National holidays in Cambodia - Celebrate Cambodia, Khmer style!

National holidays in Cambodia - Celebrate Cambodia

, Khmer style!

A look at a country's national holidays tells one much about that country and its values. Cambodia was for a long time a country that suffered and did not actively participate in international world affairs. However in the recent past, the small country has gone through a rejuvenation process and has emerged as a delightful, culturally exquisite, favourite tourist destination.

Of the many holidays and festivals celebrated by the Cambodians, 9 important ones stand out. Whilst some of these have set days others change according to factors such as the lunar calendar and so on.

The 7th of January sees the celebration of Victory over Genocide day. This originated from victory gained by Vietnamese forces from the mass massacres orchestrated by the Pol Pot regime during 1975-1979. The International Women's Day falling on the 8th of March also holds a special place in Cambodia and on this day women take a break from their many household duties and have some much needed fun.

Chol Chnum Thmey is the Khmer people's new year. It is an important three day long festivity during which the locals reunite with their families and it is an ideal opportunity to see local traditions and customs in practice, not to mention a chance to eat traditional Cambodian food for both locals and visitors.

Being a Buddhist nation, Visaka Bochea is a relatively quiet celebration yet it is one that is deeply spiritual. The King's ploughing ceremony is another interesting festival which takes place on a lawn alongside the King's palace and is presided over by the King himself or an envoy. Crops such as corn, rice and maybe green beans are placed in front of cattle in order to determine which crop will grow most abundantly during that year.

The Ancestors' Day, The Father King's Birthday and National Independence Day are celebrated usually in September, October and November respectively. Next to the New Year perhaps the most celebrated holiday is the Bun Om Touk Festival. This is a festival to celebrate the reversing of the Tonle Sap River's course. It is usually celebrated in Phnom Penh and people flock to the city to enjoy the dragon boat races, other colourful boat parades and the fun activities that take place coincidentally.

A national holiday can be an ideal time to visit this delightful country. If you choose to visit during such a time make sure to book in early at an Angkor hotel. To really enjoy the traditions of historic Cambodia you may choose to book into an exclusive Siem Reap hotel such as the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, which offers first class services.

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