Last Updated: 3rd December 2025 - Updated to 2026

Bon Om Touk Water and Moon Festival 2026: Everything You Need to Know

2025: Due to government focus on the Cambodia/Thailand border dispute there was no event in Phnom Penh.. Events however took place in Kampot, Siem Reap and the Provinces. This year, there will be no Water Festival events in Phnom Penh (Khmer Times)

In November, Cambodia enters party mode with Bon Om Touk, the famous Water Festival that takes over the country for three days. The highlight is the colourful longboat races, when hundreds of boats from villages across the country gather on the Tonlé Sap River in Phnom Penh. Each team, made up of dozens of rowers who train for weeks, competes with strength and pride while crowds cheer from the banks. It is an explosion of energy, culture and tradition, the kind of experience that makes any backpacker feel the heart of Cambodia beating close by.


What is Bon Om Touk?

Bon Om Touk, or Water Festival, is a historic event dating back to the Khmer Dynasty in the 12th century, originally celebrating the naval victories of King Jayavarman VII. Today, it combines this military heritage with a deep spiritual meaning, serving as a way to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and fishing season.

The festival lasts three days and centres around intense boat races, where teams compete for the title of champion. Alongside the daytime regattas, the evenings are filled with cultural celebrations, including tasting local specialities, the ‘Salute to the Moon’ ceremony and various other festive activities. The detailed programme will be covered in the following sections.

When and Where Does It Take Place?

Bon Om Touk is a three-day national holiday that usually takes place in November, during the full moon of the 12th month of the Khmer lunar calendar. The exact dates vary each year.

Although the festival is celebrated throughout the country, the focal point of the celebration is Sisowath Quay, on the banks of the Tonlé Sap River in the capital Phnom Penh. This is where the main boat races take place and where most travellers gather to enjoy the festivities.


Main Attractions and Activities

Main Activities

Bon Om Touk, also known as the Water and Moon Festival, is one of the biggest events in the country, transforming the whole of Cambodia into one big party. At Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, thousands of travellers gather to watch the competitions, sample traditional foods and celebrate the full moon. 

Boat Races: The Highlight
The absolute highlight is the long, colourful boat races, where teams from different provinces compete with impressive strength and pace. The energy of the crowd is indescribable: drums beat incessantly, shouts of support echo and flags wave everywhere. If you want to follow the action up close, our tip is to arrive early to secure a good spot by the river, as the banks fill up quickly.

Night Shows: Lights and Fireworks
When the sun sets, the festival continues with the Bondet Protib, huge boats decorated with thousands of lights and flags representing different government ministries. They sail majestically down the river while fireworks light up the night sky. It is a colourful show that blends ancient tradition with the vibrancy of a modern party.

Lanterns and Symbolism
One of the most symbolic and peaceful moments of the festival involves releasing floating lanterns into the river or sky. This ritual, practised by families and travellers alike, symbolises leaving misfortune behind and attracting good luck for the coming year. It is an introspective and beautiful experience, perfect for those who enjoy feeling the spiritual vibe of the country.

Auk Ambok Ceremony
At midnight on the full moon, the Auk Ambok ceremony takes place, paying homage to the moon as a symbol of gratitude and renewal. People gather to eat Ambok, a simple but meaningful delicacy: fried rice mixed with banana and coconut. It is a tradition linked to Buddhist beliefs that everyone can participate in.

Curiosity
It is worth noting that the strength of tradition is such that, in some years, such as 2015, the government had to cancel the boat races because of low river levels. However, the festival remained a national holiday and the celebrations continued in other ways, showing that the essence of Bon Om Touk is in the hearts of the Cambodian people, regardless of river conditions.

Essential Tips for Enjoying Bon Om Touk


Planning ahead will make all the difference to your experience. It's a crowded festival, so follow these tips to make the most of it: 


• Arrive early, very early! That's the only way to secure your place in the crowd. Trust us, you'll want a good vantage point, both for the exciting daytime boat races and the night-time light and firework shows. The energy of the crowd is part of the party, but a good spot makes all the difference.
• Book your accommodation early. Phnom Penh, for example, becomes the centre of attention in the country during the festival. To avoid inflated prices or being left without a place to sleep, we recommend booking your accommodation months in advance.

• Don't forget to drink water: Festival days are long, hot, and filled with walking and cheering. Staying hydrated is extremely important.

• Be open to the cuisine: A trip to Bon Om Touk would not be complete without sampling the local food. There are a variety of traditional delicacies such as grilled fish, noodle soups and, of course, Ambok (toasted rice), offered by street vendors during the midnight ceremony. 
  
  

Conclusion 


Bon Om Touk is not just a festival, it is a dive into the soul of Cambodia. It is three days of pure energy, tradition and spirituality that demonstrate how the country celebrates life, the importance of water and the unity of its people.

Amidst the sound of drums, the glow of illuminated boats and the taste of Ambok shared at midnight, you feel Cambodian culture pulsating in a way that no photograph can capture.

For those who travel with an open heart, the Water Festival is one of those experiences that will remain etched in your memory forever. So, if you are in Southeast Asia in November, set aside a few days in your itinerary to experience it up close. It is undoubtedly the kind of event that reminds us why travelling is so worthwhile.


Did you enjoy reading our article about Bon Om Touk? Then keep an eye out, because every month we showcase the craziest and most cultural festivals in Southeast Asia.

And since we're talking about illuminated festivals, check out our blog on the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand. Seriously, it's one of the most beautiful spectacles you'll ever see in your life.