What is the Cambodian name for the traditional April New Year festival related to Songkran?

Chaul Chnam Thmey is the Cambodian name for the traditional April New Year festival related to Songkran.

Khmer New Year, or Chaul Chnam Thmey, is usually celebrated in April and traditionally lasts three days. The festival includes temple visits, offerings, games, family gatherings, and rituals associated with welcoming the new year. Water may be used for blessing and cleansing, especially in later-day customs.

The holiday belongs to the same broad regional tradition of solar New Year festivals found across mainland Southeast Asia. Shared themes include merit-making, respect for elders, cleaning, renewal, and water symbolism. Each country, however, has its own terminology and ceremonial details.

Chaul Chnam Thmey should not be confused with Thingyan, the Burmese New Year, or Pi Mai, the Lao New Year. The phrase is Khmer and is often translated as “entering the new year.” The festival’s three-day structure is separate from the names used for Thailand’s Songkran days.