Sea Festival 2024

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

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Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, just a short distance from the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex, Angkor Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape into nature and a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rich biodiversity. As one of the few dedicated botanical gardens in the country, it serves not only as a tranquil retreat for visitors but also as a center for education, conservation, and sustainability. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, the garden offers something for everyone.

Spanning over 15 hectares, Angkor Botanical Garden is home to a diverse collection of native and exotic plant species. The garden is thoughtfully divided into different thematic sections, including a palm garden, orchid house, medicinal plant garden, butterfly garden, and more. Each area is carefully curated to showcase the rich flora of Cambodia and Southeast Asia, with informative signs that explain the significance, uses, and conservation status of each plant. Visitors can stroll through shaded pathways lined with towering trees, flowering shrubs, and rare plant species, all set against the backdrop of traditional Khmer architecture and serene water features.

One of the standout attractions is the Orchid Pavilion, where visitors can marvel at a vibrant variety of orchids that bloom in stunning colors and unique shapes. The garden is also home to several endangered and endemic species, highlighting its commitment to plant conservation. Educational displays around the park provide valuable insights into the importance of protecting Cambodia’s native ecosystems, making it a great destination for families, students, and eco-conscious travelers.

But Angkor Botanical Garden is more than just a beautiful park. It is a vital part of local conservation efforts. The garden’s mission includes preserving native plant species, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting sustainable landscaping practices. It partners with local schools, universities, and NGOs to offer workshops, guided tours, and research opportunities. By integrating education and conservation, the garden inspires both locals and tourists to develop a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s natural heritage.

For those seeking relaxation, the garden offers plenty of shaded seating areas, scenic picnic spots, and a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments surrounded by nature. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the garden’s role as a habitat for local bird species, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation. The peaceful environment makes it perfect for meditation, yoga, or a simple stroll to unwind from the hustle of daily life or temple touring.

In recent years, Angkor Botanical Garden has become a favored destination for eco-tourism and green living initiatives in Cambodia. With its beautiful landscapes, educational programs, and focus on sustainability, it plays a key role in promoting environmental stewardship in the region. Whether you spend an hour or an entire afternoon here, the garden leaves a lasting impression of serenity, knowledge, and natural wonder.

So, if you’re visiting Siem Reap, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Angkor Botanical Garden. It’s a hidden gem that offers a refreshing break from the crowds, while connecting you to the beauty and importance of Cambodia’s natural environment.

🌿 Kampong Khleang Nature Tourism Community
Location: Kampong Khleang Village, Kampong Khleang Commune, Sout Nikom District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia about 52 km southeast of Siem Reap city and Sokchea Angkor Hotel.

Established in 2016, the community was formed in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs to support local livelihoods by developing sustainable ecotourism and promoting environmental conservation.

 

🌟 What You Can Experience
🛶 Canoe & Boat Tours
Ride canoes or wooden boats through floating villages, seasonally flooded forests, and the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake.
Witness the daily life of fishing communities and their adaptation to water-based living.
🍲 Community Meals & Homestays
Enjoy traditional Khmer meals made from local ingredients (like sticky rice, palm sugar, and grilled fish).
Stay overnight with local families to immerse yourself in rural Cambodian life.
📚 Environmental Education
A portion of the income from tourism supports Bridge of Life School, clean water projects, and environmental education for locals and children.
📅 Seasonal Features
Rainy Season (June–October): The entire village becomes a floating village with houses and boats gliding over the water.
Dry Season (November–May): The water recedes, exposing “wooden skyscrapers” — tall stilt houses that rise dramatically above the dry land.
💲 Tour Options & Pricing
Option Description
Group Tours: Daily departures with guides, canoe trip, and village visit & Price Range 38–45 USD
Private Tours 5.5-hour full experience, including school visit, pagoda, and Tonlé Sap sunset view & Price Range $60 USD
Custom Packages: Add-on services like Khmer cooking class, extended homestays, or community volunteering: & Price Range Varies
✅ Best For
Activity, What You’ll Gain
Canoe/Boat Ride: Explore ecosystems, learn about floodplain living and aquatic biodiversity
Environmental Study: Get insights from community guides about seasonal flooding and sustainable adaptation
Community Support: Help fund local education and clean water through responsible tourism
Local Culture: Participate in Khmer traditions like fishing, cooking, and temple visits
🌍 Community Impact
The project actively improves livelihoods, education, and environment.
It’s known for being a more ethical alternative to over-commercialized floating villages like Chong Khneas.
Revenues are reinvested into the community through infrastructure, schooling, and clean water access.

We are delighted to introduce our sister property, Sokchea Kampot Hotel, located in the picturesque town of Kampot. Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers the same exceptional service and luxurious amenities as Sokchea Angkor Hotel, providing an ideal getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and charm.

Discover the charm of Kampot with Sokchea Kampot, where luxury, comfort, and personalized service come together to create a memorable stay. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, Sokchea Kampot is the perfect destination for your next vacation.