If there is one traditional celebration you should experience when visiting Cambodia, it is Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey – បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មីប្រពៃណីជាតិ).

Every April, Cambodia comes alive with celebrations as families return to their hometowns, temples welcome visitors, traditional games fill public spaces, and people gather to welcome the New Year.

For three days, the country takes a break from its normal routine. People visit pagodas to pray for blessings, prepare traditional food, pay respect to their ancestors, and enjoy time with family and friends.

In cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, visitors can also experience public celebrations known as Sankranta, featuring cultural performances, traditional games, exhibitions, and entertainment.

For foreigners, Khmer New Year is a wonderful opportunity to understand Cambodian culture, religious beliefs, family values, and traditional ways of celebrating a new beginning.

Here is everything you need to know about Khmer New Year 2027.

1. When Is Khmer New Year in 2027?

Khmer New Year 2027 will take place from April 14 to April 16, 2027 (Wednesday to Friday).

The dates are officially included in Cambodia's 2027 public holiday calendar.

Unlike the Gregorian New Year on January 1, Khmer New Year follows traditional Cambodian calendar calculations and is celebrated in mid-April every year.

Details	Information
Festival name	Khmer New Year
Khmer name	បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មីប្រពៃណីជាតិ
English name	Cambodian Traditional New Year
2027 dates	April 14–16, 2027
Duration	3 days
Days	Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Public holiday	Yes
Season	Hot season
Main activities	Pagoda visits, traditional games, family gatherings, religious ceremonies and public celebrations

Why is Khmer New Year celebrated in April?

April is traditionally a time of transition between Cambodia's harvest season and the beginning of the rainy season. It is also one of the hottest periods of the year.

Historically, this seasonal transition became an important time for communities to rest, reunite with family, give thanks, and welcome a new year.

Today, Khmer New Year remains one of the country's most important national and cultural celebrations.

2. What Is Khmer New Year About?

Khmer New Year is the traditional New Year celebration of the Cambodian people. In Khmer, it is called Chaul Chnam Thmey, which means entering a new year.

The celebration represents a fresh beginning, good fortune, happiness, prosperity, and the hope of a better year ahead.

For many Cambodian families, it is also a meaningful time to:

• Return to their hometowns and reunite with relatives.
• Visit pagodas and make offerings to Buddhist monks.
• Pay respect to parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
• Clean and decorate their homes.
• Participate in traditional games and community activities.
• Pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Although Buddhism plays an important role in Khmer New Year, the celebration also includes older Cambodian customs and traditional beliefs.

One particularly interesting tradition is the arrival of the New Year angel, which is believed to bring blessings and protect the world for the coming year.

3. History of Khmer New Year

Khmer New Year has a long history influenced by ancient Cambodian traditions, Hindu cosmology, and Buddhist beliefs.

The celebration is connected to the traditional concept of Sankranta, a Sanskrit-derived term referring to the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another.

This concept was adopted and adapted across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia.

Historically, the Cambodian New Year was associated with the solar calendar and seasonal changes. It was traditionally celebrated around the time when the sun entered Aries.

Over generations, the celebration developed into the three-day festival that Cambodians observe today.

Hindu-influenced cosmology remains visible in the traditional New Year angel stories, while Buddhist practices such as giving food to monks, praying, and bathing Buddha statues are important parts of modern celebrations.

This combination makes Khmer New Year particularly interesting because it reflects different layers of Cambodia's cultural and religious history.

4. The Three Days of Khmer New Year

One of the most important things foreigners should understand is that Khmer New Year is not simply one holiday. Traditionally, each of the three days has a different meaning and purpose.

Day 1: Moha Sangkran (មហាសង្រ្កាន្ត) – April 14, 2027

Moha Sangkran marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one.

According to traditional Cambodian beliefs, a New Year angel (Tevoda) comes to earth to take care of the world for the coming year.

Cambodian families prepare their homes and offerings to welcome the angel.

Common activities include:

• Cleaning and decorating the house.
• Preparing fruits, flowers, candles, incense, and food offerings.
• Visiting pagodas to pray and offer food to monks.
• Lighting candles and incense to welcome the New Year.
• Gathering with family members to celebrate the new beginning.

The New Year Angel Tradition

One of the most fascinating aspects of Khmer New Year is the belief in the seven New Year angels.

