Local people join traditional dances and games during this festival. 

There are three days of celebrations. Maha Sangkran, derived from Sanskrit Maha Sangkranta, is the name of the first day. People dress up, light candles and burn incense sticks at shrines, where the members of each family pay homage to offer thanks for the Buddha's teachings by bowing, kneeling and prostrating themselves three times before his image.

On this day, people help the less fortunate such as the poor, servants, homeless, and low-income families.

Vireak Vanabat is the second day of the New Year. On this day, people help the less fortunate such as the poor, servants, homeless, and low-income families. Families attend a dedication ceremony to their ancestors at monasteries. The final day is called “T'ngai Loeng Sak” in Khmer when Buddhists wash Buddha statues and their elders with perfumed water.

Preah Vihear, Cambodia. 

During the occasion, local people will play traditional games such as Chol Chhoung, Bay Khom and Leak Kanseng. Tourists are welcome to join in with the fun. Chaul Chnam Thmay is also a most important festival for those who follow Theravada Buddhism. There is an air of excitement throughout the entire country during this period. And it is particularly visible in the capital, Phnom Penh, as there are flowers and lights from pagodas on the paths leading to the Royal Palace. 

Follow ASIA DMC to the land of temples – beautiful Cambodia. Join in with the locals during the three-day Khmer New Year’s festival from 14 to 16 April 2017. For further information, don’t hesitate to contact our experts.