This year’s Pchum Ben has to be one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It was an amazing week spent with old friends and family, a long ride with Rod to Battambang, and creating memories that will stay with me for a long time.
There’s something undeniably special about Pchum Ben or Khmer New Year. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is, but I think it’s the unique combination of gathering with loved ones and the festive music that gives these occasions their charm.
For me, it’s both.
The Music
I don’t think Pchum Ben would feel as lively and vibrant without the music that plays an integral role in keeping the tradition alive, passing it from one generation to the next. One timeless song that echoes every year during this season is *”ទៅបោះបាយបិណ្ឌ”* by Him Sivorn and Noy Vanneth. It’s like Cambodia’s version of *Last Christmas*, playing everywhere—on the radio, in cafés, and malls—during Pchum Ben.
That’s why I created a special playlist, filled with songs that reflect the spirit of Pchum Ben, based on my personal taste. If you’re interested, you can listen to it here. There are still many songs I haven’t added yet, but I’ll keep updating it as I go.
What I Am Grateful For
One Sunday morning, I was sitting at Brown Coffee, lost in my usual routine—working on my blog and reflecting on life. After wrapping up, I headed out to grab Kuy Teav with the J.Crew. As I was about to start my motorbike, the security guard at Brown, who always greets me with a smile, asked me, “Where are you headed for Pchum Ben?”
I told him, “I’m going to my hometown.”
He followed up, “Where’s your hometown?”
“Tboung Khmum,” I replied.
To my surprise, he was from the same province! It was a funny coincidence because I’d always felt some sort of connection with him. He’s always been warm and friendly, greeting me with a genuine smile every time.
I then asked, “So when are you heading back home?”
He replied, “I’m still working through Pchum Ben. I won’t get the chance to go home this year.”
That hit me hard. I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I gave him a tip, said goodbye, and left. I realized that sometimes, just acknowledging someone with kindness is enough.
This small encounter made me reflect on how fortunate I am. I have the privilege to take time off and spend a few days with loved ones, while many people, like the security guard, don’t have that opportunity. It reminded me to be more appreciative of the little things in life and to never take them for granted.
Teaming Up With Old Friends
The first pagoda visit for Pchum Ben this year was at កៀនស្វាយ, a place we’ve gone to every year with James’s family. After returning home for just a day, my friends and I teamed up to visit two more pagodas outside our village—the same ones we went to three or four years ago, though I can’t remember the exact year. Unfortunately, a few familiar faces were missing this time. Some friends had moved overseas, while others we’d simply lost touch with.
After the pagoda visits, we grabbed lunch together and spent the whole day catching up. There was no shortage of conversation; it felt like we could talk forever. Seeing them again after a few years was unexpected, and it brought back countless memories from our high school days. One thing that stands out in my mind is how we used to call each other by our last names instead of our first names, which is considered rude in Cambodia because it’s tied to our parents’ names. It was a playful way to tease each other, and it always felt like an inside joke we all shared.
Time has passed, and things have changed—people have changed. But somehow, my friends haven’t. Their personalities, the way we talk to each other—it all feels the same. Maybe the real change has been in me.
Hopefully, we’ll meet again next year if our paths cross once more.
Go To Pagoda With Family
It was a bit disappointing that the whole group couldn’t reunite this time. Chheng, my older brother, was tied up with work, and Long and Pich, my siblings, didn’t make it back home either. They said the transportation wasn’t convenient, so their parents decided to visit them in the city after paying respects at the two pagodas.
As life goes on, everything is changing; it doesn’t feel like the same anymore. The house seems quiet as three of our family members didn’t show up. This made me wonder who quieter would it be when I am not here, and what can I do to reunite or bring back the spirit? (No answer for now)
Afterward, I got dropped off on the outskirts of the city, where Rod picked me up for our trip to Battambang. We spent a night exploring the city before heading off to visit Jimmy’s family near the Thailand border.
