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The dawn of a new year is usually celebrated once in a year, but that is not the case in Cambodia. In this land filled with rich history and a mix of cultures it is celebrated three times! The capital city Phnom Penh is in the middle of all the activity during the celebrations of the International, Chinese and Khmer New Years’ days in Cambodia.
The most important of all three for the Cambodians, is the traditional Khmer New Year, which falls around the 14th of April according to the Buddhist calendar. This falls in with the end of the harvest season and the community gives thanks to the gods for the plentiful crops with rich feasts and celebrations. Many city dwellers retreat to their homelands to celebrate with their extended families and the temples bustle with devotees asking for blessings for another year. It is a great time to experience the traditional games, dances and food of the country. The feeling of abundance is shared by exchanging gifts. It all cumulates in the great water festivals, where beautiful water borne parades ride the Mee Kong River and water is thrown on anyone who ventures into the streets!
With a significantly large Chinese population, the Chinese New Year is also celebrated. The Sisowath Quay area in Phnom Penh is seen decorated with lanterns and lights in late January or early February, and the roads are filled with gift and food stalls to satisfy the flood of people who are shopping for the occasion. It offers visitors a fun and exciting time in which to usher in the coming year.
In recent years the growing numbers of tourists and expats have made the international New Year a day of celebration as well. Many a hotel in Phnom Penh throw grand New Year’s Eve parties and many establishments are kept open till the morning hours of the 1st of January to welcome in the celebrating crowds. These occasions let you understand the cultures of Cambodia and can be conveniently experienced while staying at a Phnom Penh hotel. Promotions are already being made to celebrate the coming of 2013 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Toast to a New Year filled with good wishes and happiness while enjoying the elegant comforts of the hotel.