Photo credit: Explore Laos
April marks the beginning of the low season for inbound markets to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. For Southeast Asia lovers, April is often associated with Songkran, the Thai New Year festival involving splashing water at a street festival, joined by both locals and international tourists. Did you know that Laos and Cambodia also celebrate their new years at the same time as the Thai? This year the holiday is observed between April 14 and 16th. Our blog will give you more insights into how this holiday is celebrated in these two countries.
Same Same…
April is one of the hottest and most humid months in Laos and Cambodia. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 35C (95F). Sunscreen and extra sun protection is a must when traveling to these countries during this time. For golf travelers, book early tee times to avoid extreme heat and humidity. While the weather will be blazing hot, be sure to always have appropriate clothing when visiting temples (avoid tank tops and above the knees bottoms).
The heat and humidity doesn’t make traveling to Laos and Cambodia during their new year any less ideal. It’s the perfect occasion for curious minds who want to really immerse themselves and experience these countries like real locals do.
The new year is called “Pii Mai” in Laos and “Choul Chnam Thmey” in Cambodia. Unlike many western cultures, New Year is one of the most important holidays in both countries as it carries cultural significance. Rituals and celebrations for this holiday in both countries have strong Buddhist ties. Water plays an important role during new years in both Laos and Cambodia as it symbolizes purification of the mind, soul, and spirit.
Read on to learn more about the differences in how these two countries celebrate their major holiday.
But different.
Laos
Photo credit: Explore Laos
“Boun Pi Mai”, Laos’ New Year, literally means “New Year Festival.” It follows the solar calendar and is deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhist traditions, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rains. Each day has its own meaning and tradition. Day 1 is called “Sangkhan Luong”. It marks the final day of the old year, when families clean their homes, visit temples, and build sand stupas to wash away bad luck. Day 2, “Sangkhan Nau”, is the in-between day, featuring Miss Nang Sangkhan processions and the first joyful water splashing. Day 3 is New Year’s Day, also the most festive with lively water fights across the country and the “baci” ceremony, where family and friends gather to share blessings and good wishes.
Start your trip in Vientiane if you’re traveling to Laos during the festive period. The city feels more relaxed, allowing you to take in the festive atmosphere at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed. Celebrations take place across major temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Si Muang, and That Luang, where locals and visitors gather for Buddha bathing rituals and offerings.
If your client is looking to fully immerse yourself in local culture during Lao New Year, Luang Prabang is the perfect choice. Here, the celebrations stretch over 10 days (April 11–20), the longest in the country. You’ll experience unique traditions such as early morning almsgiving, royal processions, elephant parades, and the sacred Prabang bathing ritual. One doesn’t get to experience moments like these often.
Book your transport and accommodation early for Luang Prabang as availability fills up quickly during the festival. Pack light, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet in for the water splashing and don’t forget to bring spares to change into!
Cambodia
Photo credit: Asia News Network
Khmer New Year is also called “Choul Chnam Thmey” in Cambodia. The three days play an important role during this holiday with each of them carrying a different meaning. For our geeky readers, they are called “Maha Songkran”, “Virak Wanabat”, and “Veareak Laeung Sak”. The days are dedicated to gods and the divines, family, and the Buddha and elderly’s respectively. The third day has significant spiritual meaning for Cambodians. On this day, families carry out bathing rituals using blessed water (by monks) for their parents, grandparents as well as Buddha statues.
The capital Phnom Penh is a lot quieter during Khmer New Year as locals depart the city to return to their hometowns or visit Siem Reap. However, if you’re planning on traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for new year celebrations, make sure to plan transportation in advance. Give yourself extra time if traveling by road as traffic gets heavier closer to the holiday.
Angkor Wat opens as usual but special new year events might affect your visit. Visiting the UNESCO Heritage site at this time, you will find the temples adorned with festive decorations and offerings from locals. You will also find many rituals and ceremonies performed by monks and locals, something you won’t be able to see outside of the holiday window.
Holidays like Pii Mai in Laos and Khmer New Year in Cambodia are a cultural highlight that brings travelers a different experience compared to a normal vacation. As exciting as it is to travel to these countries during their new year, we can’t stress enough on advanced planning, especially around the nuances. Letting a local DMC like ITS handle the planning is a great way to ensure a smooth and special getaway for your clients while allowing you to spend time managing other destinations.
Feeling inspired or have more questions? Ask us at info@itsvietnam.com!