Sea Festival 2024

As the first stars appear over the ancient temples of Angkor, join us for an unforgettable celebration of light, hope, and renewal. From April 14–16, 2025, the west moat of Angkor Wat will transform into a shimmering dreamscape for our magical Lantern Floating Ceremony**—the crown jewel of **Angkor Sankranta’s Khmer New Year festivities.

Imagine this: The warm glow of countless lanterns reflecting on still waters, the scent of frangipani in the evening air, and the soft murmur of prayers and laughter as thousands come together in celebration. This is your moment to write your hopes on paper, light your lantern with care, and release it to join this radiant dance of light**—each flickering flame carrying dreams for the coming year.

More than just a beautiful spectacle, this **centuries-old tradition represents the enduring spirit of Cambodia. As your lantern drifts peacefully across the water, you’ll be surrounded by the timeless grandeur of Angkor Wat, where ancient stones whisper stories of the past while we celebrate the future.

Why Attend?
✔️ Experience one of Cambodia’s most breathtaking cultural events
✔️ Participate in a profound, meditative ritual of renewal
✔️ Create lasting memories with loved ones under the stars
✔️ Immerse yourself in the magic of Khmer New Year at its most spectacular

Special Tips:
– Arrive before sunset to secure the best spot and watch the transformation from day to night
– Wear comfortable, respectful clothing in light colors (perfect for photos!)
– Bring a camera—you’ll want to capture every luminous moment

Don’t let this chance slip through your fingers like grains of temple sand. Whether you’re seeking spiritual connection, cultural immersion, or simply one of the most beautiful nights of your life, Angkor Sankranta 2025 awaits.

Your lantern is waiting. Your moment is now.
Join us for this extraordinary celebration where ancient traditions meet new beginnings. 🪔✨

#AngkorSankranta2025 #LanternCeremony #KhmerNewYear #CambodiaTravel

Nestled on the northwestern edge of Cambodia’s iconic Tonlé Sap Lake lies a unique and enchanting destination—**Prek Toal**, a floating village and internationally recognized bird sanctuary that perfectly embodies the harmony between nature, culture, and sustainable tourism. This community-based ecotourism site, located in Battambang Province, offers a rare window into the daily life of a waterborne community while providing critical protection to some of Southeast Asia’s most endangered bird species.

What makes Prek Toal truly exceptional is its dual identity. On one hand, it’s a thriving floating village where families live in houses that rise and fall with the lake’s changing seasons. On the other, it is home to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve managed with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society and local conservationists. This flooded forest ecosystem is considered the most important breeding ground for large waterbirds in Southeast Asia, sheltering endangered species such as the Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Greater Adjutant, and Milky Stork.

The best time to visit Prek Toal is between December and February, during the dry season when the sanctuary comes alive with nesting activity. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers flock to the area for guided boat tours led by trained local bird guides. Visitors are treated to the sight of hundreds of birds soaring overhead or nesting in treetops, creating a visual and auditory experience unlike any other. Observation platforms within the sanctuary offer panoramic views across the flooded forest, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Beyond the natural wonders, the heart of Prek Toal lies in its community-based tourism model. Established in collaboration with NGOs such as Osmose, the initiative was designed to offer an alternative livelihood for local families while conserving the fragile ecosystem. Visitors can choose to stay overnight in floating homestays, enjoy traditional Cambodian meals prepared by host families, and participate in cultural experiences like fishing, weaving with water hyacinth, or visiting floating schools and workshops. Every dollar spent contributes directly to the village’s economy and helps reduce pressures like illegal fishing and deforestation.

Getting to Prek Toal from Siem Reap is relatively easy: a short drive to the boat port is followed by a scenic 1–1.5 hour ride across Tonlé Sap. The journey itself is part of the adventure, as visitors travel past vast wetlands and glimpses of life on the lake. Though simple in facilities, Prek Toal offers something that many destinations lack—authenticity, peace, and purpose. It’s not a polished resort, but a place where travelers can witness resilience, biodiversity, and the real rhythms of rural Cambodia.

Whether you’re passionate about bird conservation, interested in local culture, or just looking to escape the crowds, Prek Toal offers a truly memorable and meaningful travel experience. It’s a living example of how ecotourism, when done right, can protect nature while uplifting the communities who depend on it.

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, getting a visa no longer has to be a hassle. Thanks to the Cambodia e-Visa system, travelers can now apply for a tourist visa entirely online, saving both time and effort.

The Cambodia e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries and is intended strictly for tourism purposes. If you’re traveling for business, work, or any other reason, you’ll need to apply through a Cambodian embassy instead. The e-Visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows for a single entry into Cambodia, with a maximum stay of 30 days.

One of the great benefits of the e-Visa is that it can be used at several key points of entry. You can enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville International Airports. If you’re arriving by land, the e-Visa is accepted at Bavet (from Vietnam), Poipet (from Thailand), and Cham Yeam (also from Thailand).

The application process is quick and simple. It usually takes about three business days for approval. All you need is a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a recent passport-style photo (digital format), a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. The cost is typically around $36 USD, which includes a small processing fee.

To apply, just visit the official Cambodia e-Visa website at https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Fill out the online form, upload your photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Be sure to print a copy and bring it with you when you travel.

The Cambodia e-Visa makes visiting this beautiful and culturally rich country easier than ever. Whether you’re planning to explore Angkor Wat, relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville, or discover the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, getting your visa is now one less thing to worry about.