Cambodia’s Bon Um Touk Festival

Cambodia’s Bon Um Touk Festival is a celebration of the reversing flow between the Tonle Sap and the Mekong River. It’s also a celebration of the end of the rainy season and the arrival of the full moon.

Bon Um Touk is celebrated in every province and has been since the 12th century. Festivities vary throughout the country, but boat races are common. Smaller races occur throughout rural areas, and one large royal boat race plays out in the capital of Phnom Penh. The boats are typically decorated in bright colors and are even sponsored in the larger cities. They’re manned by a team of rowers. In smaller regions you’re likely to see children and adults crafting their own tiny boats to set adrift in the water. The boat celebration is known as the Loy Pratip.

The second day of the festival, Sampeas Preah Khe, celebrates the moon with locals setting out fruits, coconut and special rice. They believe this will give them good luck throughout the coming year.

Of course, like any good festival, there is music and food aplenty. Vendors line the streets in larger locales to serve some tasty treats, while live performers put on a show. At nightfall, the skies come alive with vibrant fireworks to help celebrate the rising of the moon. Finally, participants gather at midnight for Auk Ambok to eat a special rice blended with banana and coconut.

Bon Um Tuok occurs every November, with the specific dates changing depending upon the Gregorian calendar. It’s a fantastic time to visit Cambodia and learn about their traditions while also exploring famous temples like Angkor Wat.