Happy Khmer New Year 2024

Khmer New Year, also known as “Choul Chnam Thmey,” meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday hosted by Cambodians annually. It is the season when Cambodians have free time from harvesting rice and other agricultural commodities. The event is Cambodia’s largest event and lasts three days, on the 13th, 14th, or 15th of April (in a specific year, it could be on the 14th to 16th of April).

Cambodian New Year is celebrated just like other Asian New Year Festivals that blend history with religious practices, emphasizing and commemorating the seniors and ancestors. While there are merriments with traditional meals and beverages, the three days are packed with Buddhist compliance centered on performing gratitude, sending offerings to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are exclusively made for the Khmer New Year.

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We are thrilled to introduce Sokchea Angkor Hotel, our sister property located in the enchanting city of Siem Reap. Just as Sokchea Kampot Hotel strives to provide exceptional hospitality and comfort in Kampot, Sokchea Angkor Hotel offers the same level of excellence in the heart of Siem Reap.

Retreat to our elegant rooms and suites, meticulously designed to offer the utmost comfort and relaxation for our guests. Experience the perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Khmer charm in every corner of our hotel. Conveniently situated in close proximity to the majestic temples of Angkor, Sokchea Angkor Hotel provides easy access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site about 7 kilometers away, allowing you to explore its ancient wonders at your leisure.

At Sokchea Angkor Hotel, our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized service and ensuring that every aspect of your stay exceeds your expectations. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with genuine Cambodian hospitality and warmth.

Our onsite restaurant, where you can savor an array of delectable Khmer and international dishes prepared by our talented chefs. Whether you’re craving traditional flavors or international favorites, our restaurant offers something for every taste.

Unwind by the poolside oasis, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment, or embark on guided tours to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Siem Reap and its surrounding areas.

Whether you’re visiting Siem Reap to marvel at the temples of Angkor or to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife, Sokchea Angkor Hotel provides the perfect home away from home for your Cambodian adventure. Contact us now to reserve your room and embark on an unforgettable journey in Siem Reap!

Sunset at Kep Beach

Nestled along Cambodia’s southern coast, Kep Beach is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled experience for sunset enthusiasts. As the day begins to wane, Kep Beach transforms into a serene haven where the vibrant hues of the setting sun paint the sky and sea in a mesmerizing display.

Imagine strolling along the soft sandy shore, the gentle waves lapping at your feet as the sky transitions from the warm glow of daylight to a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. The calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand mirror the kaleidoscope of colors, creating a breathtaking vista that feels almost surreal.

As you find your perfect spot on the beach, the sun slowly descends towards the horizon, casting a golden path across the water. The silhouette of the distant islands adds to the enchanting scene, providing a picturesque backdrop for this natural spectacle. The tranquil atmosphere is occasionally punctuated by the laughter of children playing in the distance and the soft murmur of conversations from nearby beachgoers, all captivated by the beauty unfolding before them.

Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture the perfect shot, a couple seeking a romantic moment, or a solo traveler in search of peace and reflection, the sunset at Kep Beach offers something for everyone. The experience is enhanced by the simplicity of the surroundings—no towering buildings or bustling crowds, just the pure, unspoiled beauty of nature.

As the sun finally dips below the horizon, the sky’s colors deepen and the first stars begin to twinkle, marking the end of another beautiful day in Kep. The gentle transition from day to night leaves a lingering sense of tranquility and a lasting impression, making sunset at Kep Beach an unforgettable highlight of any visit to this charming coastal town.

The Water Festival this year falls on November 7-9. But with Cambodia set to host the ASEAN summit and related meetings in the same week this month, the festival are not being celebrated in Phnom Penh, though some provinces have been holding celebrations since October.

Known locally as Bon Om Touk, the festival takes place in late October or early November to mark the end of the monsoon season as well as the change in flow of the Tonle Sap River.

The second day of the festival aligns with the date of the full moon on the Khmer lunar calendar month of Katdoek (or Kartika in Sanskrit), which is said to be when the long-cycle rice crop is ready for harvest.

The festival usually features dragon longboat races on its first day. Royal boat races have been held in Cambodia since at least the time of King Jayavarman VII to celebrate the victory of the Khmer navy over Cham invaders from the Champa kingdom in a large boat battle on the Tonle Sap Lake.

During the Longvek period of the 16th and 17th centuries, King Ang Chan I appointed Ponhea Yat as the “earth-guardian” in Kampuchea Krom’s Bassac district and he organised the navy into three groups to defend the region from invasion by the Da Viet kingdom under ruler Mac Dang Dung.

Also called Ancestor’s’ Day, Pchum Ben is, according to legend, a time where spirits of deceased relatives and ancestors walk the earth. Running for 15 days, usually towards the end of September or October, the fifteenth day of the tenth month of the Khmer Calendar marks one of the most traditional and colourful festivals in Cambodia with people dressing up in traditional clothing to visit their local pagodas with food and offerings and pay respect to their ancestors.

Pchum Ben can also be translated to ‘gathering together to make offerings’, and that’s exactly what families do when they visit the pagodas.

Enjoy your wonderful family reunion!

The installation of the new seahorse statue in Kampot province is indeed a wonderful addition to the beauty and charm of Kampot City. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, but it also serves as a symbol of the region’s rich marine biodiversity and cultural heritage.

For tourists, the seahorse statue offers a unique photo opportunity and a memorable landmark to visit during their exploration of Kampot. Its presence highlights the importance of marine conservation and serves as a reminder of the need to protect and preserve the natural environment, including the fascinating sea creatures that inhabit it.

Moreover, the seahorse statue can play a role in raising awareness about the conservation of seahorses and other marine species among locals and visitors alike. By drawing attention to these captivating animals, it encourages people to learn more about them and to contribute to efforts aimed at their protection.

Overall, the new seahorse statue adds to the allure of Kampot City while promoting environmental stewardship and appreciation for the wonders of marine life. It serves as a beacon of conservation and a testament to the beauty and importance of our oceans and seas.

The Kampot Salt Fields are located in Kampot Province, Cambodia, near the coastal town of Kampot and the neighboring province of Kep. These salt fields are renowned for their traditional salt production methods, which have been passed down through generations.

The salt fields are typically made up of vast expanses of shallow, rectangular basins filled with seawater. The process of salt production begins during the dry season when the seawater is directed into the basins through a series of canals and channels. As the water evaporates under the hot sun, it leaves behind a layer of salt crystals on the basin’s surface.

Workers then carefully rake the salt crystals from the basins and pile them up to dry further in the sun. Once dried, the salt is collected, sorted, and packed for distribution to local markets or for export.

Visitors to the Kampot Salt Fields can observe this traditional salt-making process and learn about the significance of salt production in the region’s economy and culture. The salt fields also offer picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making them a popular destination for tourists exploring the Kampot Province. Additionally, many tours in the area include visits to the salt fields as part of their itinerary, providing visitors with insight into Cambodia’s rural life and traditional industries.