A Guided Tour of the Phnom Penh Water Festival
The Phnom Penh Water Festival – or Bon Om Tuk in Khmer – is the most anticipated event of the Cambodian calendar. This three-day remarkable festival celebrates both the end of the monsoon season and the incredible natural phenomenon of the Tonle Sap River changing course.
The capital tells a different story during this festival as tradition and spectacle combine. People will flock to the river banks to witness the vigorous dragon boat races to honor the naval prowess of the ancient Khmer Kings, and as the sun sets, the Royal Palace will be illuminated by dazzling fireworks ushering people onto a street bustling with energy, music, street food and their loved ones.
Even the most enthusiastic of festival enthusiasts can be overwhelmed and struggle for a clear view (or worse yet get trampled) in the lively riverfront scene. This is why one of our guided tours is so beneficial! With a local guide, you are able to avoid the usual zones of chaos and arrive in the best possible pre-reserved and prime viewing positions to enjoy races and celebrations. Your guide will give you the cultural stories, traditions and symbolism behind the celebrations so that you can not only watch the event, but also appreciate and interpret its context.
Let Absolute Asia Tours take care of the details for you, so you can kick back and revel in one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular and significant festivals.
