en
Choul Chnam Thmey, also known as Cambodian/Khmer New Year, is one of the long-standing and most significant festivals of the Khmer people. Celebrated in mid-April each year, it marks the transition from the old year to the new according to the traditional calendar.
The festival symbolises reunion, sharing, and a hopeful new beginning in Khmer culture. This article explores the rich cultural traditions of the Khmer people through this meaningful celebration.
In the lead-up to the New Year, Khmer people dedicate time to cleaning and preparing their homes. There is a strong belief that a tidy and well-organised home brings good fortune, peace, and positive beginnings for the year ahead.
Food during the Khmer New Year goes far beyond nourishment — it represents a blend of cultural heritage, beliefs, and family connections passed down through generations. Each dish carries its own meaning, reflecting hopes for prosperity, peace, and happiness. Preparing and sharing traditional meals is an important way to preserve identity and strengthen family bonds during the New Year period.
Num Ansom is one of the most iconic dishes of the Khmer New Year. It is made from sticky rice combined with mung beans, coconut, or pork, carefully wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Its long cylindrical shape symbolises unity, abundance, and harmony within the family. In many households, preparing Num Ansom together is a cherished tradition that brings generations together, offering a chance to share stories and celebrate the New Year as one.
Kralan is a traditional delicacy made by mixing sticky rice with beans or coconut, then cooking it inside bamboo tubes over an open flame. The gentle aroma of bamboo infuses the rice, creating a simple yet distinctive flavour.
This dish reflects the close relationship between people and nature, as well as a way of life that values simplicity and sustainability.
Samlor Korkor is a traditional Khmer curry, known for its light coconut base and fragrant blend of lemongrass, turmeric, and other spices. It is typically enjoyed with rice or bread.
Often served during special occasions, this dish brings families together around the table, creating moments of warmth, sharing, and togetherness during the New Year.
The Khmer New Year is celebrated over three main days, each carrying its own meaning and significance.
The first day marks the official arrival of the New Year. It is believed that a new spirit descends to bring blessings and good fortune. Families spend this day cleaning and decorating their homes, wearing new or traditional clothing, visiting pagodas to pray for peace, and making offerings at home altars.
The second day focuses on gratitude, kindness, and community. It is a time to honour ancestors and show appreciation to others.
People bring food and offerings to temples for monks, take part in charitable activities, and spend quality time with family. In many places, traditional rituals such as building sand mounds in pagodas are performed to accumulate merit for the year ahead.
The final day is the most joyful, marking the festival's conclusion. People perform the ritual of pouring scented water over Buddha statues to cleanse away misfortune and welcome good luck.
Elders and monks offer blessings, and families come together to share meals, exchange well-wishes, and enjoy festive activities.
For those living away from home, sending money is one of the most meaningful ways to support and show appreciation to loved ones.
To celebrate this special occasion with our customers, from 6 April 2026 to 13 April 2026, Hai Ha is delighted to offer a special promotion with $0 transfer fees and special gifts for money transfers to Cambodia (excluding Western Union services).
From 6 to 13 April 2026, Hai Ha is offering $0 on all money transfers to Cambodia (excluding Western Union transactions). This promotion is available for both online money transfer and in-store transactions.
Customers who send money to Cambodia at Hai Ha branches during this promotional period will also have a chance to receive a premium umbrella. Limited to one umbrella per customer, while stocks last.
Don’t miss the opportunity to send money home to your family during Choul Chnam Thmey with $0 fees and attractive gifts.
