Happy Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay: A Traditional New Year Journey at UEH

18 Apr, 2025

On the evening of April 12, 2025, UEH held a joyful celebration for the traditional New Year festivals—Bunpimay (Lao) and Chol Chnam Thmay (Cambodian) - combined with the Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Cultural Program. The event created a warm and vibrant space for international students at UEH to gather, share traditional cultures of their home countries, and strengthen the bond between students from all three nations together with UEH lecturers and staff.

Representing UEH at the event were Dr. Bui Quang Viet and Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Hai, Vice Heads of the Department of Student Affairs, along with Lao and Cambodian students from different programs, and UEH students who joined the celebration.

A colorful New Year spirit at UEH

Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay are traditional festivals with deep cultural and spiritual significance for people in Laos and Cambodia. These holidays are not only about tradition and values but also symbolize the connection and friendship between Southeast Asian countries. At UEH, this event was more than just a celebration - it was an opportunity to honor cultural diversity and promote unity in the region.

Deep cultural connection among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

In the opening remarks, Dr. Bui Quang Viet emphasized “Meaningful programs like today not only strengthen the friendship between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia but also inspire the young generation to continue nurturing this relationship. I believe that every international student at UEH represents not only their nation but also global citizenship - dynamic, internationally minded, and ready to contribute to the community. At UEH, we always support our students to grow fully, embrace their identity, and work toward sustainable, human-centered, and creative values”.

To mark this special occasion, UEH presented colorful New Year gifts to Lao and Cambodian students as warm wishes for the upcoming Bunpimay and Chol Chnam Thmay festivals. These gifts reflect UEH’s care and solidarity, and serve as meaningful mementos of the students’ time at the university.

The celebration continued with the thread-tying and water-splashing rituals - a symbol of blessings, good luck, and peace. As students gently tied threads on each other’s wrists with kind words and good wishes, the simple act carried deep cultural and emotional significance.

Then came a series of exciting cultural games designed to foster teamwork and cultural understanding. Students were divided into teams to join four game stations: kator, puzzle solving, nem con (throwing ball game), and bamboo dance. These enjoyable activities promoted quick thinking and collaboration while also allowing participants to learn more about the cultures of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The lively cheers and laughter filled the room, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.

After the games, students joined a creative DIY activity “Painting Wooden Fish.” Each student decorated their own wooden fish using personal colors and ideas, turning them into memorable gifts. In the cultures of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, fish represent river life and symbolize abundance, peace, and good fortune. Whether it’s the carp in Vietnamese folklore, the sacred fish in Lao Bunpimay, or fish patterns in Khmer architecture - this symbol connects shared values and cultural beauty across borders.

Each painted wooden fish became a small bridge symbolizing the shared Mekong River that links the three countries.

The event concluded with a food exchange and traditional dance performances. Students danced Lamvong together and enjoyed folk songs and modern music. Laughter and friendship filled the air, as Vietnamese and international students came together through music, dance, and heartfelt handshakes.

Traditional desserts and snacks from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia added flavor to the evening. Performances by Lao and Cambodian students made the event warm and welcoming, showcasing the unique beauty of each culture.

Besides cultural activities, the program was also a chance for international students to share their thoughts on traditional festivals, their hometown cultures, and life at UEH. Vietnamese students also had the opportunity to connect, learn from, and show respect to their international friends—small actions that make a big difference in building a united international student community.