Being very family-orientated, Cambodians consider the whole country as a big family. On New Year's Day, everyone gets a piece of cake, if not from a family member then from a stranger on a street. Three days of nationwide celebrations include pouring colored water and throwing flour at each other. Crowds play games together and receive blessings from the monks.
The best place to experience authentic Khmer New Year is in the countryside. This is where you can get a chance to take part in traditional dances and communal games. Do not be surprised if you’re invited to join in the celebrations, it could be lots of fun. Most of the cities are deserted during this season. Still, the biggest city celebrations take place at Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
