Cambodia River Festival: Host Cities and Visitor Guide

Cambodia’s River Festival is a rotating tourism and cultural event that highlights the country’s riverside provinces, local products and water-based heritage. Because the host destination changes, every edition offers a different programme and travel setting.

Purpose of the River Festival

The festival promotes domestic tourism and encourages attention to rivers, communities and regional economies. Government agencies, provincial authorities, performers, athletes and local businesses may take part.

Typical activities

Programmes can include boat races, concerts, exhibitions, food and product fairs, sports, parades and tourism forums. Not every activity appears every year, and venues may be spread across the host city.

Host province and dates

The festival does not belong permanently to one city. Kratie has hosted editions, but travellers should never assume an old location applies to the next event. Confirm the province, dates and opening ceremony through the Ministry of Tourism and host administration.

Planning your trip

• Reserve accommodation after the host is officially announced.
• Check road, bus and boat options.
• Carry cash for small local vendors.
• Follow river-safety barriers and weather advice.
• Avoid single-use waste near waterways.

Related guides

• Cambodia boat racing
• Cambodia Water Festival
• Provincial cultural events
• Cambodia events calendar

Frequently asked questions

Is the River Festival always in Kratie?

No. The host province rotates. Kratie is one past host, not a permanent venue.

Is admission free?

Many public areas may be open, while individual activities can have separate rules. Check the current programme.

Sources

• Cambodia Ministry of Tourism
• Ministry of Tourism: Cambodian festivities

Original KhmerKeys guide. Verify the host, dates, venues and access for each edition.