Discover Cambodia’s Water Festival in November 2026, what to expect in Kampot, and why Ha Tien Vegas is a convenient base for travelers from Vietnam and Phnom Penh.
Cambodia has its own famous water festival. Bon Om Touk, also called the Water Festival or Boat Racing Festival, is one of the country’s most important holidays, alongside Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. It marks the end of the rainy season and a striking natural event: the flow of the Tonle Sap river reverses.
BON OM TOUK 2026: IMPORTANT UPDATE BEFORE YOU PLAN
Before you book, please know the current situation:
- The Cambodian government announced on 2 July 2026 that the large-scale Water Festival in Phnom Penh, originally planned for 23–25 November 2026, is cancelled. It is the second consecutive year the capital’s celebration has been cancelled.
- Provinces may still hold local Water Festival activities, such as small boat races, lantern floats and community celebrations, depending on local conditions.
- The three-day public holiday for civil servants and private sector workers remains in effect.
- Holiday calendars may list slightly different dates. Confirm the final schedule with local authorities or your travel operator closer to the date.
This means travelers who want the festival atmosphere in 2026 should look to Kampot and nearby provinces rather than planning around Phnom Penh’s main race.
WHAT IS BON OM TOUK?
Bon Om Touk takes place over three days around the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk, usually in October or November. It celebrates the end of the monsoon season and prays for a good harvest in the year ahead.
The festival is linked to the Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s great lake, and the Mekong River. During the rainy season, the Mekong swells and pushes water back up the Tonle Sap. The lake can grow many times larger than in the dry season, filling with fish and nourishing farmland along its banks. Cambodians have long depended on this cycle for food and fertile soil.
Boat racing has deep roots. Historians link the races to the Angkorian era, when rulers tested the skills of river warriors through competitions on the water.
A note on safety: In 2010, a crowd crush on a bridge in Phnom Penh during the festival killed hundreds of people. Since then, large events have been run with heavier police presence and crowd control. Whatever you attend, keep to clear routes, stay aware of crowd density, and have a meeting point with your group.
THE SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL IN KAMPOT
Kampot does not host the national spotlight that Phnom Penh once did, and that is part of its appeal. Festivities here tend to be closer to the community:
- Riverside gatherings: Activities centre on the Kampot River, where families and friends come together by the water.
- Evening boat processions: After dark, people gather on the riverbank to watch illuminated boats drift past under the moon.
- Fireworks: The day often ends with a fireworks display over the river.
- Local preparation: Many villages spend months preparing their boats, decorating them carefully and raising funds for teams. Watching a local crew cheer for its boat tells you more about the festival than any single event.
Because Kampot is smaller than Phnom Penh, crowds are far lighter. Hotels and guesthouses can still fill quickly during the holiday, so book early.
TRADITIONAL FOOD: AUK AMBOK
On the final night, many Cambodians gather at temples and pray for a bountiful season under the moon. A traditional food for this occasion is auk ambok: rice that is flattened, fried and eaten with banana and coconut. Ask local vendors to show you how it is made, and try it at a temple or market stall.
GETTING AROUND AND BOOKING TIPS
- Book accommodation early. Hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly during the holiday period.
- Arrange transport ahead. Taxis and buses can be hard to find on festival days, so plan a private car or a pre-booked transfer.
- Check your hotel’s location. Central parts of Kampot and Kep can become pedestrian-only during events, so a hotel slightly outside the centre with easy transport access may be more convenient.
- Keep your passport and visa papers handy if you cross the border.
WHY STAY AT HA TIEN VEGAS?
Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort is a practical base for two groups of travelers.
For travelers from Vietnam: If you are coming from the Mekong Delta or from Ha Tien, Ha Tien Vegas is one of the most convenient places to stay before crossing into Cambodia to explore Bon Om Touk celebrations in Kampot. You can complete your border crossing, rest at the resort, and then head out to the river festivities with less rushing.
For travelers from Phnom Penh: Many visitors want to escape the heavy traffic and crowds of the capital during the holiday period. Kampot offers a slower, more relaxed celebration, and Ha Tien Vegas provides a comfortable place to stay in the area, with options for dining, karaoke, a spa and a 24-hour front desk. It is a good place to unwind after a day on the river.
Resort facilities include:
- Hotel rooms, including standard, deluxe, suite and honeymoon options
- Gold Dragon Beer Garden
- Karaoke rooms
- Spa services
- 24-hour casino
- Kid zone
- Conference rooms for groups
Contact Ha Tien Vegas before you travel:
- Cambodia: +855 81 23 20 03
- Vietnam: +84 988 473 295
- Website: www.hatienvegas.com
Ask the front desk about room availability and any holiday arrangements before your trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Bon Om Touk happening in 2026?
The large Phnom Penh festival has been cancelled for 2026. Local celebrations in provinces such as Kampot may still take place. Check current information before you travel.
When does Bon Om Touk take place?
It falls on the full moon in October or November. The 2026 holiday was planned for 23–25 November, but confirm the final dates, as official calendars can differ.
Is it safe to attend?
Local events in Kampot are generally smaller and calmer than the capital’s. Follow local guidance, avoid overcrowded bridges and riverbanks, and keep your belongings secure.
Can I visit from Vietnam for the day?
Yes, but a one-night stay gives you time to enjoy the evening celebrations and avoid a rushed border crossing.
Is Ha Tien Vegas a good place to stay for this trip?
Yes, it is a convenient base for travelers coming from Vietnam or Phnom Penh who want to explore Kampot during the holiday season.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bon Om Touk is a window into Cambodian life: its relationship with water, its respect for the harvest and its community spirit. In 2026, the most authentic experience may be found along the riverbanks of Kampot rather than in the capital. With careful planning, a comfortable base at Ha Tien Vegas, and respect for local customs, you can enjoy one of the country’s most meaningful celebrations.
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