Tourism Booms with the return of the Water Festival in Cambodia

According to the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Department there has been a notable influx of tourists to the capital with the return of the celebrated Water Festival. If you’re spending your vacation at a leading boutique hotel Siem Reap like the Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa the festival is a must attend as it is recognized as one of Cambodia’s most extravagant festivals. Celebrated usually for three days in November, the Water Festival announces the fishing season and is seen as a thanksgiving to the mighty Mekong for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. Siem Reap’s Tourism Department says that this year saw a high rise in tourist arrivals as the festival was held after a gap of 3 years. “The festival has not been fully celebrated across the country for three years, so this year people were excited that the celebration was officially resumed” said Chhoeuy Chhorn, deputy director of the Siem Reap Provincial Tourism Department. The 3 days of the Water Festival is celebrated with much merriment and action by every town and province, with activities such as boat racing and large gatherings at pagodas at midnight for Ak Ambok- where a special rice mixed with coconut and banana is relished.