The Water Festival or, in Khmer,“Bon Om Touk” takes place on the full moon day of the buddhist month Kadeuk (end of October/beginning of November). This celebration marks the moment when the river Tonle Sap reverses its flow. Depending on the water level in the lake Tonlesap, the river begins to flow from the lake into Mekong river or the other way round. This is a unique natural phenomenon in the world. The Water Festival is also one of the most important events in Cambodia, as it marks the end of the rainy season. The biggest celebrations take place in Phnom Penh, however, in Siem Reap this event is celebrated with great fervor, too.

The water is one of the essential elements of Khmer culture. It shapes the landscape of the country and gives wealth (rice) to its people. And for that reason, water has an important role at Smile of Angkor show – appearing as monsoon rains at the time of the rice harvest, or flooding the fields to the joy of Cambodian fishermen. Enjoy the end of of the monsoon season with Smile of Angkor and come to dance with us under the life-giving rain!

This year, the Water festival takes place from 5th to 7th of November