Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Siem Reap Province Welcomes Over 360,000 Tourists During Water Festival, Driving Local Tourism and Economic Impact in Cambodia: Know More Published on
November 9, 2025Siem Reap, Cambodia, a destination renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant cultural experiences, witnessed a major tourism surge during the Water Festival, also known as the Royal Boat Festival, held from November 4 to 6, 2025. Over the three-day celebration, Siem Reap Province saw a total of approximately 368,246 tourists, a mix of both national and international visitors, significantly boosting the local tourism sector.This year’s festival was a unique cultural spectacle, drawing thousands of people from across Cambodia and beyond. The event, which took place at the Royal Palace Gardens and along the Siem Reap River, featured a series of traditional activities, including boat races, a floating market, and cultural performances. These activities not only enhanced the cultural richness of the region but also contributed to an impressive surge in tourism numbers.Advertisement A Strong Surge in Local and International TourismOf the 368,246 tourists who visited Siem Reap during the festival, approximately 358,600 were national tourists, highlighting the festival’s strong domestic appeal. Foreign visitors, although fewer, still accounted for a significant portion, with 9,646 international tourists attending the festival. This balanced mix of visitors underscores Siem Reap’s continuing popularity as a domestic travel hub, while its cultural festivals are also successfully attracting global attention.The surge in visitors during this time is indicative of a growing trend in Cambodia’s tourism sector, where cultural festivals play an increasingly important role in not only attracting tourists but also stimulating the local economy. The festival, with its rich cultural offerings, provides a perfect example of how well-designed cultural tourism events can drive local economies, support businesses, and create long-lasting impacts for the region.Festival Highlights and ActivitiesAdvertisement The Royal Boat Festival is one of the most iconic events in Cambodia’s cultural calendar, celebrating the country’s rich maritime heritage. This year’s festival featured spectacular boat races along the Siem Reap River, drawing crowds eager to witness the competitive spirit and skill of Cambodian boatmen. The races were accompanied by vibrant celebrations and performances that showcased the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the local way of life.One of the standout attractions during the festival was the floating market program along the Siem Reap River. The floating market, with its array of local produce, handicrafts, and food stalls, brought a taste of traditional Cambodian commerce to visitors. This market allowed tourists to interact directly with local vendors, offering a unique shopping experience that added to the festival’s charm.In …
