Bon Om Touk, also known as Cambodia’s Water Festival, is a vibrant three-day celebration marking the end of the monsoon season and the unique natural phenomenon of the Tonle Sap River’s flow reversal. Held annually in November during the full moon, this ancient festival combines cultural, historical, and spiritual elements that resonate deeply with Cambodians.
The boat races, held along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, are the main attraction, with teams from villages across Cambodia competing in vibrantly decorated longboats. These races are more than a spectacle; they are a deep expression of Cambodia’s cultural heritage, rooted in historical traditions.
Its full name is a mouthful combing all the key events, “The Royal Boat Racing Festival, Lanterns Floating, Taste the Ambok and Worship the Moon” (Khmer: ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យអុំទូក បណ្ដែតប្រទីប អកអំបុក និងសំពះព្រះខែ) while most will just call it Bon Om Touk or the Water Festival. The name, Water Festival shouldn’t be confused with the massive water-splashing cultural phenomenon that is part of Khmer New Year in April.
Beyond the boat races, the festival features the Bondet Protib or the Festival of Illuminated Floats and Lanterns Floating. At night, beautifully lit boats glide across the rivers, and families release lanterns, symbolizing the release of misfortune and welcoming blessings. The spiritual significance of Bon Om Touk is further enriched by rituals such as Sampeah Preah Khe (salutation to the moon) and Auk Ambok (taste Ambok), a communal feast with rice and bananas to honour Buddha.
Why is Bon Om Touk celebrated and what makes it special?
What makes Bon Om Touk special is its blend of joyous celebration, historical commemoration, and spiritual reflection, drawing millions of people to Phnom Penh and other cities each year. The boat races, illuminated floats, and community feasts create an unforgettable atmosphere, where tradition, community, and nature converge. Specifically:
- Marking the Reversal of the Tonle Sap River: The festival coincides with the unique reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow, which occurs at the end of the rainy season. This natural event symbolizes renewal and the abundance of water, which has historically been crucial for agriculture and fishing in Cambodia
- Historical and Cultural Significance: The origins of the contemporary Bon Om Touk festival celebrated today date back to the era of King Norodom (reign 1860 AD-1904 AD) at a time when Cambodia was a French Protectorate. Many Cambodians also link the festival to the nation’s naval power in ancient times in particular King Jayavarman VII’s naval victory over the Cham people. In this respect, the boat races during the festival also symbolize the strength and unity of the people and their cultural roots.
- Spiritual Aspect: Bon Om Touk is also deeply spiritual. It serves as a time to honour the gods of water and the spirits, thanking them for a successful harvest season and offering prayers for prosperity. The lighting of lanterns and floating of illuminated boats are key rituals symbolizing the release of bad luck and the welcoming of blessings. The spiritual significance of Bon Om Touk is further enriched by rituals such as Sampeah Preah Khe (salutation to the moon) and Auk Ambok, a communal feast with rice and bananas to honour Buddha.
In Siem Reap and Phnom Penh especially, there is a host of support activities, including traditional Khmer boxing exhibitions, games, concerts, and food stalls everywhere. The photos on this page are from Siem Reap festivities which center around the Royal Palace Gardens and south along the river to Wat Preah Prom Rath.
Where and How to Celebrate Bon Om Touk
Major events are held over staggered dates in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang.
- Phnom Penh: The capital is the heart of the festival, where the main events take place along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Sisowath Quay, near the Royal Palace, offers some of the best views of the boat races, illuminated boats, and fireworks.
- Siem Reap: While smaller in scale compared to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap hosts local boat races and festivities that are more intimate but equally lively. Taking place on the Siem Reap River, which connects with the birthplace of the Angkor era, adds a historical dimension to the celebration.
- Battambang: Another excellent location to watch local boat races and experience a more traditional, less crowded version of the festival.
In Siem Reap last year, it was a two-day event with the afternoon of the first day featuring the opening ceremony and qualifying races. Later in the night, sending off floating lanterns along the river followed by fireworks. On the second day races began in the morning running through the day with the finals taking place in the late afternoon. Besides the racing, there are food stalls galore, concerts at night, cultural exhibitions, and loads of fun games.
As for 2024, it is set to be a bigger event than previous years so stay tuned for the schedule announcement.
Key Festival Highlights
- Boat Races: The highlight of Bon Om Touk is the longboat races, with teams from all over Cambodia competing. Arrive early to secure a good spot along the riverbank. The excitement of the crowd cheering on their local teams adds to the atmosphere.
- Illuminated Boats and Fireworks: After sunset, the river comes alive with illuminated boats (Bondet Protib), representing different Cambodian ministries. These floats are accompanied by vibrant fireworks displays.
- Lantern Releases: Families and visitors release floating lanterns into the sky or onto the river, symbolizing the release of misfortunes and the hope for good fortune in the coming year.
- Auk Ambok Ceremony: At midnight, people gather to share Ambok (flattened rice with bananas and coconut) as part of a ceremony to honour the moon, a tradition deeply tied to Buddhist beliefs.
Tips for Enjoying Bon Om Touk
- Arrive Early: Whether in Phnom Penh or another city, arrive early to get a good vantage point for the boat races and night events. Expect large crowds, particularly along the riverbanks.
- Book in Advance: Accommodation in Phnom Penh fills up quickly, so booking your stay well in advance is highly recommended.
- Stay Hydrated and Secure: With long days of walking, cheering, and celebrating, remember to stay hydrated and keep your belongings secure, as the crowds can be dense.
- Immerse in Local Cuisine: Street vendors line the roads, offering delicious traditional foods like grilled fish, noodle soups, and Ambok during the festival.