AKP

 

Siem Reap erupted in colour and celebration as an estimated 800,000 visitors flocked to the province for Khmer New Year festivities, marking one of the largest holiday turnouts in recent years.

 

The celebrations kicked off on 14 April, the first day of the traditional New Year, and saw a surge of national and international tourists, all eager to experience Cambodia’s most important cultural holiday. The main attraction, Angkor Sankranta, alone drew a staggering 760,000 people, according to Thim Sereyvuth, Acting Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism.

 

A Celebration of Culture and Spirit
Spanning multiple iconic locations—from the ancient splendour of Angkor Wat and the serene Royal Garden to the lively Pub Street and scenic riverside—the event offered a rich mix of spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities. Visitors also gathered in large numbers at Phnom Kulen (4,500), Tonle Sap Lake (6,500), and the tranquil Baray reservoir (4,000), embracing both heritage and natural beauty.

 

While the vast majority of revellers were domestic travellers, the celebrations also drew 4,537 international tourists—an encouraging sign for Cambodia’s recovering tourism sector.

 

Safe, Joyful and Well-Coordinated
Authorities ensured tight security and smooth logistics, creating a safe and vibrant environment for all. The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration simultaneously hosted the Sangkran Wat Phnom 2025 festival at the historic Wat Phnom site, further enhancing the national scope of celebrations.

 

A Boost for Tourism and National Pride
The remarkable turnout underscores Siem Reap’s enduring appeal as Cambodia’s cultural heartland. With nearly a million people engaging in the festivities, the province reaffirmed its role as both a spiritual centre and a top tourist destination during one of the Kingdom’s most treasured holidays.

 

As the New Year ushers in the Year of the Monkey, the sheer scale and spirit of this year’s celebrations reflect not only the joy of the season but also the resilience and vibrancy of Cambodian culture.

 

 

-2025-04-16

I stayed home. Thank god