Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most anticipated celebrations across Asia. In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins on January 29th, bringing with it traditions, festivities, and vibrant celebrations that honor family, prosperity, and good fortune. While Cambodia predominantly celebrates Khmer New Year in April, the country’s Chinese and Chinese-Khmer communities host lively Chinese New Year celebrations, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
If you’re in Cambodia or planning a visit, here’s your guide to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Cambodia!
Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Cambodia
1. Phnom Penh: The Heart of the Celebrations
Phnom Penh is home to a large Chinese-Khmer population, making it the epicenter of Chinese New Year festivities in Cambodia. The city’s streets, temples, and businesses are adorned with red and gold decorations symbolizing luck and prosperity.
- What to Do:
- Visit Wat Phnom, where locals make offerings and light incense for blessings.
- Explore Chinatown near Orussey Market, where you’ll find lion dances, traditional music, and festive treats.
- Enjoy Chinese-inspired dishes at local restaurants or join a New Year’s banquet at luxury hotels like Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
🚍 How to Get There: Book a bus to Phnom Penh with Camboticket from anywhere in Cambodia or neighboring countries like Vietnam.
2. Siem Reap: Festivities Near Angkor Wat
Siem Reap combines the magic of the Angkor temples with vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. Pub Street in the center of town is lively with cultural performances, lantern displays, and culinary delights.
- What to Do:
- Watch lion and dragon dances in the town center or at local hotels.
- Visit Angkor Wat for a serene start to the New Year. Many locals and tourists alike visit temples to pray for good fortune.
- Indulge in festive street food at the night markets, including dumplings, rice cakes, and noodles.
🚍 How to Get There: Camboticket offers reliable routes to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Battambang.
3. Sihanoukville and Coastal Regions
If you prefer a more relaxed celebration, Sihanoukville and its nearby islands offer a mix of beachside fun and festive charm. Many hotels and resorts host special Chinese New Year events, complete with feasts and cultural performances.
- What to Do:
- Watch fireworks by the beach on New Year’s Eve.
- Participate in Chinese New Year banquets featuring fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
- Take a ferry to Koh Rong for a quieter celebration amidst pristine beaches.
🚍 How to Get There: Camboticket provides easy bus connections to Sihanoukville and ferries to the islands.
Chinese New Year Traditions in Cambodia
1. Cleaning and Decoration
In the days leading up to the New Year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome positive energy. Decorations such as red lanterns, couplets with auspicious phrases, and paper cutouts of the zodiac snake will adorn homes and businesses.
2. Offerings and Prayers
Families visit temples to pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year. Offerings of food, incense, and symbolic items are made to honor ancestors.
3. Festive Feasts
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year. Popular dishes include:
- Fish (Yu): Symbolizing abundance.
- Dumplings: Representing wealth and prosperity.
- Longevity Noodles: For a long and happy life.
- Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao): For success and higher achievements.
Travel Tips for Chinese New Year 2025 in Cambodia
- Book Early: Chinese New Year is a peak travel period, so reserve your bus and accommodation in advance with Camboticket.
- Experience Local Customs: Respect the traditions by wearing red (a color of luck) and avoiding negative talk during the celebrations.
- Enjoy the Food: Try traditional Chinese dishes available at markets, restaurants, and food stalls during the festive period.
- Plan for Closures: Some businesses may close during the first few days of the New Year, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Extend Your Celebration: Cross-Border Adventures
For a more immersive Chinese New Year experience, consider traveling to neighboring Vietnam or Thailand, where Lunar New Year is also widely celebrated. Camboticket makes cross-border travel seamless with its bus routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and other major destinations.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Camboticket
Chinese New Year 2025 in Cambodia is a wonderful blend of cultural traditions and modern festivities. Whether you’re in bustling Phnom Penh, festive Siem Reap, or relaxing on the beaches of Sihanoukville, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Plan your trip today with Camboticket.com and enjoy a smooth, stress-free travel experience. From temple visits to beach celebrations, Camboticket ensures you’ll start 2025 with unforgettable memories.
Happy Chinese New Year! Or as they say in Mandarin, “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” (新年快乐)!