River Festival in Kratie draws nearly 320,000 visitors

PHNOM PENH, March 31, 2026 (KPT)— Cambodia’s River Festival in Kratie province attracted nearly 320,000 visitors over three days, underscoring the strong appeal and potential of river based tourism, officials said Monday.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak, speaking at the closing ceremony, hailed the 10th edition of the festival as a success, citing smooth organization, high safety standards, good public order and environmental cleanliness.

The event was attended by Kratie Governor Va Thon, senior officials, diplomats, private sector representatives, media and more than 3,000 participants. Hak expressed appreciation to national and international guests for their active involvement.

The festival featured exhibitions, food fairs, cultural performances, concerts and six types of tourism sports, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. Eleven accompanying programs combined religious, cultural, humanitarian and environmental activities, including alms giving, lantern ceremonies, charity work, tree planting and fish releasing.

Hak praised the hospitality of Kratie residents and urged continued cooperation to promote river regions as a sustainable “green economic belt.” He closed the festival with calls to support Cambodia’s tourism under the slogans “Tourism for All, All for Tourism,” “Tourism Grows in Peace,” and “Everyone is an Ambassador for Cambodia Tourism.”