The Equinox Angkor is one of the most popular events

River Festival 2025: Celebrating Cambodia’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Cambodia is a country rich in cultural traditions and natural beauty, and one of the most anticipated annual events that showcases this heritage is the River Festival. This festival, which first began in 2015, is held in a different province each year, highlighting the significance of Cambodia’s rivers in the country’s history, tourism, and daily life. In 2025, the 9th River Festival will take place from March 21 to 23 in Takeo province, under the theme “The Value of River: Bridging Culture with Nature Tourism.” This event will serve as a platform to promote tourism, celebrate local culture, and bring economic benefits to the community while emphasizing the importance of protecting Cambodia’s natural waterways

A Celebration of Culture and Tourism
The River Festival is designed to be a vibrant and inclusive event that attracts visitors from across Cambodia and beyond. It features a variety of cultural performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that showcase the rich traditions of the host province. Takeo province, known for its ancient temples, serene landscapes, and historical significance, is an ideal location for this event. The festival’s main venue, Takeo Lakeside Park in Daun Keo City, will provide a stunning backdrop for the festivities, allowing visitors to appreciate both the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

The 2025 festival’s theme emphasizes the deep connection between Cambodia’s rivers and its cultural identity. The event will highlight how rivers have played a vital role in Khmer civilization for centuries, serving as essential transportation routes, sources of livelihood, and centers of spiritual significance. By blending cultural performances with eco-tourism activities, the festival aims to encourage sustainable tourism practices and promote the conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources.

Exciting Activities and Attractions
One of the most exciting aspects of the River Festival is the diverse range of activities it offers. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, showcasing Cambodia’s artistic heritage. Local artisans will display their crafts, allowing guests to witness and purchase handmade products that reflect the craftsmanship of Takeo’s skilled artisans. Food lovers will have the opportunity to sample traditional Khmer cuisine, with food stalls offering a variety of local dishes.

Beyond cultural experiences, the festival will also feature sports competitions, including canoeing, kayaking, and boat races, which celebrate the strong connection between Cambodian people and their waterways. A 75-kilometer Phnom Penh-Takeo cycling race is expected to draw professional and amateur cyclists alike. Other sports activities, such as fun runs, volleyball, and traditional Khmer martial arts demonstrations, will provide entertainment and participation opportunities for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the event will be the sky lantern displays, where hundreds of lanterns will be released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking visual experience. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and is a favorite attraction for both locals and tourists.

Economic and Social Impact
The River Festival is not only a celebration but also an important economic and social event. By attracting thousands of visitors, it provides a significant boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. The festival also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their products and generate income.

In preparation for the festival, the Ministry of Tourism has issued guidelines to ensure high-quality services for visitors.

Local vendors are encouraged to decorate their stalls in ways that reflect Khmer culture and the unique identity of Takeo province. Authorities are working closely with businesses to maintain fair pricing, ensure cleanliness, and provide sufficient parking spaces to accommodate large crowds. These efforts aim to enhance the visitor experience and establish Takeo as a premier tourist destination.

A Tradition of Success
Since its launch in 2015, the River Festival has been hosted in different provinces, each offering a unique cultural and natural backdrop. In 2024, the event was held in Siem Reap and attracted over 500,000 visitors, making it one of the most successful editions of the festival. The event was temporarily suspended in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2023 with great enthusiasm. The 2025 edition in Takeo is expected to continue this success, drawing even larger crowds and further solidifying the festival’s role in Cambodia’s tourism industry.

Boeng Pearaing, located just outside of Siem Reap city, is a peaceful and lesser-known destination that offers a refreshing escape into nature and local life. This large freshwater lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, floating houses, and traditional wooden stilt homes, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Cambodian fishing communities. Unlike the more crowded tourist attractions in Siem Reap, Boeng Pearaing is quiet and serene, making it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and relaxing experience. Visitors can enjoy boat rides across the calm waters, observe local fishermen at work, and even participate in birdwatching, as the area is home to a variety of wetland bird species. In the late afternoon, the golden hour light casts a magical glow over the lake, creating perfect opportunities for photography and peaceful reflection. Local food stalls offer freshly prepared dishes, often featuring fish caught from the lake itself. Boeng Pearaing also serves as an educational spot, where travelers can learn about environmental conservation and the delicate balance of Cambodia’s wetland ecosystems. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, nature exploration, or simply a quiet place to unwind, Boeng Pearaing provides a beautiful and meaningful escape close to the heart of Siem Reap.

