Tradition: Cambodians praise the organisation of the Water Festival

Cambodians were quick to express their satisfaction with the Royal Government's organisation of this year's Water Festival, as they enjoyed the celebrations in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The water festival, known as Bon Om Touk, lasts for three days and takes place from 14 to 16 November. This annual event attracts locals and visitors to the banks of the Tonle Sap in Phnom Penh, where they gather to cheer on their favourite boat teams.

 ‘As a Cambodian, I'm proud to see this year's water festival, which allows people to enjoy this cultural celebration in the capital,’ says Reach Samei from Kampong Chhnang province.

Liza, a student in Phnom Penh, shares her views on the festival, saying that public order, security, the beautiful decorations in public places, etc. are well managed:

"The Royal Government of Cambodia and the relevant authorities have made efforts to celebrate this annual festival. People and tourists can happily join in the festivities,’ she says.

As night falls over the three days, the banks of the Tonle Sap are transformed into a bustling fairground, with food stalls and other things bringing people and tourists together.

‘The preparations for this year's water festival are excellent. The authorities have done an excellent job in managing the crowds and maintaining security and order for the public, as well as having medical teams ready to provide on-site care and emergency response,’ says Veasna Sovann, a resident of Phnom Penh.

More than 1.1 million national and international tourists visited the capital Phnom Penh on 14 November, the first day of the three-day Water Festival, according to figures from Phnom Penh City Hall.

This festival is celebrated every year at the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season. It attracts large crowds from all over the country to the capital of Phnom Penh and showcases the country's vibrant culture and traditions for locals and tourists alike. Last year, the Water Festival attracted some five million local and foreign visitors.

AKP