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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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.

Kampot, known for its lush landscapes and agricultural richness, is indeed home to several durian farms. Durian, famously dubbed the “king of fruits,” thrives in the region’s tropical climate, making Kampot an ideal location for cultivating this unique and pungent fruit.

Visiting a durian farm in Kampot offers travelers the opportunity to experience firsthand the cultivation and harvesting process of this iconic fruit. Depending on the farm, visitors may be able to participate in guided tours where they can learn about durian cultivation techniques, explore the orchards, and even taste freshly harvested durians.

In addition to durians, many farms in Kampot also cultivate other fruits such as mangoes, rambutans, and pomelos, providing a diverse agricultural experience for visitors.

Kampot Durian, renowned for its unique flavor and aroma, typically ripens and becomes available for harvest during the durian season, which generally spans from May to September. However, the exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions and the specific variety of durian being cultivated.

During the durian season, you’ll find an abundance of this prized fruit at local markets, roadside stalls, and durian farms throughout Kampot and the surrounding regions. Many farmers also offer durian tasting experiences, allowing visitors to sample different varieties and learn more about this beloved fruit.

Looking for the accommodation in kampot, look no further than Sokchea Kampot Hotel.

 

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!

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.

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!

Kampot, a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Here are some things to do in Kampot:

  1. Explore Bokor National Park: Take a trip to Bokor Mountain, where you can explore the national park’s lush rainforest, visit the old French hill station, and see the abandoned buildings, including the Bokor Palace Hotel.
  2. Cruise along the Kampot River: Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the scenic Kampot River. You can take a sunset cruise or opt for a daytime excursion, which often includes stops at riverside villages and opportunities for swimming or kayaking.
  3. Visit Kampot Pepper Farms: Kampot is renowned for its high-quality pepper. Visit one of the local pepper farms to learn about the cultivation process and sample some of the world-famous Kampot pepper.
  4. Explore Kampot Town: Wander around Kampot’s picturesque streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Old Market, where you can sample local snacks and shop for souvenirs.
  5. Take a Kampot Pepper Farm Tour: Go on a guided tour of one of the pepper farms in the area to learn about the cultivation process of Kampot pepper, which is renowned for its unique flavor and aroma.
  6. Visit Salt Fields: Take a trip to the nearby salt fields, where you can observe the traditional method of salt production and learn about the importance of salt in Cambodian cuisine and culture.
  7. Explore Kep: Kep, famous for its seafood and relaxed atmosphere, is just a short drive away from Kampot. Visit the Kep Crab Market, relax on the beach, or hike up to Kep National Park for panoramic views of the coastline.
  8. Try Water Sports: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the serene waters of the Kampot River. You can also try your hand at windsurfing or kiteboarding if you’re feeling adventurous.
  9. Visit Phnom Chhnork Cave: Explore the ancient Phnom Chhnork Cave, which features a Hindu temple dating back to the 7th century. The cave is located a short drive from Kampot and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  10. Sample Local Cuisine: Don’t leave Kampot without trying some of the local delicacies, such as fish amok, crab with Kampot pepper, or grilled squid. There are plenty of restaurants and street food stalls where you can taste authentic Cambodian dishes.