A different Khmer New Year
Is Siem Reap Swapping Water Guns for Heritage?
If you’ve been in Siem Reap during the Khmer New Year before, you know the drill: chaos, music, and a lot of water. Typically, the area around Pub Street and the river transforms into a giant, high-energy splash zone where nobody stays dry.
Ready for Khmer New Year 2025
But this year, the vibe is shifting.
There’s a new conversation happening in town—one that’s about stepping away from the "water gun era" and heading back to the roots.
The Cambodian government has introduced new guidelines for 2026, encouraging a move back to traditional celebrations. Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly championed a focus on cultural activities over water fights.
Why?
To reduce the "Songkran-style"/Thai influence.
To understand why this is such a big deal, you have to look at how much things have changed in just a decade.
Before 2013, Siem Reap actually got a lot quieter during New Year. Most people left for the countryside to spend time with their families. Celebrations were centered around the local pagoda, morning offerings, and traditional games. Water wasn't for "fighting"; it was for the ritual of washing Buddha statues and elders to seek blessings.
In the local pagoda during Khmer New Year in 2009
Then the turning point happened.
The launch of Angkor Sankranta changed everything. It brought hundreds of thousands of people into the city center, turning a family holiday into a massive festival.
So... Will you actually stay dry?
We asked our team and local friends, and from what we're hearing around town, “It’s still gonna happen, just differently.” It might not be as big or as organized as previous years, but many people don’t expect the water fights to completely disappear. Khmer New Year and water go hand in hand—cooling off, having fun, and celebrating together.
However, expect it to be less intense and more localized. Some streets might be quiet and focused on games, while Pub Street might still have a few "rebel" splashes. It’s a “wait and see” situation, but the energy is definitely leaning toward a more respectful, cultural atmosphere.
Khmer New year decorations around the entrance to the Guesthouse
The Siem Reap City Hall has announced their official schedule for the festivals, which will run from April 13th to April 16th.
Official schedule for this year’s celebrations along the river in Siem Reap
Boats on the River
Where to find them: The Siem Reap River (specifically the stretch running from the Royal Independence Gardens down towards the Old Market/Pub Street area).
The Big Boat Parade: This is a heavily decorated visual spectacle featuring traditional music and dancing on the water.
Leisure Boat Rides: There are usually smaller gondola-style traditional boats that tourists and locals can pay a small fee to ride up and down the river.
Local tourists enjoying boat rides on the river in Siem Reap
The Traditional Games
Crowds of people and families forming massive circles to play games like:
Bos Angkunh (throwing large tree seeds to hit a target).
Leak Kanseng (a rhythmic game involving hiding a twisted towel behind someone's back).
Teanh Proat (traditional Tug-of-War).
The Wet Zone
This is where the 2026 shift comes into play. The government has heavily restricted random street splashing and water guns. However, designated "Wet Zones" with water slides, cooling mist, and fountains are set up in the park area near the Royal Independence Gardens.
This year, the aim is a more controlled, fun water play with massive pipes spraying water over a crowd to music, rather than chaotic drive-by soakings on the main roads.
Why this is a win for travelers
If you’re staying with us at Babel, chances are you’re not just passing through—you’re here to experience the real Cambodia. And this year’s gentler, more grounded Khmer New Year offers exactly that.
With fewer crowds and less chaos, the heart of the celebration comes into clearer view. You’ll find moments that feel more personal, more meaningful, and more connected to local life.
And sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones you don’t plan. A few years ago, we were lucky enough to receive a surprise visit from a local dance group from Wat Bo Pagoda—an unforgettable glimpse into Cambodia’s living culture. Moments like that are easier to come by when things slow down just a little.
Our wooden Khmer New Year star lighting up our garden at Babel Guesthouse
So this year, instead of the noise, expect something richer: a New Year that invites you not just to celebrate, but to truly connect.