November: Bon Om Tuk (Water and Moon Festival)<\/h2>\n
Perhaps the most famous of Cambodia\u2019s annual events, Bon Om Tuk, or the Water and Moon festival, is a significant part of any Cambodia travel itinerary. Between October and November every year, the streets of Phnom Penh are transformed into a frenzy of festivities, as over 250,000 revellers celebrate the annual water festival.<\/p>\n
This historic event celebrates the beginning of the dry season and the reversal of the flow of the Sap River, which builds up more and more water in the months before the festival commences. Eventually, heavy rains force the river to back up and it begins to flow northwards, flooding the Tonl\u00e9 Sap with fresh water and rich sediment. This creates a fertile source for fish and nourishes the surrounding farmland.<\/p>\n
To celebrate this natural boost to the local agricultural economy, over 400 boats take to the waters to compete in the annual boat race. A true spectacle to behold, you will be blown away by the precision, agility and speed of these expert oarsmen as they sweep their colourful boats through the water. One of the biggest events in Cambodia for locals and visitors alike, Phnom Penh becomes host to thousands of people enjoying longboat races, music, dancing, fireworks and a feast of glorious local delicacies to sample along the way!<\/p>\n