Vesak Bochea: Why You Should Visit Cambodia During Buddhist Day

For Buddhists around many parts of the planet, Vesak (or just ‘Buddhist Day,’ as it’s more colloquially known) is one of the most important festivals of the year. In 1999, it was even officially recognised by the United Nations as an essential religious festival.

The event is mainly celebrated in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, it isn’t observed in all parts of the Buddhist world, as some nations instead prefer to celebrate slightly different occasions at slightly different times.

Broadly, the holiday is known as ‘Vesak,’ but most nations have their own distinct spelling, name or pronunciation. In Cambodia, the day is more commonly known by the lengthier name of ‘Vesak Bochea.’

Here’s everything you need to know about Vesak Bochea in Cambodia, and why you should experience it for yourself.

What’s the Purpose of Vesak Bochea?

Vesak Bochea celebrates and commemorates three separate Buddhist occasions: Buddha’s birth, Buddha’s enlightenment, and Buddha’s death. According to Buddhist teaching, all three of these events fell on exactly the same date (during different years).

In modern times, the occasion is always held on the full moon of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar—so it typically occurs in April or May. 

In 2023, Vesak Bochea fell on the 8th of April. In 2024, the day will instead fall on the 22 of May.

What Happens During Vesak Bochea in Cambodia?

The day is a surprisingly action-packed event. 

Most of the formal and official celebrations in Cambodia take place in and around temples, shrines and pagodas.

On Vesak Bochea, many Buddhists wake up early to gather together in temples before dawn. Here, they’ll sing hymns, offer flowers, light candles, and give thanks to Buddha. 

At some temples, worshippers will pour water or tea over a small statue of the man, in a symbolically-cathartic ritual. Others might release floating lanterns into the sky.

Inside temples, monks recite verses from Buddhist scriptures and Buddha’s teachings. These verses encourage Cambodians to treat all living things with love and respect, and to live life in the same peaceful way Buddha did.

The temples themselves are often decorated in small and humble ways. They might be adorned with statues of Buddha, along with paintings, drawings, flowers and ornaments. 

Cambodia’s biggest Vesak Bochea mass gathering usually occurs at Preah Reach Troap, a lofty temple around 25 miles (40km) north of Phnom Penh. Here, thousands of people gather at the hilltop mountain, with its holy relics and items.

Aside from all the temple-based events and celebrations, one of the most important aspects of the day is doing things for others. On Vesak Bochea, Cambodians will give support to those who are less fortunate than themselves, offering gifts and help to old, sick, or disabled people. 

Others will give cash to charities, or volunteer for charitable causes. Most Buddhists also abstain from meat for this entire 24-hour period.

During the festival, local people also prioritize their friends and family. Although it’s an important religious day, Vesak Bochea is also an important family day—and Buddhists give thanks to their loved ones by spending time with them.

Why Should I Visit Cambodia During Vesak Bochea?

Of course, if you’re a Buddhist, Vesak Bochea is a great time to visit Cambodia. You can join in with the traditional celebrations, attend the religious services, and feel part of something sacred and special.

But even if you’re not religious, it’s a great time to be in Cambodia. In the contemporary world, lots of tradition is lost, and religion has largely made way for modernity. That’s especially the case in Cambodia, which is relatively less religious than lots of its nearby neighbors. But on Vesak Bochea, you’ll see a totally different side to the nation—and learn that the place hasn’t completely eschewed its religious side.

But whether you’re religious or not, Vesak Bochea is a great time to meet local people. Cambodians are always friendly, warm and hospitable, but they’re especially open and welcoming during Vesak Bochea. If you want to chat about history, heritage, culture and tradition, it’s the perfect time to do it. 

Dotted around various parts of the nation, you might also see banners, performances, street snacks, traditional dress, traditional foods, and lots of smiling faces. 

In short, Vesak Bochea is a lovely time to be in Cambodia—and you’ve probably never experienced anything like this before.

Which Part of Cambodia Should I Visit for Vesak Bochea?

During Vesak Bochea in Cambodia, it’s usually best to spend your time in a small town or village.

In bigger cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, a smaller portion of people are religious, and the events can often be overshadowed by the bustle of everyday life. Being in these bigger places during the festival can sometimes be a stressful experience.

But if you visit a smaller town or village, you can enjoy the celebrations in a humble and wholesome way. Somewhere such as Kampot is a perfect choice, as it’s small and peaceful, but with plenty of attractions and activities for tourists. The holiday is one of Kampot’s biggest celebrations, and it’s a great time to visit the town.

If that’s your plan, we have the perfect place to stay. Our boutique hotel offers high-end luxury in a traditional small-scale settlement. Aside from the comfort and class of our overnight stays, we also offer lots of immersive experiences. So come see the place for yourself!

Vesak Bochea is one of six important celebrations in Cambodia. To read more about the other five, read our informative blog posts on Khmer New Year, Bon Om Tuk (the wet and wacky Water Festival), Bon Pchum Ben, Victory Over Genocide Day, and Cambodian Independence Day. Thanks for reading!