The incredible, tumultuous Cambodia Water Festival

Twice a year, something remarkable happens on Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap River—it changes direction and begins flowing the other way. This natural phenomenon makes the Tonlé Sap one of the world’s most unique waterways and sets the stage for one of the country’s biggest celebrations—the Cambodia Water Festival.

Known locally as the Bon Om Touk, the festival is celebrated throughout the country across three lively days. But nowhere is the spectacle more dazzling than in Phnom Penh, where millions descend as the capital is transformed into a whirlwind of color, energy, and excitement where thrilling boat races take center stage.

From breathtaking fireworks to traditional street food, the water festival is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Cambodia in November. This guide will take you through everything there is to know to make the most of this extraordinary celebration.

What is the Cambodia Water Festival?

Cambodia’s Water Festival marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the fishing and harvesting season. Festivities begin when the Tonlé Sap River’s waters uniquely alter course and flow into the Mekong River. This change in direction leaves behind rich sediments, which help farmers in the upcoming harvest.

The Cambodian festival is rooted in the nation’s rich history, featuring a religious and fantastical element to it. It’s always celebrated during the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk, which offers good luck for the upcoming harvest. Additionally, Cambodians also give thanks to the water goddess Preah Mae Kongkea for the water’s life-giving properties.

The country comes to a complete standstill, and villages and towns empty as the population flocks to the capital city. Teams from all over Cambodia assemble to race dragon boats, cheered on by the thousands of spectators that line the riverbank. A win is a point of immense pride for a village as weeks-long effort goes into building the Pirogue boats and preparing the rowers.

Families set up tents and entire kitchens on the streets, with food stalls offering everything you could imagine – fluorescent candy floss or a frog-on-a-stick, anyone? After dark, Cambodian pop bands wow crowds of excited youngsters (not to everyone’s tastes but worth a watch just once), brightly illuminated floats traverse the river, and traffic grinds to a honking, beeping, gesticulating halt.

Despite the complete mayhem, the Water Festival is a chance to see Cambodia in full swing, and an opportunity to celebrate alongside the nation. If nothing else, Phnom Penh will seem like a calm, serene city once all the celebrations are over. Want to avoid the crowds but not lose too much of the spectacle’s beauty? Then opt for the less-crowded but still exciting celebrations in Siem Reap.

History of the Cambodia Water Festival

Tonlé Sap Lake lies just south of the temples of Angkor, and flows into the Tonlé Sap River then on into the mighty Mekong River. The monsoon rains swell the waters of the Mekong to such an extent that they force the Tonlé Sap River in the other direction, pushing water towards the Tonlé Sap Lake and thus dramatically increasing its size.

After the rains, the lake drains back into the Tonlé Sap River and returns to the Mekong. This natural phenomenon has been happening for centuries, finally giving birth to the Khmer Water Festival—its initial name—in the 12th century.

During his reign, King Jayavarman VII commanded the inland navy to chase down and eventually defeat invaders from the Cham empire. The navy consisted of warriors who had been trained through and won the boat races. Carvings of these naval battles and races can be seen engraved on the Bayon Temple, one of Cambodia’s best temples.

The first of many Khmer water festivals was then held to commemorate the victory, thank the gods, and ward off any bad luck. However, it was banned during the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979 in an attempt to erase Cambodia’s cultural traditions. When the regime fell, the festival was revived and officially given national holiday status.

Read more: Cambodia’s water world: the floating villages of Tonlé Sap

When will Bon Om Touk take place in 2025?

This three-day event is typically held in November, as it will in 2025 and 2026, but it can also be held in late October. In 2025, the festival will be held from November 4 to November 6, with thrilling fun expected from the first day. The 2026 edition will take place from November 23 to November 25, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip and be part of the excitement.

Just remember, the three-day block when the festivities take place is an official nationwide public holiday. This means that some tourist attractions are closed, so if you’re interested in visiting specific attractions during this period, plan ahead.

What to do during the water festival in Cambodia

What experiences shouldn’t be missed as you dive into the heart of the festival? From the prime viewing location to must-try local traditions, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the best water festival Cambodia has to offer.

1. Watch the boat races

The racing boats are the heart of this Cambodian festival, so you can’t afford to miss them. More than 400 boats from villages across the country compete, with the champions crowned on the third day. These long, slender pirogue boats echo Cambodia’s historic watercraft, with each carrying 40-plus rowers who’ve spent months training for the spectacle.

For the best experience, head to the riverbanks of Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, where the festival really comes to life right by the Royal Palace. The local people gather in full force, spreading picnic mats, enjoying delicious food, and cheering on their favorite teams. Want to find a team to support? Arrive a few days early and watch the rowers in action as they fine-tune their skills before the big race.

Look closely, and you’ll likely spot a woman on the boat dancing in rhythm with the drum, adding to the energy of the race. Many boats are also beautifully decorated, with intricate designs on the vessel, the most common being painted dragons and eyeballs—which are believed to ward off evil.

2. Indulge in traditional Cambodian food

Day and night, the streets of Cambodia are lined with food vendors and stalls offering mouthwatering, traditional fare during the festival. From flavorful Khmer noodles and stir-fried rice noodles to smoky grilled corn, there’s something for every tastebud.

