Wat Phnom Fully Ready for Khmer New Year Celebrations

The historic Wat Phnom site in Phnom Penh is fully operational to welcome thousands of Cambodians and foreign tourists for the Khmer New Year celebrations (Chaul Chnam Thmey), which begin this Tuesday, April 14.

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Intensive Preparations Under Government Supervision

Authorities have completed the necessary arrangements, including enhanced security, cleaning of the surroundings, and installation of welcome facilities. “All preparations are in place to ensure a peaceful and secure celebration,” stated an official from the Ministry of Tourism. Volunteer teams and law enforcement will be deployed over the three days of festivities, from April 14 to 16.

An Iconic Site of Khmer Heritage

Built in 1373 by Lady Penh after discovering Buddhist statues in the Mekong, Wat Phnom overlooks the capital from a 27-meter hill. Classified as a national cultural heritage site, it attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. The program includes ritual offerings, collective prayers, and traditional pinpeat music performances.

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The site offers facilitated access (free shuttles, multilingual signage) and reminds visitors of the rules: sarong required, respect for monks, and drone prohibition. The event fits into a strategy for sustainable tourism promotion in the post-pandemic era.