water festival here
- 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
- Golf with culture, sights and history
- A number of golfers travel to Siem Reap just to play the course.? The resort opened four years ago and has been drawing golfers since then. Robertson says in comparison to its other Asian counterparts like Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Korea, ...
- Taiwan-Siem Reap flight canceled without warning, travelers affected
- The aircraft was scheduled to fly 138 passengers from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Siem Reap -- the gateway to Angkor Wat -- Tuesday morning and return to Taiwan in the afternoon with 109 passengers, according to the Tourism Bureau.
- Touring Southeast Asia, from $1854
- Visits Bangkok; Hanoi, Hue, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Siem Reap, Cambodia. $1854 per person, double. Includes accommodations, most meals, group transfers, sightseeing and park fees, Cambodia visa, destination seminar, services of a ...
- What You Can See And Reap From Visiting Siem Reap
- Today, Siem Reap is the most booming region of modern Cambodia?it is the gateway to country's historically rich Angkor Archaeological Park and the Angkor Temple Region. This fact has made the city one of the world's premier travel destinations.
What others say of the water festival in Cambodia
Interesting blogs on Cambodia
- Local hip-hop takes to stage
- Cambodia's second Tiger Translate festival looks set to blow its predecessor out of the water, with the Kingdom's nascent hip-hop and street art scene at centre stage. Artists from the Klap Ya Handz hip-hop label will be performing at Tiger Translate ...
- DAIL Community of Cambodia Shares More
- DAIL Community distributes food and bread to low-income families in Cambodia. But their work goes beyond that. They're visiting a different village today. The news of their arrival immediately brings people out of their houses. Today, they're providing ...
- SE Asians Debate “Intangible” Heritage
- By Shibani Mahtani Thai dancers perform a traditional dance in Chiang Mai, which features the ?jeeb?, a graceful hand gesture shared between Thailand and Cambodia. An ongoing argument over who invented the tradition of tossing a dish of julienned ...
- Indonesia, Are You Ready to Dance?
- The group is planning to take part in a competition for local dancers being organized in conjunction with this year's Indonesian Dance Festival. (JG Photo/Sylviana Hamdani) In 1992, seven art school lecturers pooled their money to organize the first ...
To remember Cambodia
Items with Cambodia designs
Long Sleeve Infant Bodysuit
How about putting you infant in this body suit for Khmer New Year?
Angkor Cambodia Light Angkor T-Shirt
This one you can wear when you come over to attend the water festival here in Cambodia
All about Cambodia
You might be interested in these items on Cambodia
The Magic of Water
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.
Travel gadgets
To make your travel comfortable
Cambodia Movies
What are on auctions
Interesting links to water festival in Cambodia
Know more about this water festival
- 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 Burma, their water festival, Thingyan, is also in April. Laos celebrate their Bun Nam, water festival, the same time as in Cambodia.
Loy Krathong, the water festival in Thailand
It is akin to the Cambodia water festival
These two festivals are celebrated almost at the same time so if you plan your trip, you can land in Bangkok and see Loy Krathong and move on to Cambodia for its water festival. Once you are in any of these Mekong countries, traveling is easy as there are land and river options.
Include in your travel plan to the Cambodia water festival
The Loy Krathong in Thailand
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.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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Reply
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sheezie77
Jan 19, 2012 @ 9:29 am | delete
- Interesting reading! Another great lens thank you for sharing!
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Graceonline
Jan 5, 2012 @ 11:36 am | delete
- Your passion for Cambodia shines through so vividly. The snake boats are amazing. I'd love to see one up close. The illuminated boats in the river night time parade are absolutely stunning. Gorgeous lens.
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aesta1
Jan 10, 2012 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- They are a joy to watch. I was there for 3 days except this year when it was cancelled.
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KathyMcGraw
Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:56 pm | delete
- No, I never attended a water festival, but the Cambodia Water Festival sounds like a spectacular one. Lucky you to be able to experience it. *Blessed*
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:16 am | delete
- Thank you Kathy for the blessing.
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SquidooPower
Dec 18, 2011 @ 2:05 pm | delete
- I haven't...yet! Another incredible lens by you. Well done.
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:17 am | delete
- Thank you so much for being so encouraging.
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SheWritesaLot
Dec 10, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- No, I haven't. But this lens is so interesting. The landscape looks similar to Florida but the architecture is way cool. And the cities look so clean and crisp! Every time I look at a lens about another country it makes me want to pack up and move. Thanks for the eye opener on Cambodia. It's nothing at all like I imagined. Putting it on my list of places I'd love to visit.
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aesta1
Jan 1, 2012 @ 4:17 am | delete
- It is worth visiting.
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YolandaLacar
Dec 10, 2011 @ 3:27 am | delete
- No I have not, but after seeing this lens, it sounds very fascinating. Thanks for such a lovely and detailed lens. Great job!
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My Third Year at Cambodia's Water Festival
So much fun
This is our second 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 travel lensography.
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Get a camcorder for your trip to Cambodia's water festival
The boat races are better in videos
This is a worthwhile investment if you want to document your travel. You can easily post your videos for family and friends. Make sure you get a high definition one so you can be proud of your videos.
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by aesta1
The water festival in Cambodia is one event aesta1 stays in Phnom Penh for. Phnom Penh is transformed and villagers from all over the place come and e... more »
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