Cambodian festivals and ceremonies are highly influenced by the concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism, and royal cultures. Unsurprisingly, these are the best time for travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the Cambodian cultural values and traditions. Below are some useful information for flights from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia and key festivals in the country.

From Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia

Most flights from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia will land in the two international airports of the country: one in Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh International Airport) and one in Siem Reap (Siem Reap International Airport).

Cambodia Angkor Air – the national flag carrier of Cambodia which is best known for its high safety standards, frequently offers the best deals for Cambodia flight tickets. Currently you can find many cheap flights from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia which are available on its website and valid until 31 March 2018.

Typical festivals in Cambodia

Bonn Chaul Chhnam

Bonn Chaul Chhnam or Khmer New Year Festival is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated during the mid-April to mark an end of the harvest season. This is the time when family members reunite, homes are cleaned and decorated, people flock to local temples with elaborate offerings and throw water at each other as a form of blessing.

Bonn Pchum Ben

Bonn Pchum Ben is the most significant festival in the Khmer religious calendar. The festival is held on the 15^th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar. On this occasion, families visit pagodas and dedicate offerings to their ancestors as a way to remember, venerate and show respect to their deceased relatives.

Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal

Held at the start of the rainy season in late May, Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal (Royal Ploughing Ceremony) inaugurates the ploughing season. The most important part of the ceremony is what the Royal Bulls eat when offered seven silver trays containing rice, corn, beans, sesame seeds, grass, water and wine. Predictions for the upcoming harvest will be made based on what they select.

Vesaka Bochea

Vesaka Bochea, celebrated on the full moon of the sixth month in the Khmer calendar, is a festival that commemorates three events in the Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. On this day, Buddhists from all ages walk with candles, incense sticks and lotus flowers in hand. They also pray to the Buddha and donate clothes and food to the local monks.