Each year, a different angel is believed to take responsibility for protecting the world. Traditional stories describe the angel's clothing, food, flowers, jewellery, and the animal she rides.

The exact angel and her traditional attributes change according to the New Year calculation.

For Cambodians, this tradition is associated with blessings, protection, and good fortune.

Day 2: Veareak Vanabat (វារៈវ័នបត) – April 15, 2027

The second day focuses on generosity, charity, and showing kindness to others.

Cambodian families traditionally visit pagodas to offer food, money, and other necessities to Buddhist monks.

Some families also participate in activities to help people in need.

Common activities include:

• Giving food and donations to monks.
• Making charitable contributions.
• Building sand stupas at pagodas.
• Praying for deceased family members and ancestors.
• Visiting parents, grandparents, and relatives.
• Sharing food with neighbours and community members.

Building Sand Stupas

You may notice people building small sand structures inside temple grounds.

These are known as sand stupas or sand mounds (កូនភ្នំខ្សាច់).

The practice is associated with making merit and receiving blessings. People carefully shape sand into small mounds, sometimes decorating them with flags, flowers, and other offerings.

For visitors, it is an interesting opportunity to observe a traditional religious activity.

Day 3: Veareak Laeung Sak (វារៈឡើងស័ក) – April 16, 2027

<text> <strong>Welcoming the New Era</strong> </text>

The third day marks the beginning of the new era or new year cycle.

It is traditionally a day for purification, respect, and receiving blessings.

One of the most recognisable activities is the ritual bathing of Buddha statues and elders with scented water.

Common activities include:

• Bathing Buddha statues with clean, scented water.
• Visiting pagodas to receive blessings from monks.
• Pouring water over parents and grandparents as a sign of respect.
• Asking elders for forgiveness and blessings.
• Continuing family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

Why Do Cambodians Pour Water Over Buddha Statues and Elders?

Water symbolises purification, respect, and the washing away of bad luck and negative experiences from the previous year.

When younger family members pour scented water over their parents' or grandparents' hands, they are expressing gratitude and respect.

In return, elders offer blessings for health, happiness, success, and a prosperous future.

This is one of the most meaningful family traditions during Khmer New Year.

5. Traditional Khmer New Year Games

Khmer New Year is not only about religious ceremonies. It is also a time for entertainment, laughter, and community gatherings.

Traditional Khmer games are commonly played in villages, pagodas, schools, and public celebration areas.

Here are some games foreigners may encounter.

5.1 Chol Chhoung (ចោលឈូង)

Chol Chhoung is one of Cambodia's most popular traditional New Year games.

Players are divided into two teams, usually standing opposite each other.

They use a small scarf or cloth ball called Chhoung and throw it towards the opposing team. The receiving team must catch it and throw it back.

The game is often accompanied by traditional songs, teasing, and playful interactions between young men and women.

5.2 Bos Angkunh (បោះអង្គុញ)

This game uses Angkunh seeds, which are hard, flat seeds traditionally used as playing pieces.

Players arrange seeds on the ground and take turns throwing their own seeds to hit the target seeds.

It requires accuracy and concentration, and is enjoyed by both children and adults.

5.3 Leak Kanseng (លាក់កន្សែង)

This is similar to the familiar game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

Players sit in a circle while one person walks around holding a scarf.

The person secretly places the scarf behind another player. The selected player must notice it and chase the person before they take their seat.

It is a fun group activity, especially for children and young people.

5.4 Teanh Prot (ទាញព្រ័ត្រ)

Teanh Prot is Cambodia's traditional tug-of-war game.

Two teams hold opposite ends of a rope and try to pull the opposing team across a designated line.

It represents strength, teamwork, and unity.

5.5 Other Traditional Activities

Depending on the location, visitors may also see traditional dancing, folk music, martial arts demonstrations, and other local games.

These activities are particularly common during large Sankranta celebrations.

6. Traditional Food During Khmer New Year

Food is an important part of every Cambodian celebration, and Khmer New Year is no exception.

Families prepare special dishes, share meals, and bring food to pagodas as offerings.

Some traditional foods you may encounter include:

Num Ansom (នំអន្សម)

Num Ansom is a traditional Cambodian sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves.

There are different varieties, including:

• Num Ansom Chek – filled with banana.
• Num Ansom Sach Chrouk – filled with pork and other ingredients.

