Bon Om Touk Festival in Cambodia

Cambodia’s Bon Om Touk festival has somewhat of a rocky history with previous years facing cancellation due to injuries and political upheaval. The last two years saw something of a comeback and the festivities are back and bigger than ever.

Bon Om Touk, or the annual Water Festival, celebrates the reversal of the current in the Tonle Sap River, and showcases enormous displays of creativity and engineering with boat races and fireworks. The original Water Festival is said to date back to the 12th century when the reigning King’s navy helped usher in the fishing season as a way to honor the gods and secure a good harvest.

Today, the Khmer people of Cambodia see it as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and show pride in their history. While events occur all throughout the country, the main celebration is held in the capital of Phnom Penh. Here, the three-day festival attracts roughly 4 million visitors to watch the boat race down the river during the full moon. More than 400 teams compete to create the fastest boats and oarsman train throughout the year to reach the finish line first.

During the celebrations, parties are held throughout the city as well as markets and music performances. It’s a wonderful way to experience the culture of Cambodia while also sightseeing in the largest and most prominent city in the country.