Cambodia diversifies tourism through 9th River Festival

From March 21-23, the Kingdom of Cambodia held the 9th River Festival in Takeo province to promote and develop the tourism potential of riverside provinces in this Southeast Asian country.

With the theme “The Value of the River: Connecting Culture and Nature Tourism,” this year’s festival combines culture and sports to attract a large number of domestic and international visitors.

According to a VNA correspondent in Cambodia, the opening ceremony of the 9th River Festival took place on the evening of March 22, chaired by Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, along with many exciting entertainment activities, including concerts, art performances, exciting sports competitions and many other interesting programs.

Speaking at the opening event, Prime Minister Hun Manet said Takeo province has great potential for tourism, which can attract many domestic and international tourists.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet at the opening ceremony of the 9th River Festival in Takeo province.

This is an ancient land, where the first Khmer territory and civilization were formed from the Nokor Phnom period, leaving behind many historical legacies with ancient temples such as Phnom Da temple (dating from the 6th century) in Angkor Borei district, Phnom Bayang temple (7th century) on the top of Bayang mountain in Kirivong district, Neang Khmao temple (10th century) in Samrong district, Phnom Chisor temple (10th century) and Phnom Tamao temple (11th century) in Bati district, Ta Prohm temple (late 12th century, early 13th century) in Bati district... These temples have become attractive cultural and historical tourist destinations for domestic and international visitors.

In addition, in Takeo province there are other natural and man-made tourist areas such as Tonle Bati River, Ph'ok Waterfall, Phnom Khleng Mountain, Phnom Chita Pich Mountain, Kompul Pich Peak, Phutthakiri Pagoda or Buddha Mountain...

Speaking at the event, Takeo Governor Vei Samnang said this was the first time Takeo had hosted the River Festival. He said that being chosen to host the 9th River Festival would give a strong boost to the province’s economy; he also expressed his hope that the event would serve as a platform to promote local products to Cambodians and international visitors, thereby promoting and showcasing the tourism potential of the riverside province.

Artists perform in art programs within the framework of the 9th River Festival in Cambodia.

According to Mr. Vei Samnang, Takeo province also has a potential culinary service product, which is the natural giant freshwater prawn specialty, which has been granted a geographical indication (GI) certificate by the Ministry of Commerce. In 2024 alone, Takeo giant freshwater prawn will harvest 50 tons, supplying both inside and outside the province.

The 9th River Festival also features exhibitions on tourism achievements, a food and beverage fair, and exhibitions on trade, agricultural tourism products and local products, as well as various development projects in Takeo Prefecture.

In addition, many exciting sports competitions took place, including a 75km bicycle race from Phnom Penh to Takeo, a running event with 1,200 participants, tug of war, volleyball, boat racing, etc.

In his message about the event, Cambodian Tourism Minister Hout Hak emphasized that the goal of organizing this River Festival is to promote and enhance the tourism potential of Cambodia's riverside provinces, while supporting the Royal Government's policy of focusing on developing riverside areas, contributing to the development of tourism diversification strategies.

According to Minister Hout Hak, the event is also an opportunity to mobilize the public and stakeholders to participate in the conservation and development of river resources in a sustainable and responsible manner; at the same time, encourage people to participate in activities to improve and honor the beauty of the urban environment and community, thereby attracting more domestic and international tourists.

The River Festival was first held in Kratie province in 2015 and has taken place annually since then in many provinces in Cambodia, associated with prominent tourist attractions of each region.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the River Festival in Cambodia is set to resume in Kampong Thom province in 2023 and Siem Reap province in 2024.

Taking place annually in riverside localities, the River Festival highlights the unique and attractive beauty of each locality in the country of pagodas and towers, contributing to tourism development, as well as building the image of Cambodia as a peaceful and friendly destination for tourists.

The 9th River Festival includes many activities, including exhibitions on tourism achievements, agricultural products, local specialties and various development projects in Takeo province.

In addition, the River Festival also serves as a forum to promote cross-border tourism and connect economic partnerships. Within the framework of this year’s River Festival, there are also campaigns for “Tourism for All, All for Tourism” and “Tourism for Peaceful Development,” to reaffirm the commitment of Takeo Province in particular and Cambodia in general to promote the development of a peaceful and prosperous tourism industry.

Cambodia's Takeo province is also known for its rich agricultural resources, including rice, as well as specialty products such as giant freshwater prawns and duck eggs./.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/campuchia-da-dang-hoa-du-lich-thong-qua-le-hoi-song-nuoc-lan-thu-9-20250324160552276.htm