🌿 Overview & Conservation

– The sanctuary covers approximately 175–200 hectares of wetland.
– It supports over 175 species of waterbirds, including rare and endangered species such as:
– Milky Stork
– Spot-billed Pelican
– Greater Adjutant
– Purple and Grey Heron
– Black-headed Ibis
– Comb Duck
– Lesser Whistling Duck
– Purple Swamphen
– It plays a key role as a migratory stopover and breeding site in Cambodia.
– Community-led conservation efforts, including partnerships with NGOs and monks, are protecting habitats from drought, overfishing, and habitat loss.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

– Birdwatching Season: February to May is ideal, as water levels are moderate and migratory birds are active.
– Dry Season Visits: Mid-March to July offers beautiful landscapes, clear skies, and easier access to birdwatching zones.
– Suggested Times:
– Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Cooler temperatures, active bird movement.
– Afternoon (around 3:45 PM): Stunning wetland sunsets and fewer visitors.

🚣 What You Can Do at Boeng Pearaing

– Boat Tours: Glide through the marshes on a traditional wooden boat (about 1 to 1.5 hours). It’s the best way to spot birds quietly and safely.
– Kayaking: For a more immersive and peaceful experience, kayak through narrow water channels.
– Community Tours: Visit local farming villages, rice fields, floating gardens, or local markets in Chreav Commune.
– Photography & Birdwatching: Capture rare birds, stunning wetland reflections, and authentic Cambodian landscapes.

💵 Entrance & Tour Details

– Entrance Fee: Approximately $5 USD per person.
– Boat Rental: Around $15–25 USD per boat, which fits 3–4 people.
– Guided Tours: Range from $40–50 USD per group, depending on size and services.
– Total Duration: Most visits last 3 to 4 hours, including round-trip transport and on-site exploration.

🦜 Why It’s Special

– Hosts over 175 species of waterbirds, making it one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Tonle Sap floodplain region.
– Wildlife includes not just birds but fish, amphibians, buffalos, and even otters.
– Conservation is community-driven, making your visit a contribution to local livelihoods and biodiversity protection.

📍 How to Get There

– From Siem Reap city or Sokchea Angkor Hotel, Boeng Pearaing is about 20–30 minutes by tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, or private car.
– Located via the Chreav Commune Road southeast of the city.
– Many tours offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, including snacks and water.

✅ Reasons to Visit Boeng Pearaing

A peaceful alternative to the Angkor temples, perfect for nature lovers.
– Supports eco-tourism and helps preserve Cambodian wetlands and birdlife.
– Ideal for:
– Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography
– Nature tours
– Family eco-trips
– Culture seekers exploring authentic Khmer village life.

🔖 Travel Tips

– Bring binoculars, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen, camera, and light long-sleeved clothing.
– Respect the environment and follow your guide’s instructions.
– Avoid loud noises or sudden movements to not disturb the birds.

Step into the heart of Cambodian culinary tradition with our Chef’s Special Recommendation:

Khmer Amok. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a vibrant, aromatic masterpiece, often hailed as Cambodia’s national treasure. Our chef meticulously crafts this creamy, delicately spiced fish mousse, steamed to perfection in a banana leaf cup, bringing you a truly authentic taste of Siem Reap.

Experience the harmony of fresh herbs, rich coconut cream, and tender fish, just as it’s been enjoyed for generations.

It’s a must-try for any true food lover exploring Cambodia!

While many associate “curry” with fiery heat, our Chef invites you to discover the nuanced and aromatic world of Khmer Curry.

Unlike its spicier Thai or Indian counterparts,

Cambodian curries are renowned for their delicate balance of flavors, prioritizing fragrance and richness over intense chili heat.

The secret lies in the kroeung, our chef’s freshly pounded, aromatic paste made from local lemongrass, vibrant turmeric, galangal, and kaffir lime zest.

This fragrant blend, combined with creamy coconut milk and a touch of palm sugar, creates a wonderfully mild, yet incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. Experience the true essence of Cambodian cooking—a subtle, unforgettable journey for your palate.