Tradition & Photo Gallery: Day 2 of the Water Festival welcomes more and more visitors to Phnom Penh

More and more locals and foreign visitors flocked to enjoy the second day of the three-day Water Festival (14-16 November), particularly along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

The Ministry of Tourism is expecting a significant increase in the number of tourists at this year's Water Festival, one of Cambodia's most important cultural events.

The three-day festival, which began this year on November 14, attracts hundreds of thousands of national and international visitors to the capital, Phnom Penh.

‘Thanks to peace and stability, the 2024 Water Festival is expected to record a high number of tourist movements,’ said H.E. Top Sopheak, Secretary of State and spokesperson for the Ministry.

"On the first day, we saw a good turnout of tourists. We are optimistic about the number of tourists who will visit Cambodia now and in the future during the Water Festival,’ he added.

According to figures from Phnom Penh City Hall, more than 1.1 million national and international tourists were registered in the capital Phnom Penh on 14 November, the first day of the Festival.

The Ministry actively promoted the event as a major tourist attraction, focusing on boat races, illuminated floats and traditional performances.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has also taken steps to improve infrastructure and security in Phnom Penh to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Last year, the Water Festival attracted some five million national and international visitors.

Reports from provincial tourism departments also showed a remarkable increase in tourist movements on the first day of the Festival.

More photographs here...

Photos: AKP Team