Dates in 2017: November 2nd, 3rd and 4th
The annual three days Water Festival competes with the Khmer New Year Festival for being the most important holiday for Cambodians. Bonn Om Toeuk means “The Water and Moon Festival” marks the end of the rainy season and the fishing season. It also marks the reversal of the current in Tonle Sap River.
The ceremony in Siem Reap takes place in Pub Street, all over the riverside and of course at Angkor Wat.
Boat races as well as fireworks displays are held at the river. The boat races on the Tonle Sap lake and the carnival atmosphere ashore attract million of people from all over the country.
Wooden boats, propelled by precision-trained oarsmen, take part in the annual boat race, the highlight of the Water Festival. This race is one of the major events in the Kingdom which attracts multitudes of people from the various provinces. They arrive by buses, cars, bikes, cycles and even trucks. Many stay over in the city during the three days Festival, lending support to their boat team. Others use this opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Siem Reap; for many of them, it is the only occasion to visit the city.
The reception at Mulberry Boutique Hotel can provide all the programmation for the three days Event. But priority is securing your seats on the River by arriving early on the days of the Festival! And it’s definitely worth the shot.