EXPLORE TEMPLES ONE DAY ITINERARY

The Sea Festival 2024, marking its 11th edition, will take place in Kampot province from December 13 to 15. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability,” reflects the festival’s focus on honoring the region’s rich maritime traditions while highlighting the importance of preserving coastal environments. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant array of activities that celebrate both cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Organized by a coalition including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and the Provincial Administration of Kampot, the festival is supported by various institutions and private sector partners. This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to showcasing Cambodia’s maritime heritage and promoting coastal sustainability.

A significant highlight of the event will be the official Opening Ceremony on December 14, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet and First Lady Pich Chanmony. Their participation emphasizes the festival’s role in fostering national pride and cultural heritage while reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

The festival promises an exciting lineup of activities, including live concerts featuring local and international artists, vibrant performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can also participate in sports competitions, explore exhibitions showcasing tourism and local products, and indulge in a variety of food and beverage offerings. These events aim to provide a comprehensive experience of Cambodia’s coastal culture and attractions.

Since its inception in 2011, the Sea Festival has been held in rotation across Cambodia’s four coastal provinces: Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong, and Kampot. The festival aims to highlight the tourism potential of these regions while fostering collaboration among the private sector, public entities, and various stakeholders, ultimately encouraging efforts to protect and preserve marine resources and beach environments.

With a coastline spanning approximately 450 kilometers across these provinces, Cambodia boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystems. The country’s dedication to its coastal areas was further recognized when it joined the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (World-Bays Club) in mid-2011.

The Sea Festival 2024 aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia’s coastal regions while promoting sustainable tourism practices. By blending cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the festival seeks to enhance public understanding and involvement in preserving these vital natural resources.

This year’s event in Kampot promises to be a memorable celebration, combining entertainment, culture, and sustainability to highlight the beauty and significance of Cambodia’s coastal regions

Siem Reap will come alive on Nov. 14-15 for its vibrant Water Festival, a lively celebration filled with a variety of activities that embrace Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Alongside the iconic boat races, which remain a highlight of the festival, visitors can partake in full moon salutations and taste traditional pounded rice dishes, symbolizing blessings and community unity. The enchanting lantern floats will also light up the evening sky, adding a magical touch to the festivities.

Beyond these traditional events, visitors can enjoy exhibitions showcasing local food and products, with stalls offering a taste of Cambodia’s unique flavors and craftsmanship. Concerts, cultural performances, and various forms of entertainment will fill the areas along the Siem Reap River, as well as key tourist sites, providing an exciting array of options for attendees.

This year’s festival aims to shine a light on the heart of Cambodian culture, with an expectation of drawing a diverse audience of both national and international visitors to the province. The Siem Reap administration warmly welcomes everyone to experience the festivities and has stressed the importance of maintaining order, security, safety measures, and cleanliness to ensure an enjoyable and respectful celebration for all.

🌅 Best Things to Do in One Day in Siem Reap

🕗 Morning: Explore the Wonders of Angkor
– Start early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds.
– Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
– Continue to Bayon Temple (with the iconic smiling faces) and Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple covered in roots).
– Tip: Arrange a tuk-tuk tour or hire a guide for historical context. Sokchea Angkor Hotel can help guests with bookings.

* Optional: Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat if you’re an early riser—totally worth it!

🍲 Lunch: Local Khmer Cuisine
– Head back into town and enjoy lunch at a recommended local restaurant.
– Try dishes like fish amok, beef lok lak, or green mango salad.
– Sokchea Angkor Hotel can suggest authentic and clean spots for traditional meals.

🛍 Afternoon: Culture & Craft
– Visit the Angkor National Museum to understand Khmer history and artifacts.
– Stroll through Artisans Angkor to see traditional crafts being made (and shop for souvenirs).
– Alternatively, try a Khmer cooking class if you prefer something hands-on.

🌇 Evening: Night Market & Entertainment
– Walk through the Siem Reap Night Market or Made in Cambodia Market.
– Grab street food or enjoy a relaxed sit-down dinner.
– End your day with either:
– An Apsara Dance Dinner Show (culture + dining).
– Or the Phare Cambodian Circus – storytelling through acrobatics and theater (highly recommended).

*Optional Add-on: Relax & Recharge
– Before dinner or after your day out, enjoy a Khmer massage or spa treatment.
– Many places offer 1-hour foot or full-body massages starting around $10–$15.