Khmer New Year, Cambodia’s most vibrant celebration, transforms the entire country into a joyous festival of water, powder, music, and tradition. In 2026, Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort in Kampot Province invites you to experience the most spectacular Khmer New Year celebration in Cambodia—combining authentic cultural traditions with world-class entertainment and luxury accommodation.
Whether you’re a Vietnamese visitor from nearby Ha Tien, Kien Giang looking to experience authentic Cambodian culture, or a traveler seeking an unforgettable Southeast Asian festival, Ha Tien Vegas offers the perfect base for your Khmer New Year adventure.
Content of this blog:
- When is Khmer New Year 2026?
- How is Khmer New Year Celebrated?
- Ha Tien Vegas: Your Khmer New Year Destination
- Special Khmer New Year Events at Ha Tien Vegas
- For Vietnamese Visitors: Experience Real Cambodian Culture
- What to Wear and Bring
When is Khmer New Year 2026? {#when-khmer-new-year}
Khmer New Year 2026 will be celebrated from April 13-15, 2026 (confirmed dates may vary slightly based on Buddhist calendar).
The celebration traditionally lasts 3 days, though festivities at Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort extend even longer with pre-celebration events and post-festival activities.
The Three Days of Khmer New Year:
Day 1 – Maha Sangkran (April 13):
- The arrival of the new angel
- Cleaning homes and preparing offerings
- Family gatherings begin
- At Ha Tien Vegas: Opening ceremony and traditional blessing
Day 2 – Virak Wanabat (April 14):
- Giving to the poor and less fortunate
- Making offerings at pagodas
- Traditional games and celebrations begin
- At Ha Tien Vegas: Grand water festival and powder celebration
Day 3 – Virak Loeurng Sak (April 15):
- Bathing Buddha statues ceremony
- Blessing the elders
- Major street celebrations
- At Ha Tien Vegas: Closing gala and cultural performances
Why April?
Khmer New Year coincides with the end of the harvest season when Cambodian farmers finish gathering their crops and have time to celebrate. It also marks the beginning of the traditional solar new year.
How is Khmer New Year Celebrated? {#how-celebrated}
Khmer New Year is unlike any celebration you’ve experienced. This isn’t a quiet, formal holiday—it’s three days of joyous chaos, water warfare, powder blessings, and non-stop festivities.
The Essential Elements:
1. Water Guns & Water Splashing
During Khmer New Year, everyone becomes a target! Cambodians spray each other with water guns, buckets, hoses—any water source available. This isn’t limited to swimming pools or designated areas; the entire country becomes one massive water fight.
Symbolism: Water represents purification and washing away the previous year’s bad luck. The wetter you get, the more blessed you are!
At Ha Tien Vegas:
- Designated water battle zones in outdoor areas
- Water gun stations with free equipment
- Protected indoor casino and hotel areas for those needing a break
- Changing rooms and towel service
2. Baby Powder Blessings
Cambodians lovingly smear baby powder (or sometimes talcum powder mixed with traditional ingredients) on each other’s faces and bodies.
Symbolism: Ancient Cambodians believe powder drives away evil spirits and welcomes good spirits. Today, it’s mainly a fun tradition for friendly blessings.
Warning: Some powders contain menthol or tiger balm, which can burn! Always close your eyes when being blessed.
At Ha Tien Vegas:
- Traditional blessing powder provided (gentle formula)
- Option for traditional tiger balm powder for adventurous guests
- Face washing stations throughout the property
3. Traditional Games & Dancing
Khmer New Year features traditional Cambodian games, music, and circle dances that visitors are enthusiastically invited to join.
Popular traditional games:
- Chaol Chhoung – Throwing a ball wrapped in cloth
- Angkunh – Seed game similar to mancala
- Leak Kanseng – Hide-and-seek with a scarf
- Teagn Prot – Tug of war
Traditional dancing:
- Ramvong – Circle dance where men and women dance in separate circles
- Live traditional Cambodian music
- Everyone welcome to join, no experience necessary!
4. Temple Visits & Merit Making
Many Cambodians visit pagodas during Khmer New Year to:
- Make offerings to monks
- Pour water over Buddha statues (blessing ceremony)
- Pray for good fortune in the new year
- Give alms to the poor
5. Family Reunions
Like Lunar New Year (Tet) in Vietnam, Khmer New Year is primarily about family. Cambodians travel to their home villages to celebrate with relatives, share meals, and pay respect to elders.
Where Celebrations Happen:
Major Cities:
- Siem Reap: The largest celebration with massive street parties near Angkor Wat
- Phnom Penh: Huge gatherings at Wat Phnom Daun Penh and along the riverside
- Kampot: Growing celebrations with unique riverside atmosphere
- Ha Tien Vegas: Premium resort celebration combining tradition with luxury
Ha Tien Vegas: Your Khmer New Year Destination {#ha-tien-vegas}
Why Choose Ha Tien Vegas for Khmer New Year 2026?
Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort in Prek Chak, Kampot Province offers the ultimate Khmer New Year experience—combining authentic Cambodian cultural celebrations with world-class resort amenities.
Location Advantages:
Perfect for Cross-Border Travelers:
- Located in Prek Chak, Kampot Province, Cambodia
- Only several steps from Vietnam border (Prek Chak – Ha Tien crossing)
- Ideal for Vietnamese visitors from Ha Tien, Kien Giang
- Easy access from Kampot (55km), Kep (25km), Phnom Penh (150km)
- Near popular tourist destinations on both sides of border
Strategic Position:
- Experience authentic Cambodian Khmer New Year
- Return to Vietnam easily after festivities
- Combine with Phu Quoc Island trip (ferry from Ha Tien)
- Explore both Cambodia and Vietnam in one trip
Complete Resort Facilities:
1. Luxury 4-Star Hotel Accommodation
Choose from multiple room categories:
- Standard Rooms: Comfortable King/Twin beds, countryside views
- Deluxe Rooms: Top floor, stunning coastline views, soaking tubs
- Suites: Separate living areas, perfect for families
- Honeymoon Suite: Romantic top-floor retreat
All rooms feature:
- Air conditioning and WiFi
- Modern amenities
- Flat-screen TVs
- Mini-bars
- Views of Cambodian coastline or tropical countryside
Special Khmer New Year Amenities:
- Traditional Cambodian decorations in all property
- Welcome gift with Khmer New Year essentials
- Complimentary traditional Cambodian breakfast
2. Casino Entertainment (24/7)
Cambodia’s gaming regulations allow casino entertainment—an experience not available in nearby Vietnam:
- Table Games: Baccarat, Dragon Tiger, Niu Niu, Bai Buu
- Electronic Gaming: Modern slot machines
- VIP Casino: Private rooms for high-limit players
- Khmer New Year Promotions: Special lucky draws and bonuses
Why Casino During Khmer New Year?
- 24/7 entertainment when you need a break from festivities
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Special Khmer New Year lucky draw events
- Chance to win big during the luckiest time of year!
3. Gold Dragon Beer Garden Restaurant
Experience Cambodian and international cuisine:
- BBQ and Hot Pot options
- Indoor and outdoor seating for large groups
- Live traditional music during New Year period
- Family-friendly atmosphere
4. Complete Entertainment & Wellness
Spa & Massage (7:30 AM – 4 PM):
- Recover from water festival activities
- Traditional Cambodian massage
- Sauna and relaxation facilities
Beauty Salon (9 AM – 9 PM):
- Clean up after powder blessings
- Hair washing and styling
- Nail services
Karaoke (24/7):
- 5 VIP rooms (4-20 people)
- Cambodian and international songs
- Perfect for post-celebration fun
Kid Zone (Free, 24/7):
- Safe play area while parents enjoy festivities
- Supervised activities
Additional Facilities:
- Conference rooms for group events
- Soccer field
- Coffee shop
- Free parking
For Vietnamese Visitors from Ha Tien: Experience Real Cambodian Culture {#vietnamese-visitors}
Why Vietnamese Should Celebrate Khmer New Year at Ha Tien Vegas
Cultural Bridge Between Vietnam and Cambodia:
Ha Tien Vegas is uniquely positioned as a cultural bridge—located in Cambodia but easily accessible from Vietnam’s Ha Tien city in Kien Giang Province.
For Vietnamese Visitors, This Means:
1. Authentic Cambodian Experience:
- Experience real Khmer New Year (different from Vietnamese Tet)
- Learn about Cambodian culture and traditions
- Participate in authentic ceremonies
- Meet Cambodian people and make international friends
2. Convenient Access:
- Only several steps from Prek Chak – Ha Tien border crossing
- 15-20 minutes from Ha Tien city center after border
- Easy visa process (e-visa or visa on arrival)
- Return home same day or stay multiple nights
3. Familiar Yet Different:
- Similar spirit to Vietnamese Tet but unique traditions
- Water festival concept (like Songkran in Thailand)
- Family-oriented celebration
- Street food and festivities
4. Language Support:
- Vietnamese-speaking staff available
- Menus in Vietnamese
- Vietnamese currency (VND) accepted
- Familiar food options alongside Cambodian cuisine
5. Value Opportunity:
- Experience international culture without long-distance travel
- Affordable packages for families
- Special rates for Vietnamese guests
- Group discounts available
Khmer New Year vs Vietnamese Tet: The Differences
Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year – January/February):
- Based on lunar calendar
- Focus on family reunions and ancestral worship
- Red envelopes (li xi), banh chung, firecrackers
- More formal and traditional
- Serious respect for elders and ancestors
Cambodian Khmer New Year (April):
- Based on solar calendar (harvest season)
- Focus on playful celebration and joy
- Water fights, powder blessings, games
- More relaxed and fun-oriented
- Respect for elders through powder blessings
What’s Similar:
- Three-day celebration
- Family gatherings
- Temple visits and merit-making
- Traditional foods
- Giving to the poor
- Honoring elders
- Cultural performances
What’s Different:
- Water warfare! (Not in Vietnamese Tet)
- Powder blessings (unique to Khmer)
- Different traditional games
- Different traditional foods
- Different music and dances
- More outdoor street party atmosphere
What to Wear and Bring to Khmer New Year {#what-to-wear}
Essential Packing List:
Clothing:
DO Wear:
- Light, quick-dry clothing (you will get soaked!)
- Long pants or shorts (locals wear long pants, tourists can wear shorts)
- T-shirt or light top (not swimsuit – this isn’t a pool party)
- Sandals or water shoes (no nice shoes!)
- Change of clothes (bring several sets)
- Light jacket for evening (air-conditioned spaces)
DON’T Wear:
- Expensive clothing or shoes
- White clothing (powder will stain)
- Swimsuits or bikinis (culturally inappropriate)
- Heavy jeans (will stay wet)
- Flip-flops that can come off easily
- Valuable jewelry
Protection Items:
Must Bring:
- Waterproof phone case (ESSENTIAL!)
- Waterproof bag for valuables
- Sunglasses (protection from powder)
- Sunscreen (waterproof if possible)
- Small towel (to wipe face)
- Plastic bags for wet clothes
Optional but Recommended:
- Disposable waterproof camera
- Extra phone battery/power bank in waterproof case
- Hat (will get wet but provides sun protection)
- Contact lens solution (if powder gets in eyes)
- Extra underwear and socks
Cultural Etiquette Guidelines:
DO:
- Smile and laugh when splashed or powdered
- Ask permission before powder blessing someone’s face
- Respect elders during blessing ceremonies
- Participate enthusiastically in traditional games
- Try traditional foods
- Remove shoes when entering temple areas
- Dress modestly during temple visits
- Give small tips to performers
- Thank people after they bless you with powder
DON’T:
- Spray water at monks or elderly people aggressively
- Get powder in people’s eyes intentionally
- Wear revealing clothing
- Drink excessively and become disruptive
- Touch Buddha statues inappropriately
- Refuse to participate (at least try!)
- Complain about getting wet (that’s the point!)
- Take photos without permission during religious ceremonies
Additional Information
Getting to Ha Tien Vegas:
From Vietnam (Ha Tien):
- Distance: right next to Cambodia border
- Time: 20-30 minutes including border crossing
- Ha Tien Vegas shuttle: Pick up customers at Vietnam border
From Cambodia:
- Phnom Penh: 150km (2.5-3 hours) – Private car $80-100
- Kampot: 55km (1 hour) – Taxi $30-40
- Kep: 25km (30 minutes) – Taxi $20-30
- Sihanoukville: 120km (2 hours) – Private car $70-90
Border Operating Hours:
- 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
- Working all days
- Khmer New Year: Border open but may be busy
What to Expect:
Weather in April:
- Temperature: 28-35°C (82-95°F)
- Hot and humid
- Possible brief rain showers (pre-monsoon)
- Sun protection essential
Crowds:
- Khmer New Year is peak domestic tourism season
- Ha Tien Vegas will be busy but not overcrowded (limited capacity)
- Book early to secure preferred room type
- Streets in major cities very crowded
- Resort provides escape from chaos with organized activities
Language:
- Staff speak Khmer, English, Vietnamese, and some Chinese
- Signage in multiple languages
- Translation services available
Money:
- USD widely accepted in Cambodia
- Cambodian Riel (KHR) for small purchases
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) accepted at Ha Tien Vegas
- ATMs available on property
Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Khmer New Year Awaits
Khmer New Year 2026 at Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Cambodian culture, tradition, and joy. Whether you’re joining us from nearby Ha Tien in Vietnam, traveling from Phnom Penh, or coming from anywhere in the world, you’ll experience:
✓ Authentic Cambodian traditions with monks’ blessings and ceremonies
✓ Spectacular water festival with organized chaos and tons of fun
✓ Traditional powder blessings for good luck
✓ Cultural performances by professional Cambodian artists
✓ World-class accommodation in 4-star luxury
✓ 24/7 casino entertainment for when you need a dry break
✓ Exceptional dining with Cambodian and international cuisine
✓ Complete resort facilities including spa, karaoke, and more
✓ Perfect location for Vietnamese visitors wanting authentic cross-border experience
This isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cultural immersion, a joyous celebration, and an unforgettable adventure.
Ha Tien Vegas stands ready to welcome you with open arms (and full water guns!) to the most exciting three days of the Cambodian calendar.
Book your Khmer New Year 2026 celebration today. Spaces are limited, and this incredible cultural experience sells out quickly.
Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort: Where Cambodian Tradition Meets World-Class Hospitality
Contact Information
Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort
Address:
Road 33, Prek Chak, Kompong Trach, Kampot, Cambodia
Vietnam Office:
Behind Hong Thuan motel, Xa Xia, My Duc, Ha Tien, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Phone:
- Cambodia: +855 (0) 81 23 20 03
- Vietnam: +84 (0) 941 341 545
- Chinese: +855 (0) 699 53 615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hatienvegas.com
Social Media:
- Facebook: @HaTienVegasHotel
- Instagram: @hatienvegas
- Telegram: t.me/HatienVegasHotel
- TikTok: @hatien.vegas
- Zalo: zalo.me/g/nfddme651
For Khmer New Year Bookings:
Email subject: “Khmer New Year 2026 Reservation”
Include: Number of guests, dates, preferred package, nationality
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