Cambodian Water Festival or Bon Om Touk 2024

Mekong River is the heart and the soul of Cambodia and the Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is a highlight of all celebrations in this country. For most of the year, the Tonle Sap Lake empties into the Mekong River. But with the start of the rainy season, Mekong rises, reversing the flow and it increases the size of the lake by several times. When the rainy season ends in November, the Mekong drops, and the current reverses again, emptying the excess waters into the river. This phenomenon is marked by three days of magnificent festivities in Phnom Penh, during which you will have a chance to see a glimpse of Cambodian culture.

Event Attractions

This event is not only about the celebration itself, which is absolutely stunning, but also about people who come to the capital from rural areas to watch parades and boat races and party for 72 hours non-stop. You will have a chance to try lots of different local food, presented on make-shift food stalls, take a ferry down the Mekong River and watch brilliant fireworks that illuminate the night sky. Royal Boat Race normally takes place on the first day of the festival and is followed by Bondet Bratib, the floating lanterns ceremony. A popular night market also opens during the Water Festival, featuring all kinds of delicious foods and souvenirs.

Dates of the Festival

This Cambodian celebration of local customs normally takes place in late October or early November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival serves as the end of the monsoon season. It also often takes place at the same time as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, which is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Phnom Penh Riverside

The festivities unfold at the Riverside Path, the Sisowath Quay, and nearby streets in Phnom Penh. The area is usually blocked off from traffic from 8 am until 6 pm during the festival. Thousands of guests flock to the Royal Palace and the river banks of the Tonie Sap River, which flows into the Mekong River.