What is Cambodia’s traditional April New Year festival, celebrated around the same time as Songkran?

Cambodia’s traditional April New Year festival is Choul Chnam Thmey.

The Khmer phrase means “entering the new year,” and the festival normally takes place in mid-April. It is Cambodia’s major traditional New Year celebration and shares the seasonal setting of Songkran, which is observed in Thailand and other parts of mainland Southeast Asia.

Cambodian New Year customs include visiting temples, making offerings, cleaning homes, spending time with relatives, playing traditional games, and participating in water-related celebrations. Religious observances are particularly important, with Buddhist communities marking the occasion through merit-making and respect for elders.

Choul Chnam Thmey is not simply another name for Songkran. Songkran is the Thai term and national festival, while Choul Chnam Thmey is the Khmer Cambodian name. The festivals have related regional timing and customs but distinct languages, histories, and local traditions.