The cake is usually steamed or boiled and is popular during major Cambodian festivals.

Kralan (ក្រឡាន)

Kralan is a traditional Cambodian snack made from sticky rice, coconut milk, beans, and sometimes other ingredients.

The mixture is placed inside bamboo tubes and roasted over a fire.

It has a pleasant smoky aroma and slightly sweet flavour.

Nom Krok (នំបុ័ងក្រឡុក? No – នំគ្រក់)

Nom Krok is a popular Cambodian coconut-rice cake cooked in a special round mould.

It has a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy centre.

It is commonly sold at local markets and food stalls.

Samlor (សម្លរ)

Families also prepare traditional Khmer soups and dishes to share during the holiday. Recipes differ depending on family and province.

7. How Do Cambodians Celebrate Khmer New Year Today?

Although the traditional religious ceremonies remain important, modern Khmer New Year has also developed into a nationwide celebration.

7.1 Returning to Hometown

One of the biggest movements during Khmer New Year is people travelling back to their hometowns.

Many Cambodians working in Phnom Penh or other cities return to their home provinces to spend time with parents, grandparents, and relatives.

Bus stations and major highways can become extremely busy before and after the holiday.

For many families, this is the most important part of the celebration.

7.2 Water Splashing and Public Celebrations

In some years and locations, people celebrate with water splashing, water guns, and public entertainment.

Water represents purification and good fortune, and these activities have become associated with the festive atmosphere of New Year.

However, water-splashing activities are not guaranteed every year. Local authorities may introduce restrictions for safety and public order.

Visitors should always check the official programme and local rules before joining.

7.3 Sankranta Festivals

Sankranta is the name commonly used for large organised public celebrations during Khmer New Year.

These events may include:

• Traditional Khmer games.
• Cultural exhibitions.
• Traditional dance and music.
• Khmer food and product fairs.
• Local handicraft displays.
• Concerts and entertainment.
• Religious and cultural ceremonies.

The size and programme vary each year depending on the organisers and local authorities.

8. Where to Celebrate Khmer New Year in Cambodia?

If you are a foreigner planning to experience Khmer New Year, choosing the right destination can make a big difference.

Here are some destinations worth considering.

8.1 Phnom Penh – Wat Phnom and City Celebrations

Phnom Penh is one of the main places to experience organised Khmer New Year celebrations.

Wat Phnom is particularly important because of its cultural and historical significance.

During previous New Year celebrations, the capital has hosted Sankranta activities around Wat Phnom, Chaktomuk Walking Street, Wat Botum Park, and other public locations.

Visitors may find traditional games, food stalls, cultural performances, and public entertainment.

The 2027 programme and locations have not yet been announced, so check official Phnom Penh announcements closer to April.

8.2 Siem Reap – Angkor Sankranta

Siem Reap is one of the most popular destinations for experiencing Khmer New Year.

Angkor Sankranta has traditionally attracted large numbers of Cambodian and international visitors.

The celebration combines the beauty of Angkor's historical surroundings with traditional games, Khmer cultural performances, exhibitions, and local food.

Visitors can also combine the celebration with a visit to Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and other historical attractions.

If you plan to visit Angkor Archaeological Park, remember that a valid Angkor Pass is generally required for temple entry, even during New Year celebrations.

8.3 Battambang – A More Local Experience

Battambang is a good destination for visitors who want to experience a more relaxed provincial atmosphere.

You can explore local pagodas, enjoy Khmer food, visit traditional markets, and experience community celebrations.

Compared with the biggest city festivals, some activities may feel more local and family-oriented.

8.4 Kampot – A Relaxed Holiday

For those who prefer a quieter holiday, Kampot offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the town, enjoy local cafés, visit nearby countryside attractions, and spend time by the river.

Check local event announcements for any special New Year activities.

8.5 Other Provinces

Khmer New Year is celebrated throughout Cambodia.

You may also experience local celebrations in:

• Kampong Cham.
• Kampong Thom.
• Pursat.
• Takeo.
• Prey Veng.
• Mondulkiri.
• Battambang.

The activities differ from province to province, but pagoda visits, traditional food, family gatherings, and local games are common.

9. Travel Tips for Foreigners Visiting Cambodia During Khmer New Year

Khmer New Year can be an exciting time to visit Cambodia, but it is important to plan ahead.

