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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Located in the vibrant city of Siem Reap, Sokchea Angkor Hotel offers travelers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. One of the hotel’s most relaxing features is its beautifully designed swimming pool—a tranquil space where guests can unwind and recharge.

Set amidst the hotel’s elegant architecture and well-maintained garden areas, the pool provides a refreshing escape from the city’s heat. Its clean, inviting water is perfect for a morning swim or a soothing dip in the afternoon. Comfortable loungers surround the pool, giving guests a place to relax, enjoy a cool drink, or simply take in the calm atmosphere. Though there are no palm trees, the surrounding greenery and careful landscaping create a natural and peaceful environment that complements the hotel’s traditional Khmer style.

The pool area is also a great place to socialize or enjoy quiet moments alone. Attentive staff are available to serve drinks or light snacks, adding to the comfort and convenience of the experience. Whether you’re cooling off after visiting the Angkor temples or starting your day with a refreshing swim, the Sokchea Angkor Hotel pool offers a welcome break from your adventures.

For travelers looking for comfort, calm, and a touch of local charm, the pool at Sokchea Angkor Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the best of Siem Reap hospitality.

🛶 Discover Chong Khneas Floating Village – A Unique Experience near Tonlé Sap Lake

Looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience during your stay at Sokchea Angkor Hotel? Just a short drive from Siem Reap, the **Chong Khneas Floating Village offers a glimpse into a way of life that exists nowhere else in the world.

🌊 What Is Chong Khneas?

Chong Khneas is a *floating community* located at the northern edge of Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here, entire neighborhoods – homes, schools, markets, and even pagodas – float on the water, moving with the rise and fall of the lake.

This unique village reflects the deep connection between the people and nature, where life is built around fishing, boating, and eco-friendly living.

📍 Why Visit Chong Khneas?

1. See Life on Water**
Residents live in colorful floating houses and travel by boat for school, shopping, and visiting neighbors. It’s a living village, not just a tourist site – giving you a real look at traditional Cambodian lake culture.

2. Sunset Boat Rides
The most magical time to visit is at sunset, when the golden light reflects off the water. It’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers.

3. Support Eco-Tourism & the Local Community
Your visit helps support local families and promotes sustainable tourism. Many boat tours are run by the villagers themselves.

4. Easy Access from Siem Reap
Chong Khneas is only about 30-45 minutes by car or tuk-tuk from Sokchea Angkor Hotel, making it a perfect half-day trip.

🧭 Tips Before You Go

*Best time to visit: Late afternoon, especially for sunset
*Bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera
*Transportation: We can help you arrange a private tuk-tuk or van
*Tour options: Choose guided boat tours for deeper insights into the culture and daily life
*Safety: Life jackets are provided on most boats; wear comfortable shoes

🌿 Responsible Travel Matters

At Sokchea Angkor Hotel, we encourage guests to explore Cambodia’s natural and cultural treasures responsibly. Chong Khneas is a fragile ecosystem. Your visit can make a difference by raising awareness and helping sustain this unique way of life.

📞 Want Us to Arrange Your Trip?

Ask our front desk team to help you plan your visit to Chong Khneas! We can recommend trusted guides and boat tours that respect the environment and support the local community.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Siem Reap is witnessing the sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat Temple—an awe-inspiring moment that draws visitors from around the world. As early as 4:30 AM, travelers begin gathering in front of the temple, often near the northern reflection pool, which is widely considered the best spot to capture the perfect silhouette of Angkor Wat’s five lotus-shaped towers mirrored in the still water. This location offers a magical view as the sky transitions from deep blue to soft pink and golden orange, with the temple gradually illuminated by the rising sun behind it. For photographers, arriving even earlier—around 4:00 AM—ensures the best front-row view, as the area fills quickly, especially during peak season. While Angkor Wat is the most popular sunrise destination, those looking for a quieter experience might opt for Srah Srang, also known as the Royal Bathing Pool. With its wide-open view and fewer crowds, it offers a peaceful and scenic alternative. No matter which location you choose, watching the sunrise in Siem Reap is not just a photo opportunity—it’s a moment of wonder and reflection, where history, nature, and spirituality converge in a truly breathtaking way. Be sure to bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an early start to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.