However, the true star of the festival is auk ambok, a rice dish prepared especially for this occasion in Cambodian culture. Made from flattened rice flakes mixed with coconut and banana, the special treat honors the full moon, and it’s eaten at midnight on the festival’s last day.

The locals pray to the goddess Preah Mea Kongkea while indulging in the celebratory delicacy. Cambodian people believe this cherished tradition will bring good fortune and blessings for the year ahead. While many families enjoy the treat in their homes, some choose to celebrate at religious temples. Join in the tradition, and who knows—you might just be in for a stellar year.

Along with eating auk ambok, another tradition the Khmer people partake in is offering fruits and other foods in front of their homes, which is also meant to bring good luck.

3. Enjoy the fireworks and illuminated floats

When the sun sets and the night sky darkens, the festival’s vibrant energy continues under a blanket of dazzling lights.

Fireworks fill the sky, bursting in a mesmerizing 20-minute light show that captivates all who watch. Below, the bandaet pratip, an illuminated boat procession, glides along the water. Each boat, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, represents various government ministries, corporations, and organizations.

On a smaller scale, handcrafted floats are released onto the water, each one decorated with floating candles, flowers, and lotus leaves. Together, these create a breathtaking light display, their reflections twinkling like stars on the water, symbolizing hopes and dreams for a better life. You may also catch a glimpse of people releasing lanterns into the night sky.

Like all aspects of the festival, the stunning displays honor the goddess and offer praise to the Buddha for blessings and good fortune in the upcoming year.

4. Music and dance

Like all Cambodian festivals, Bon Om Touk wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant blend of music and dance. In Phnom Penh, the air is filled with musical performances spanning several genres. You’ll hear traditional Cambodian tunes featuring instruments like the pinpeat and roneat. For the younger generation, there are contemporary sets with global hits and national pop.

If you prefer the drama of dance, make your way to a pagoda or stroll the streets where performers captivate with their graceful moves. The highlight is the traditional apsara dance, where dances in elaborate costumes showcase slow, fluid movements meant to symbolize celestial beings. It’s a mesmerizing display of culture and artistry that’s a must-see.

Practical tips for experiencing the water festivals in Cambodia

• If you want to catch the best views of each spectacle, arrive early to secure a good seat. The best location to catch both the races and the light show is near the Royal Palace.
• While Cambodia is pretty safe, we recommend you leave valuables at your hotel or room. When in a crowded area, pickpockets are likely to try their luck.
• Even though it’s not summer, Cambodia in November is still pretty sunny. So, be sure to wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes, and apply sunscreen.
• Cambodia’s society has been built on respect, so it’s expected that you’ll show that same respect to their customs. When visiting temples, wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders, remove shoes before entering, and greet people with a slight bow, especially elders.

Read more: Exploring the temples of Angkor

FAQs about enjoying the Cambodian Water Festival

Where to celebrate the Cambodia Water Festival?

As you may have already guessed, Phnom Penh is the best location to experience Bon Om Tuk as this is where the grand celebrations take place. However, the festivities are held in nearly all provinces and villages, each offering something different:

• Siem Reap: This is the second-most popular location for enjoying the water festival, located near Angkor Wat. The boat races are smaller in magnitude but still exciting in a more peaceful environment. There are opportunities to see floating marketplaces and traditional dance performances.
• Kampot: This is the perfect quiet spot to celebrate the water festival. Participate in or observe lantern-lit boat races and savor traditional Khmer food, as there’s a wider variety here than in the capital.
• Sihanoukville: Renowned for its pristine beaches, Sihanoukville offers a relaxed yet festive way to experience the festival. Soak up the coastal atmosphere with beach parties and traditional Khmer performances. For a unique sight, join a cruise along the shoreline, and you may catch a glimpse of the boat races on the open sea.

Where to stay during the Cambodia Water Festival?

As the festival is best enjoyed in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, it is the best place to stay for this experience. Specifically, you’ll want to stay in the Daun Penh District as it’s close to the festivities. It’s also near various attractions like the Royal Palace and features a bustling nightlife.

Alternatively, stay in Siem Reap’s riverside or Pub Street for easy access to the night markets. In Kampot, a riverside property is perfect for front-row views of the lantern-lit boat races. In Sihanoukville, beachfront stays near Otres Beach are situated close to the party spots and are a short distance from the cultural performances.

Is the water festival safe for tourists?

Like most of Cambodia, the water festival is safe to partake in. But, due to the large crowds, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and belongings. Better yet, leave your valuables at your hotel for stress-free fun.

How many days are needed for Cambodia?

While the water festival lasts just three days, there’s still more to explore in Cambodia before and after the celebration. Your Cambodian itinerary can range anywhere from a five-day jaunt to a 21-day tour, all tailored to your interests with help from one of our local experts.

Read more: Interview with one of our local partners in Cambodia

Make it happen

The Water Festival usually takes place in November and can be easily included in a Cambodia itinerary—ask our local partners for help in planning a memorable trip. All trips created by our local travel agents are 100% bespoke and unique to you.