Khmer New Year Kampot

ចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ

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Cultural & TraditionalKampot
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsThe Durian Roundabout is the epicenter of
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: KHR
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Khmer New Year Kampot in Kampot

Kampot's Khmer New Year is built around the Durian Roundabout, where fire engines, DJs, and crowds turn the holiday into an extended water fight drawing an estimated one million visitors to the riverside town. Standard pagoda ceremonies and Buddha processions continue alongside the street celebrations, while markets sell seasonal kralan and num ansorm around the town center.

Kampot's Durian Roundabout becomes ground zero for water fights each Khmer New Year, as the riverside town's version of the nationwide three-day Sangkran holiday leans heavily into its role as a water festival rather than a purely ceremonial observance.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The Durian Roundabout is the epicenter of Kampot's water-fight celebration and gets extremely crowded during peak afternoon hours, so those wanting a calmer experience should visit riverside areas slightly outside the roundabout

02

The mystery stays covered

Seasonal foods like kralan and num ansorm are widely sold from temporary stalls and worth trying

03

The city starts moving

Given the reported scale of visitors relative to Kampot's small size, accommodation books up well ahead of the holiday, and restaurants near the roundabout can run out of tables by early evening

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Water dousing

Water and renewal

Living ritual

rooted in an older custom of blessing others with scented water

The sacred route

Living ritual

has become the dominant public expression of Khmer New Year in Kampot

The local code

Living ritual

concentrated at the Durian Roundabout

Tradition 5

Living ritual

while pagoda ceremonies and seasonal foods like kralan preserve the holiday's more traditional religious and culinary elements

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Kampot you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Quick-drying, light clothing is essential given the intensity of Kampot's water fights; modest coverage is expected for pagoda visits away from the water-fight zones.

Safety

Khmer New Year Kampot is best approached as a guest: follow local crowd guidance and avoid blocking participants.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Khmer New Year Kampot runs late.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

KHR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map10.61 N, 104.18 EOpen in Google Maps

Kampot, Kampot Province, Cambodia

Nearest airportPQC — Phú Quốc
TransportStay close enough to the part of Kampot you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Khmer New Year Kampot runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kampot via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kampot, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearQuick-drying, light clothing is essential given the intensity of Kampot's water fights; modest coverage is expected for pagoda visits away from the water-fight zones.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Cambodia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Khmer New Year Kampot?

Khmer New Year Kampot is listed for Past edition: 14–16 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Khmer New Year Kampot take place?

The festival is listed in Kampot, Cambodia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kampot, Kampot Province, Cambodia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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