Chol Chnam Thmay Festival: Celebrating Khmer New Year in Tra Vinh, Vinh Long

A Vibrant Khmer Cultural Celebration

Tra Vinh, now a dynamic ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta gem nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km coastline along the East Sea. Renowned for its rich Khmer heritage, Tra Vinh hosts the Chol Chnam Thmay festival, the Khmer New Year, which is one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in the region. Attracting 10,000 visitors annually, this festival, with activities costing $1–$35 (25,000–875,000 VND), offers a unique blend of traditional music, dance, and cuisine, set against a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Celebrated by Tra Vinh’s Khmer community (30% of 1 million residents), Chol Chnam Thmay is a must-experience for cultural enthusiasts.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cultural tours to Chol Chnam Thmay in Tra Vinh, using bicycles, electric boats, and local guides to showcase its heritage while supporting conservation. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your festival adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key cultural and tourism hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking an authentic Mekong Delta experience.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh festival tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing cultural insights, and partnerships with local communities to preserve traditions and ecosystems. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Chol Chnam Thmay, the Khmer New Year, is a three- to four-day festival marking the transition to a new year in the Khmer lunar calendar. Held in mid-April (typically 13th–16th, Lunar 3rd Month), it is a time of renewal, gratitude, and community celebration. The festival features vibrant rituals, traditional Apsara dances, and communal feasts, reflecting Tra Vinh’s Khmer heritage. It’s a spiritual and joyous occasion where locals pray for health, prosperity, and happiness, drawing 150–200 visitors daily to pagodas and cultural events.

Key Festival Days

1. Chol Sangkran (Day 1): The first day of the new year, filled with singing, dancing, and family gatherings. Locals prepare offerings and decorate homes with flowers.

2. Wonbof (Day 2): A day of reverence, where residents visit pagodas like Ang Pagoda to burn incense and make offerings, expressing gratitude and devotion.

3. Lom Sak (Buddha’s Bathing Day, Day 3): The most solemn day, where monks and locals cleanse Buddha statues with fragrant water, symbolizing purification and blessings for the year ahead.

1. Traditional Khmer Dances and Music

• Description: Enjoy Apsara dances and traditional Khmer music performed at pagodas and community spaces. These performances, featuring intricate costumes and rhythmic drumming, showcase Khmer cultural heritage.

• Location: Ang Pagoda (5 km from city center, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND donation); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).

• Cost: Free; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid single-use plastics during events; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tip: Attend evening performances (6:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant displays; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

2. Pagoda Rituals and Offerings

• Description: Participate in or observe rituals like incense-burning, food offerings, and Buddha statue cleansing at pagodas. These ceremonies offer a glimpse into Khmer Buddhist traditions.

• Location: Ang Pagoda; Chua Co (Stork Pagoda, 3 km from city center, free entry).

• Cost: Free; donations ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) and biodegradable offerings encouraged.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use eco-friendly incense and offerings; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

• Tip: Visit on Wonbof or Lom Sak days (mornings, 7:00–10:00 AM) for solemn rituals; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

3. Savor Khmer Festival Foods

• Description: Feast on traditional dishes like Banh Tet Tra Cuon (glutinous rice cake, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), Chao Am fish congee ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND), and Makapuno Coconut desserts ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at festival stalls.

• Location: Tra Vinh Night Market; pagoda food stalls.

• Cost: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) per dish.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Tip: Try Banh Tet with Nuoc Mam Ruoi (clam worm sauce, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

4. Community Celebrations and Markets

• Description: Join locals in festive gatherings at Tra Vinh Night Market or pagoda grounds, where you can shop for Khmer handicrafts ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND) and enjoy communal meals.

• Location: Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center); Ang Pagoda grounds.

• Cost: Free entry; food and souvenirs $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable bags; support artisans using sustainable materials.

• Tip: Bargain politely (10–20% off); visit from 5:00–8:00 PM for the liveliest atmosphere; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• When: Mid-April (13th–16th, Lunar 3rd Month), typically during the dry season (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F), offering sunny, comfortable weather.

• Crowds: Draws 150–200 visitors daily, especially at pagodas like Ang Pagoda and Chua Co.

• Weather: Low humidity and minimal rainfall make it ideal for outdoor festivities and pagoda visits.

• Tip: Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead via Legend Travel Group; mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for rituals, evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dances and markets.

Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 km from Vinh Long Ward, and 80 km from Can Tho:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).

• From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for city center sites (1–2 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, perfect for short trips.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, great for pagoda visits.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable festival experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; modest clothing for pagodas (cover shoulders and knees).

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable sunscreen.

• Essentials: Hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); small change for donations ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Festival Costs

• Food (e.g., Banh Tet Tra Cuon, Chao Am): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Drinks (e.g., Xuan Thanh Wine, coconut water): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Handicrafts/Souvenirs: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Pagoda Donations: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda/Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (nearby Ba Om Pond): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Cultural Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (walking, street food, homestay).

• Mid-range: $25–$40 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).

• Timing: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for pagoda rituals; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dances and market festivities. Mid-April offers dry, sunny weather (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for Chol Chnam Thmay.

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; join festival cleanups. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; key festival sites are within 1–5 km of the city center.

• Safety: Secure valuables; respect festival customs. Confirm prices before purchasing.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; dress modestly at pagodas; ask about rituals for a cultural exchange.

Experience Chol Chnam Thmay with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Cultural Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Join Chol Chnam Thmay rituals at Ang Pagoda, savor Banh Tet Tra Cuon, explore markets. Includes guide, cyclo transport, meals.

• Tra Vinh Cultural & Culinary Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Experience festival events, Ba Om Pond cruise, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with festival visits and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.

Chol Chnam Thmay, a vibrant celebration of Khmer heritage in Tra Vinh Regional, Vinh Long Province, located 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City, enchants visitors with traditional dances, rituals, and culinary delights like num banh chok ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND) during the mid-April festival. Held at cultural sites like Hang Pagoda, this event draws thousands yearly with free access. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours ensure a sustainable Tra Vinh Travel experience, supporting local communities with eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and visits to Ba Om Pond and Tra Vinh Night Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to celebrate Chol Chnam Thmay in Tra Vinh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a vibrant, unforgettable Mekong Delta journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Chol Chnam Thmay in Tra Vinh Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group