Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
October
The rains often linger long into October and this has led to some major flooding in
Siem Reap in recent years. The countryside is extraordinarily green at this time.
Bon Om Tuk (Water Festival)
Celebrating the epic victory of Jayavarman VII over the Chams, who occupied Angkor in
1177, this also marks the extraordinary natural phenomenon of the reversal of the current of
Tonlé Sap River. It's one of the most important festivals in the Khmer calendar and is a
wonderful, chaotic time to be in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Boat races are held on the
Tonlé Sap and Siem Reap Rivers, with each boat colourfully decorated and holding 40
rowers. As many as two million people flood the capital for the fun and frolics, so be sure
to book ahead for accommodation. Sadly, this event was marred by tragedy in 2010 when a
stampede developed on a bridge connecting the city with nearby Koh Pich (Diamond Is-
land). More than 350 people died in the resulting crush. The event has subsequently been
cancelled three years in a row: 2011, 2012 and 2013.
