Hanchey Bamboo Resort will be temporarily closed on March 31 and April 1, 2025. During this time, our team will join the BSDA Alumni and Songkran Event at Smile School to celebrate the Khmer New Year alongside our partners at BSDA (Buddhism for Social Development Action).
While we are not hosting events at the resort during this period, we are excited to take part in traditional celebrations that honor Cambodia’s rich heritage.
Looking Back at Songkran 2024
Last year, we celebrated Songkran with a vibrant community gathering, bringing together guests, staff, and BSDA’s talented performers. The event featured traditional Khmer blessings, Apsara dance performances, and cultural activities. Guests joined in classic ew Year games, enjoyed festive meals, and participated in the water blessing ceremony, a symbolic ritual for renewal and good fortune.
Read more about last year’s celebrations here.
How we’ll be celebrating Songkran in 2025
This year’s event at Smile School will once again highlight Cambodia’s New Year traditions through games, ceremonies, and meaningful cultural rituals. The celebration is an opportunity to connect with local communities and experience the joy of Khmer New Year.
Traditional Khmer Games
Games are a key part of Khmer New Year, encouraging community spirit, teamwork, and laughter. Many of these games have been passed down for generations, reflecting the joy and playfulness of Khmer culture.
Chol Chhoung (ចោលឈូង) – A fast-paced throwing game played between two teams. A small wrapped object, usually a krama (traditional Cambodian scarf), is tossed between players. If the object hits someone, they must sing or dance before rejoining the game. It’s one of the most lively and entertaining Songkran activities.
Leak Kanseng (លាក់កន្សែង) – A game of stealth and speed. Players sit in a circle while one person secretly places a krama behind someone’s back. If the chosen person notices, they must grab the krama and chase the placer before they can return to the empty seat.
Bos Angkunh (បោះអង្គុញ) – A game of skill and precision. Large, nut-shaped wooden discs called angkunh are thrown to hit an opponent’s pieces. Traditionally, the losing team may be playfully "punished" by having their knees gently knocked with the winning team's angkunh.
Bay Khon (បាយខុន) – A blindfolded game where players use a stick to hit a clay pot suspended in the air. Friends guide them by shouting directions to help them break the pot, which is often filled with small prizes. This game tests coordination and trust.
Pong Krobei (បោងក្របី) – A humorous game where participants, with their hands tied behind their backs, try to grab and bite a hanging piece of fruit or cake. It’s always a favorite among children and adds a fun challenge to the festivities.
New Year Rituals
Khmer New Year is not just about celebration—it’s also a time for spiritual renewal, gratitude, and seeking blessings for the year ahead.
Pagoda Visits – Many people visit temples such as Wat Hanchey to make offerings of food, incense, and flowers, seeking blessings for health and happiness. Monks chant prayers and sprinkle holy water over visitors, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
If you're interested in experiencing these traditions, our reception team can assist in arranging a visit to Wat Hanchey after we reopen.
Water Blessing Ceremony – A key ritual where water is poured over Buddha statues, elders, and loved ones. This act represents washing away past misfortunes and welcoming new beginnings. It’s a beautiful and symbolic moment of respect and renewal.
Resort Bookings and Availability
Although we will be closed on March 31 and April 1 2025, Hanchey Bamboo Resort remains open for bookings before and after these dates. Whether you are planning a relaxing retreat or looking to experience Cambodia’s cultural traditions, we invite you to visit us.
While we endeavour to provide year-round access to our resort, it is an important part of our work as a social enterprise to come together with our staff for cultural events, as well as for continued professional development such as out Staff Retreat in June, earlier this year.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you soon.
Hanchey Bamboo Resort Team
