Have you ever heard about the Bon Om Touk Festival in Cambodia? Also known as the “Water Festival”, this is the time when the whole country is integrated in the dramatic rowing competition, and the light show and festive atmosphere pervade the streets. It is not only a cultural activity but also closely related to the spiritual life of the Khmer people. In this article, we will learn all the information about this unique festival: history and significance, where and when it celebrated, wonderful activities and helpful tips. Let’s find out!
What is the Bon Om Touk Festival?
Bon Om Touk Festival, also known as Cambodia Water Festival, is one of the biggest and most active cultural and spiritual activities in a year. This festiaval is related to a unique phenomenon: the Tonle Sap River goes upstreamm every year, bringing fertile plankton and rich fish to the Khmer people.
This festival can be tracked back to the period of King Jayavarman VII, when sailing competitions were held to commemorate the power of the navy to protect the kingdom. Today, Bon Om Touk is not only a praise for nature, but also a gathering of the Cambodian people’s spirit of unity.
In the eyes of international tourists, this is an excellent opportunity to blend in with the festive atmosphere: hundreds of colorful rowing boats, the choppy drums on the river, and the streets along Tonle Sap flashing with night lights. During the festival, everyone smile and hold hands to celebrate. Many of our guests have said that visiting Bon Om Touk is one of Cambodia’s “not to be missed” experiences, because it not only makes them feel the lively street festivals, but also shows the depth of Khmer culture.
Colorful rowing boats in Bon Om Touk Festival
When is the Bon Om Touk Festival Celebrated?
Bon Om Touk Festival is usually held in November, on the full moon day of the 10th month of the Khmer lunar calendar. In 2025, the festival takes place in November 15th. This is a special time of year when the water level of Tonle Sap Lake begins to recede, and the flow of the Tonle Sap River changes direction to flow back into the Mekong River. This natural phenomenon has become the foundation for the festival, symbolizing the harmony between humans and nature.
Normally, the festibbal lasts for 3 consecutive days. During these days, Phnom Penh seems to take on a completely different appearance: colorful, bustling with sounds and filled with laughter.
Visitors will be impressed by the scene of thousands of people and tourists crowding on the banks of Sisowath Quay, eagerly waiting for the tens of meters long boats glifing across the water.
>>> Cambodian people celebrated many festivals during the year. If you want to experience something truly local and spiritual, Khao Phansa is a must-see. Read more information about this festival in Khao Phansa in Indochina 2025: Your Travel Guide to Buddhist Lent Day.
Where to Celebrate the Bon Om Touk Festival?
The Bon Om Touk Festival takes place across Cambodia, from the bustling capital Phnom Penh to the peaceful riverside provinces. Each place brings its own color: Phnom Penh stands out with its grandeur, Siem Reap combines festivals and cultural tourism, while other provinces retain their rustic, intimate features. Depending on your preferences, whether you want to immerse yourself in the frenzied atmosphere or seek a pristine local experience, visitors can choose the right location to fully enjoy the spirit of the festival.
The bustling crowd watching boat race in Phnom Penh during Bon Om Touk
Phnom Penh – The heart of the festival
Phnom Penh is the central and the venue for the most spectacular events of the Bon Om Touk festival. Along Sisowath Quay (on the Tonle Sap River, right in front of the Royal Palace), visitors can watch hundreds of boat teams from across Cambodia’s provinces gather to compete in fiery boat races. This is the most populated area of the island and tourists, especially in the afternoon and evening.
In addition to boat racing, Phnom Penh also has light shows on the river, when royal boats are decorated with thousands of brightly colored light bulbs in the middle of the night. Visitors can also take part in the Sampeah Preah Khe – a moon offering ceremony, often held in the temples and riverside areas.
Siem Reap – A more intimate space
Although Siem Reap is renowned for Angkor Wat, this also organizes Bon Om Touk. The boat races take place on rivers or lakes in the city. Despite not as grand as Phnom Penh, they bring a more cozy and friendly feeling.
Other river provinces – Native Density
In addition to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, some provinces such as Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, or Kratie also host festive activities. Here, you will see more community boat races than performances. Locals gather to eat, sing, and pray under the full moonlight.
If you are a person who likes to learn about the indigenous culture in depth, away from the crowds of tourists, then this is the ideal choice. Not grand, but you will have the opportunity to sit with the Khmer family, eat the dishes cooked right at home, and hear them tell about the meaning of the festival from a traditional perspective. It was the most original experience of Bon Om Touk.
What to Do in Bon Om Touk Festival?
