Cambodia: Lunar New Year festival in Ankgor April 13-16 / update

Event

The sixth annual festival celebrating the traditional Lunar New Year (Angkor Sankranta 2018) kicked off on Friday, April 13, at the famed Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap, located in the northwest of the country. Events at the four-day festival include religious ceremonies, traditional dances, games and sports, trade exhibitions, and concerts. Angkor Sankranta 2018 is expected to draw around 2 million visitors.

Context

The Sankranta festival is also celebrated in neighboring Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Unlike in those countries, Cambodia bans people from splashing water on one another, throwing bags of water on travelers, or painting charcoal or powder on others' faces during the celebrations, in a bid to prevent angry reactions.

Advice

Individuals visiting Angkor Archeological Park in the next few days should be prepared for crowded conditions at the airport and hotels, as well as other associated disruptions.