Siem Reap


There is no better way to experience the colorful traditions of Cambodia than during the festive New Year ceremony in April. Against the backdrop of one of Asia’s most magnificent settings, the Angkor temples, you will partake in the celebrations and traditions of this three-day Buddhist festival.

 

The first day of the Khmer festival celebrates the beginning of the new year and your Cambodia tour begins with a visit to a local temple. Join the monks as they begin their ceremony preparations and receive a special blessing for good luck.

 

Tradition states that on the second day of Khmer New Year, the Cambodian people are to give charity to those less fortunate. Similarly, you will visit an organization working to preserve the local customs and cultures as well as its ecosystems. With a blind masseur kneading your tired muscles, you will support the center and its activities- leaving a lasting impact long after your Cambodia tour is over.

 

Games and cleansing mark the third day of Khmer New Year. Head to the villages around Siem Reap to partake in sports and games with the kids, witness the cleansing of sacred Buddha images and watch the revelry of the locals.

 

In addition to partaking in the rituals and festivities, our Cambodia package tour includes excursions through Siem Reap and its surroundings. Visit the imposing Angkor Wat, venture through the jungle-clad ruins of Ta Phrom and be mesmerized by the enigmatic faces at Bayon. Cruise among floating villages and flooded mangrove forests on the Tonle Sap Lake and observe traditional weaving techniques at the Angkor Silk Farm.

 

Join Exotissimo as we Celebrate Khmer New Year. Immersing you in the local culture by partaking in the festivities and traditions of the holiday, this Cambodia package tour is an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.

Day 1 - Siem Reap Arrival


The first day, Moha Songkran, portrays the celebration of the beginning of the new year. Families gather to light candles and burn incense at the temple. The each family member pays homage to offer thanks for the Buddha's teachings by bowing, kneeling and prostrating themselves three times before his image.

Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Wat Bo, a local temple in town. You will be able to witness the festival preparations and receive a New Year's blessing from a resident monk.

Overnight in Siem Reap.


Day 2 - Siem Reap (B)


On the second day, Wanabat, people give charity to the less fortunate, help the poor, homeless people, and low-income families.

Start today with a dawn visit to Angkor Wat, watching the sun cast early morning light over the temple. Explore the carved hallways of this grand temple and revel in the intriguing history and legend of its rulers. Returning to Siem Reap midday, you will stop at a local charity for a chance to learn about the ecosystem of the Tonle Sap lake. Partaking in the Khmer New Year tradition, you can support the charity by getting a massage by a trained blind masseur. This afternoon, take a boat trip through the Tonle Sap's floating villages.

Overnight in Siem Reap.


Day 3 - Siem Reap (B)


On the third day named Tngai Laeung saka, Buddha statues and elders are cleansed with perfumed water. Bathing the Buddha images is the symbol for the water that is needed for all kinds of lives. During this day, the people also play traditional games such as the hand-scarf-throwing game, kick the nuts, tug of war or trot dancing.

This morning after breakfast, head to the countryside where you can take part in the celebration and join the New Year games with the locals. Continue to Angkor Silk Farm where you can witness the entire process of silk creation and to the Western Baray. An afternoon visit to the temples of Ta Phrom and Angkor Thom city are a magnificent way to wrap up the day.

Overnight in Siem Reap.


Day 4 - Siem Reap Departure (B)


After breakfast this morning, you will have time at your leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the markets of Siem Reap. Transfer to the Airport for your flight home.


Tour Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Tour Operates: Year Round / On Demand
Tour Price: Available upon Request

Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.


Our Celebrate Khmer New Year Cambodia Tour Package prices include:

  • Accommodation based on Double/Twin Room Superior room with breakfast.
  • Transfer by private A/C vehicles.
  • Luxury Airport transfers from and to airport.
  • Lunches + Dinners as indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • English Speaking Guide.
  • All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary + 3 day Angkor entrance fee.
  • Donations to Wat Bo and Krousar Thmey.
  • Boat trip to Kampong Phluck on a local boat.

Our Celebrate Khmer New Year Tour prices do not include:

  • Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits + Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry...).
  • Personal travel insurance (must include helicopter evacuation for Cambodia).
  • Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels' porters.
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
  • All air tickets with airport and departure taxes (Cambodia USD25).
  • Other services not clearly indicated in the Package Inclusion above.

 

 

Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Cambodia tour to your individual specifications.



EXTEND THIS TOUR WITH..

Sihanoukville Beach Break - 4 Days / 3 Nights

Kep Escape - 3 Days / 2 Nights


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Cambodia In Depth - 11Days / 10 Nights

Angkor Romantic Escape - 3 Days / 2 Nights



Save 15% on this celebratory Cambodia tour package over Khmer New Year with a stay at the Superior Borei Angkor.

Save 15% on this celebratory Cambodia tour package over Khmer New Year with a stay at the Superior Borei Angkor. - Promo Image
Save 15% on this celebratory Cambodia tour package over Khmer New Year with a stay at the Superior Borei Angkor. Promotional price USD 340 per person based on twin/double share
Valid for travel between: 12 Apr 2012 - 31 May 2012
Promotional price: USD 340.00

 

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