The Bon Om Touk festival is not only the cultural and spiritual event but the series of lively activities that takes place in 3 days. From bustling boat race on the river to the glitering boats at night, to the sacred moon worshiping rituals and the flavors of Khmer street food, all blend together to create a colorful festival picture. Below are the outstanding activities that you should not miss when participating in Bon Om Touk.
Watch traditional boat races on the river
The highlight of the festival is rowing. Hundreds of fleet from various provinces gathered in Phnom Penh to compete with coastal cities. Each boat is tens of meters long, and dozens of rowers shout slogans in unison, creating a vibrant scene.
When I first watched the game in Phnom Penh, I stood by the Sisowath Quay River with thousands of people. At the moment when the drums sounded, dozens of ships went hand in hand and the audience burst into cheers. It feels like the whole river is shaking in the rhythm of every rowing, and I am completely attracted by this active flow.
Traditional boat races on the river
>>> Cambodia, the land of ancient temples and unique architectures offers experiences that nowhere can. Uncover this beautiful country with our 9-Day Discovery the Jewel of Angkor.
Watch the lantern boats glow at night
When the sun goes down, the Tonle Sap River and other rivers become a “river of light”. The boats are decorated with colorful lights, reappearing Hindu gods, Buddhist symbols or the image of Cambodian royal family. From the river bank overlook the whole water, it’s like an illusory painting. This is an ideal time to walk along Sisowath pier, take photos, or just sit next to a glass of Angkor beer and watch the slow-moving light parade on the river.
Lanter boats glow at night in Bon Om Touk
Participate in the moon worship ceremony (Sampeah Preah Khe)
An important ceremony in the Bon Om Touk festival is moon worship. Khmer people believe that the full moon in October of the lunar calender will bring a bumper harvest. At night, people gather in temples or rivers, offer fruits and cakes, and pray in the moonlight. If you participate in this ceremony, don’t be afraid to light the candle with others, put down the lantern and make a wish. This experience has brought a sense of tranquility to many tourists and has a deeper connection with local culture.
The moon worship ceremony
Enjoy Khmer Street Food
The Bon Om Touk festival is a great opportunity to explore Cambodian street food. Along the riverside streets, stalls sell delicious dishes: nom banh chok (Khmer curry noodles), grilled fish marinated in spices, cakes made from sticky rice and coconut, and many tropical fruits.
I still remember the first time I tasted pumpkin sweet soup with coconut milk at a small stall near Sisowath Quay, the sweet and fatty taste made me feel like I was actually participating in a “street party” with thousands of other people. This is an experience that helps me enjoy the flavors of the cuisine while feeling the warmth and friendliness of the Khmer people.
Nom banh chok (Khmer curry noodle)
>>> Not as bustling as the neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia allow visitors to immerge deeply in its rich cultural heritage and find peace in mind. Let’s embark on the soul-rejuvenating journey with our Cambodia Tours & Travel Packages for 2025/2026.
Helpful Tips for Visitors in Bon Om Touk Festival
To have the most unforgettable experience during the Bon Om Touk Festival, please save these tips below:
- Book hotels and flights early: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are very crowded during the festival. You should book your hotel at least 1-2 months in advance to ensure you have a good place to stay, close to the riverside. Many visitors have complained that they had to stay far from the center because they booked too late, leading to inconvenient transportation.
- Arrive early to get a good viewing spot: If you want to watch the boat races or the lantern boats, be at Sisowath Quay (Phnom Penh) or Siem Reap River early. The afternoon is the busiest time, and the good spots tend to fill up quickly. Bring water and a hat/cap as the weather is often sunny.
- Stay safe and protect your belongings: The festival attracts thousands of people, so congestion and baggage racks can occur. Visitors should bring small amount of valuables, use a small bag, and wear it in front of the chest for convenient observation.
- Interact with local people: Don’t just stand and watch from a distance, you can join the cheerleaders, chat with the people, or try some rituals like offering the moon and dropping flowers. Many of my clients have shared that the very moment they sat with Khmer families, ate cakes and watched the moon, was what they most remember about Bon Om Touk.
- Try street food but choose a clean stall: This is an ideal opportunity for you to explore Khmer cuisine, but choose a stall with a lot of local customers and cooked food. This ensure hygiene and gives you the opportunity to taste the best dishes.
In conclusion, the Bon Om Touk is not only an opportunity for Cambodians to show their gratitude to nature and connect with their communities, but also a unique experience for all visitors. From dramatic boat races, magical lights on the Tonle Sap River, to sacred moon worship rituals and delicious street food flavors, all blend together to create an unforgettable vivid picture.
If you are looking for a trip that combines cultural exploration and local festival, Bon Om Touk in November will not dissappoint you. Contact us to immerge yourself in this wonderful and bustling festival!
Read more:
