Cambodia forum

Khmer New Year - Phnom Penh

RachelW

backpacker
Posts: 13

So I am going to be spending Khmer New Year (April 13-15) in PP. Probably travelling from Battambang at the start.

Anybody got any ideas about how to celebrate it with the locals?
I will probably be doing the usual sights (royal palace and wildlife tour etc) but would like to go wherever the celebrations are good aswell.

Also is it wrong to come prepared with talcum powder to take revenge on any locals that might soak me or douse me in it?

#1 Posted: 11/3/2010 - 03:53
candyman

backpacker
Posts: 17

The city will be pretty dead--like you wouldn't believe how some neighborhoods completely shut down as everyone goes to where they are from for the festival.

Wat Phnom is usually fun for an afternoon and is one of the few crowded places. If you know any locals ask them--if they are staying in Phnom Penh for the celebration they will be more than happy to invite you to a party or two.

Battambang will probably be better than Phnom Penh to celebrate.

And I'd bring a water gun--only because it's more fun to spray people then hit them in the face with powder.

#2 Posted: 11/3/2010 - 04:29
eastwest

som tam seller
Posts: 641
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I agree with candyman.

Lots of khmer go back to their homeland and it may be more enjoyable to celebrate it in the countryside although I wouldn't say that Phnom Penh will be dead.

Khmer new year is all about throwing water at each other. Some people might not understand why you would throw talcum powder at them (wouldn't give you a problem though). Either arm yourself with a watergun or fill some balloons with water to throw back

#3 Posted: 11/3/2010 - 19:53
RachelW

backpacker
Posts: 13

Thanks guys.

I could have sworn I read something about PP being a good place to spend it as most of the smaller places on the south coast will be quiet as the bar girls etc go home!.

I am also planning to go to Kratie on the Sat after (17th) so hopefully there will be some people there...

#4 Posted: 11/3/2010 - 20:35