Conservative attendance estimates say up to two million people will descend on the Cambodian capital city for the festival. The festival highlight is boat racing on the Tonle Sap River and about 260 boats crewed by thousands of oarsmen will be competing over the three days of the festival.
The other main draws are exhilarating fireworks displays, live entertainment and the opportunity of wining and dining on Cambodian staples while enjoying the ambient carnival atmosphere. The festival is called Bonn Om Toeuk in the Khmer language and was originally held to celebrate the reversal of the Tonle Sap’s current and the start of the fishing season.
Bonn Om Toeuk is second only in importance on the Cambodian calendar to the Khmer New Year in April. Cambodians use any mode of transport available to get to Phnom Penh for this festival. Tourists heading to Phnom Penh this weekend should make reservations with 12GO ASIA now to avoid disappointment.
Record attendance figures expected for Phnom Penh Water Festival
News in Asia
Municipal authorities in Phnom Penh say they expect a record turn out for this year’s Water Festival. The festivities which mark this time-honoured annual happening are due to begin on Sunday and will run through until Tuesday.