Takeo: Takeo province, located approximately 70 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, has officially launched the 9th River Festival, aiming to attract tourists under the theme ‘The Value of River – Linking Culture and Natural Tourism.’ The event, spanning three days from March 21 to 23, commenced with an opening ceremony presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted the festival as a result of peace, poised to promote sustainable tourism and enhance economic benefits for the local population. The Prime Minister urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to advance tourism development in Cambodia, with a particular focus on community-based tourism initiatives.

H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, called on the public to partner with the Royal Government and the Ministry of Tourism to bolster tourism efforts in Takeo. Additionally, H.E. Vei Samnang, Takeo Provincial Governor, expressed optimism that hosting the festival would elevate Takeo’s profile among local and international tourists. He emphasized that the event is a historical milestone for Takeo, an area recognized for its ancient civilization.

The River Festival, first held in 2015 in Kratie province, has since traveled to various provinces, including Stung Treng, Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, and Battambang. The festival was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022 but resumed in 2023 in Kampong Thom and last year in Siem Reap, drawing over half a million visitors.

This year’s festival features 10 sports activities organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Takeo’s provincial administration, such as cycling, running, Khmer traditional chess, volleyball, canoeing, and Kun Khmer, among others.