Experience Khmer New Year: Siem Reap’s Ultimate Water Fight Celebration!
If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in an unforgettable cultural celebration while teaching abroad, Siem Reap during Khmer New Year is your perfect destination. Taking place from Monday, 14th to Wednesday, 16th April 2025, this vibrant festival offers ESL teachers and travellers alike an incredible opportunity to dive headfirst into Cambodian culture.
What is Khmer New Year?
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) is Cambodia’s most celebrated festival, marking the end of the harvest season and ushering in the new year. It’s three days filled with tradition, joy, and unity, reflecting the warmth and resilience of the Cambodian people.
Celebrations in Siem Reap
Siem Reap, renowned for the iconic Angkor Wat, becomes the heart of these jubilant festivities. Thousands of locals and tourists converge to participate in both traditional ceremonies and thrilling modern-day celebrations.
Three Days, Three Unique Experiences
Moha Sangkran (Day 1)
Families visit temples to offer thanks and seek blessings for the New Year.
🔗 Learn more
Veareak Vanabat (Day 2)
This day is about generosity, helping the less fortunate, and honouring ancestors through special rituals.
🔗 Discover traditions
Veareak Laeung Sak (Day 3)
Participants cleanse Buddha statues and elders with scented water, symbolically washing away the previous year’s misfortunes.
🔗 Find out more
Siem Reap’s Legendary Water Fight
As the sun sets, Siem Reap’s streets—especially the famous Pub Street—transform into a massive, joyous water battlefield. Armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses, locals and tourists engage in friendly water fights, symbolising purification and renewal. It’s a thrilling mix of tradition and fun that you’ll never forget!
🔗 See it in action
Angkor Sangkranta Festival
A highlight of the celebrations is the Angkor Sangkranta Festival, hosted by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia. It features cultural performances, traditional games, exhibitions, and food. One of its most iconic moments? Creating the world’s largest sticky rice cake (num ansom), weighing over four tons!
🔗 Explore the festival
Tips for TEFL Teachers & Travellers
💧 Stay Hydrated: It’s the hottest time of the year—drink plenty of water.
🎒 Protect Valuables: Use waterproof bags during water fights.
🙏 Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly at temples and religious sites.
🏨 Book Early: Accommodation fills up fast during the celebrations!
Teaching English & Celebrating Abroad
At Destination TEFL, we give you more than just a certification—we offer an unforgettable cultural experience. Training in Siem Reap means celebrating events like Khmer New Year with the local community, while preparing for a rewarding career teaching English.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or a digital nomad looking for purpose, Destination TEFL is your gateway to making a difference while exploring Southeast Asia.
👉 Check out our programmes here:
🔗 Destination TEFL
Can’t Join In Person?
Experience the energy of Khmer New Year virtually with this epic water war video:
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🎉 Whether you’re splashing in the streets, playing traditional games, or joining temple rituals, Khmer New Year in Siem Reap is the ultimate celebration of life, renewal, and cultural connection. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it—teach, travel, and transform with Destination TEFL.
