Cambodia’s most celebrated festival returns in 2025, bringing millions together for three days of boat races, cultural performances, and joyful festivities. Bon Om Touk, also known as the Water Festival, marks the end of the rainy season and celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow.
This ancient tradition transforms Phnom Penh into a vibrant celebration hub where locals and visitors gather along the riverfront to witness spectacular dragon boat races and honor Cambodia’s deep connection to water. Understanding when and how to participate in Bon Om Touk 2025 will help you experience this magical festival to its fullest.
Whether you’re planning to send money to family in Cambodia for the celebrations or preparing to visit during this special time, this guide covers everything you need to know about Bon Om Touk 2025.
When is Bon Om Touk 2025?
Bon Om Touk 2025 will take place from November 15-17, 2025. The festival dates are determined by the lunar calendar, specifically occurring during the full moon of the 12th month in the Khmer calendar.
The three-day celebration typically falls in November, coinciding with the end of Cambodia’s rainy season when the Mekong River’s water levels drop and the Tonle Sap River dramatically reverses its flow direction.
Key Festival Schedule:
- Day 1 (November 15): Opening ceremonies and preliminary boat races
- Day 2 (November 16): Main boat racing competitions and cultural performances
- Day 3 (November 17): Final races, closing ceremonies, and fireworks
The Significance of Cambodia’s Water Festival
Bon Om Touk celebrates Cambodia’s unique hydrological phenomenon where the Tonle Sap River reverses direction twice yearly. During the rainy season, the river flows north from the Mekong River into Tonle Sap Lake. As dry season approaches, the river reverses, flowing south back to the Mekong.
This natural cycle has sustained Cambodian agriculture and fishing communities for centuries. The festival honors this life-giving water system while bringing communities together through friendly competition and shared celebration.
Cultural Traditions During Bon Om Touk
The festival combines ancient Khmer traditions with modern celebrations. Families gather to make traditional offerings, prepare special foods, and participate in boat racing competitions that date back over 800 years.
Local communities spend months preparing ornate dragon boats, training racing teams, and organizing cultural performances that showcase Cambodia’s rich heritage.
What to Expect at Bon Om Touk 2025
Dragon Boat Races
The centerpiece of Bon Om Touk is the thrilling dragon boat races held on the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Teams from provinces across Cambodia compete in beautifully decorated boats, each carrying 20-30 rowers.
Race categories include men’s teams, women’s teams, and mixed crews. The competition is fierce, with provincial pride on the line as teams paddle their elaborately designed boats toward the finish line.
Street Celebrations and Food
Phnom Penh’s riverside transforms into a massive street festival. Food vendors line the streets selling traditional Cambodian dishes, fresh seafood, and festival treats. Popular foods during Bon Om Touk include:
- Num ansom (sticky rice cakes)
- Amok (traditional fish curry)
- Fresh river fish grilled on skewers
- Tropical fruits and sugar cane juice
Cultural Performances and Entertainment
Traditional Khmer music and dance performances take place throughout the three days. Visitors can enjoy classical Apsara dances, folk performances, and modern entertainment on stages set up along the riverfront.
Evening concerts often feature both traditional Khmer artists and contemporary Cambodian musicians, creating a perfect blend of old and new cultural expressions.
Where to Experience Bon Om Touk 2025
Phnom Penh Riverfront
The main celebrations occur along Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, where the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers meet. This area offers the best viewing spots for boat races and provides easy access to food vendors and cultural activities.
The Royal Palace area becomes particularly crowded, so arriving early ensures better viewing positions for the races and ceremonies.
Provincial Celebrations
Many provinces throughout Cambodia hold their own smaller Water Festival celebrations. Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot offer more intimate festival experiences with local boat races and cultural events.
These provincial celebrations often provide opportunities to interact more closely with local communities and experience authentic Cambodian hospitality.
Planning Your Visit to Cambodia for Bon Om Touk 2025
Accommodation Considerations
Book accommodations well in advance, as hotels in Phnom Penh fill up quickly during Bon Om Touk. Riverside hotels offer convenient access to festivities but come at premium prices during the festival period.
Consider staying slightly outside the city center for better availability and rates, then using tuk-tuks or walking to reach the riverfront celebrations.
Transportation and Crowds
Expect large crowds throughout the three-day festival. Phnom Penh’s population swells as people from rural areas travel to the capital for celebrations. Streets around the riverfront close to traffic, creating pedestrian-only zones.
Plan extra time for transportation and movement around the city. Walking often proves faster than motorized transport during peak celebration hours.
Supporting Family During Bon Om Touk 2025
Many Cambodians living abroad send money home to help family members participate in Bon Om Touk celebrations. Traditional festival expenses include new clothes, special foods, and contributions to community boat racing teams.
Sending money before the festival ensures your family can fully participate in community celebrations and traditional activities. Digital money transfer services provide secure, fast delivery to recipients throughout Cambodia.
Popular transfer methods include bank deposits, mobile wallet transfers, and cash pickup locations, giving recipients flexible options for accessing funds during the busy festival period.
Make the Most of Your Water Festival Experience
Bon Om Touk 2025 offers an incredible opportunity to witness Cambodia’s most important cultural celebration. The festival combines ancient traditions with modern festivities, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re sending support to family in Cambodia or planning to attend the festival yourself, understanding the significance and schedule of Bon Om Touk helps you fully appreciate this remarkable celebration of Cambodian culture and community.
Prepare early, embrace the crowds, and join millions of people celebrating Cambodia’s unique connection to its life-giving waters during Bon Om Touk 2025.