Khmer Water Festival

The Water Festival this year falls on November 7-9. But with Cambodia set to host the ASEAN summit and related meetings in the same week this month, the festival are not being celebrated in Phnom Penh, though some provinces have been holding celebrations since October.

Known locally as Bon Om Touk, the festival takes place in late October or early November to mark the end of the monsoon season as well as the change in flow of the Tonle Sap River.

The second day of the festival aligns with the date of the full moon on the Khmer lunar calendar month of Katdoek (or Kartika in Sanskrit), which is said to be when the long-cycle rice crop is ready for harvest.

The festival usually features dragon longboat races on its first day. Royal boat races have been held in Cambodia since at least the time of King Jayavarman VII to celebrate the victory of the Khmer navy over Cham invaders from the Champa kingdom in a large boat battle on the Tonle Sap Lake.

During the Longvek period of the 16th and 17th centuries, King Ang Chan I appointed Ponhea Yat as the “earth-guardian” in Kampuchea Krom’s Bassac district and he organised the navy into three groups to defend the region from invasion by the Da Viet kingdom under ruler Mac Dang Dung.

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Khmer New Year, also known as “Choul Chnam Thmey,” meaning entering the new year, is a national holiday hosted by Cambodians annually. It is the season when Cambodians have free time from harvesting rice and other agricultural commodities. The event is Cambodia’s largest event and lasts three days, on the 13th, 14th, or 15th of April (in a specific year, it could be on the 14th to 16th of April).

Cambodian New Year is celebrated just like other Asian New Year Festivals that blend history with religious practices, emphasizing and commemorating the seniors and ancestors. While there are merriments with traditional meals and beverages, the three days are packed with Buddhist compliance centered on performing gratitude, sending offerings to deceased family members, and contributing to those in need. The following preparations are exclusively made for the Khmer New Year.

Staying at Sokchea Angkor Hotel makes traveling around Siem Reap convenient and stress-free, thanks to its central location and the city’s wide range of transportation options. Whether you are visiting ancient temples, local markets, or cultural attractions, getting around is simple and affordable.

One of the most popular ways to travel in Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are readily available outside Sokchea Angkor Hotel, and hotel staff can easily arrange a reliable driver for short trips or full-day tours. This option is ideal for visiting Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm, as drivers are familiar with temple routes and can offer flexible schedules.

For shorter distances, walking is a pleasant choice. The hotel is close to restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and parts of the Old Market area, allowing guests to explore the town at a relaxed pace. Bicycles are also a popular and eco-friendly option. Many travelers enjoy cycling through quiet streets or around the Angkor temple complex in the early morning or late afternoon.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps provide additional comfort, especially for families or those traveling during hot weather. These services are useful for airport transfers or longer journeys. For adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike offers independence, though traffic rules and safety should be considered.

With helpful hotel services and multiple transport options, Sokchea Angkor Hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring Siem Reap easily, comfortably, and at your own pace.

Staying Fit While Traveling: The Hotel Gym and Fitness Center Experience at Sokchea Angkor Hotel

Traveling can often disrupt healthy routines, but staying fit on the road is easier when accommodations include quality fitness facilities. The Sokchea Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap understands this need and provides guests with a well-equipped gym, making it convenient to maintain wellness while enjoying their travels.

The hotel gym at Sokchea Angkor is clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed for both casual and committed fitness enthusiasts. It offers a range of equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and multi-function machines—perfect for cardio sessions, strength training, or a full-body workout. Natural lighting and air-conditioned comfort create an inviting space to exercise, whether in the early morning or after a day of exploring nearby temples.

Maintaining a fitness routine while traveling has numerous benefits, from boosting energy and reducing stress to improving sleep and adjusting to new time zones. At Sokchea Angkor Hotel, guests can start their day with an energizing workout before heading out to visit the iconic Angkor Wat, or wind down with light stretching in the evening.

For health-conscious travelers, packing light workout gear and scheduling time for fitness ensures that travel doesn’t mean losing progress. The Sokchea Angkor Hotel’s gym offers the tools needed to stay on track, blending comfort, convenience, and wellness in one place.

In conclusion, Sokchea Angkor Hotel’s fitness center helps guests stay active and balanced, proving that even while traveling, health and well-being don’t have to take a break.