1. Book transportation early

Many Cambodians travel to their hometowns during the holiday. Bus tickets and private transportation can become limited, particularly around April 13–17.

2. Reserve hotels in advance

Popular destinations such as Siem Reap, Kampot, and coastal areas can become busy during the holiday.

3. Prepare for hot weather

April is usually one of Cambodia's hottest months. Wear light clothing, drink plenty of water, and avoid spending too much time outdoors during midday.

4. Protect your belongings

If you attend public celebrations, bring a waterproof phone pouch and keep your passport and valuables secure.

5. Dress respectfully at pagodas

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes when required.

6. Respect local customs

Do not pour water on monks, elderly people, or anyone who does not want to participate in water activities.

7. Check opening hours

Some restaurants, shops, banks, museums, and tourist businesses may close or change their operating hours during the holiday.

8. Check the official event programme

Do not assume that every previous year's event will return in 2027. Public celebration arrangements and water-splashing rules can change.

10. What Should Foreigners Know About Khmer New Year Etiquette?

Understanding a few cultural customs can help foreigners enjoy the holiday respectfully.

Situation	What you should know
Visiting a pagoda	Dress modestly and remove shoes where required.
Meeting elders	Use the traditional Sampeah greeting (hands together with a slight bow).
Receiving blessings	Listen respectfully and follow the ceremony.
Offering food to monks	Follow temple instructions and traditional practices.
Water activities	Participate only where permitted and welcome.
Taking photographs	Ask permission before photographing religious ceremonies or individuals.
Visiting a Cambodian home	Bringing fruit or a small gift is a thoughtful gesture.

One particularly meaningful custom is asking parents and grandparents for forgiveness and blessings during the New Year.

For Cambodian families, it is a reminder to appreciate older generations and maintain strong family relationships.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When is Khmer New Year 2027?

Khmer New Year 2027 takes place from April 14 to April 16, Wednesday to Friday.

Q2. Is Khmer New Year a public holiday in Cambodia?

Yes. It is a three-day national public holiday. Many businesses, schools, and government offices close during the celebration.

Q3. What is Khmer New Year called in Khmer?

It is called Chaul Chnam Thmey (បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មីប្រពៃណីជាតិ), meaning Cambodian Traditional New Year.

Q4. Why does Cambodia celebrate New Year in April?

The celebration is based on traditional calendar calculations and is historically associated with the solar transition into Aries and the seasonal cycle around the end of the harvest period.

Q5. What are the three days of Khmer New Year?

They are Moha Sangkran, Veareak Vanabat, and Veareak Laeung Sak. Each day has different traditional meanings and activities.

Q6. What is the New Year angel in Cambodia?

Cambodian tradition believes that one of seven heavenly angels comes to protect the world for the coming year. The selected angel and her attributes change annually.

Q7. Can foreigners participate in Khmer New Year?

Absolutely! Foreigners are welcome to enjoy public celebrations, watch traditional games, visit pagodas respectfully, try Khmer food, and participate in permitted activities.

Q8. Is Khmer New Year the same as Songkran in Thailand?

They are related regional New Year celebrations that share historical and cultural influences, but they are not identical. Cambodia celebrates Khmer New Year, while Thailand celebrates Songkran, with different local traditions and customs.

Q9. Is April a good time to visit Cambodia?

Yes, if you enjoy cultural celebrations. However, April is very hot, so prepare for high temperatures and plan outdoor activities during cooler hours.

Q10. Are shops and restaurants open during Khmer New Year?

Some remain open, particularly in tourist areas, but many local businesses close so employees can celebrate with their families. Check operating hours before visiting.

Final Thoughts

Khmer New Year is more than a three-day holiday. It is a celebration of Cambodian identity, family relationships, religious traditions, and the hope for a better year ahead.

From welcoming the New Year angel and visiting pagodas to playing traditional games and sharing food with family, every activity reflects a different part of Cambodian culture.

For foreigners living in Cambodia, it is a wonderful opportunity to understand local traditions and connect with Cambodian communities.

For tourists, experiencing Khmer New Year can be one of the most memorable parts of visiting the country.

If you are planning a Cambodia trip in April 2027, consider including April 14–16 in your itinerary.

TravelKH.com – Discover Cambodia, Beyond the Ordinary.