PHNOM PENH: The number of foreign visitors at the tourism pavilion in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh rose to 1,700 on the second day of the three-day Water Festival celebration – Nov. 15, up from 1,650 yesterday.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the figure was shared this morning by H.E. Kuch Panhasa, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Tourism, who expects that the special pavilion would welcome more foreign tourists on the final day of the annual festival. The Ministry of Tourism has arranged a special pavilion, close to the honorary pavilion, in front of the Royal Palace, for international tourists to watch the Water Festival’s boat racing and floating lanterns.

The participating foreigners at the tourism pavilion received a warm welcome from Ministry of Tourism officials. Along with the convenient seats, they were provided with free refreshments and brochures in English, French, and Chinese to learn more about the Water Festival. Tour guides are also available for them.

H.E. Kuch Panhas
a took the opportunity to call on foreign tourists to visit Cambodia to witness major events such as the Water Festival, to visit ancient temples, and hike through forests, mountains, valleys, streams, and waterfalls, all of which are abundant in the Kingdom.

This year, the Water Festival takes place on Nov. 14-16. The three-day celebration is one of the most joyful events in Cambodia. People throughout the country flock to Phnom Penh capital to enjoy the festival’s three main events: boat racing, Loy Pratip (the display of decorative lighted boats), Sampeas Preah Khe (Moon Festival), and Ok Ambok (a type of glutinous rice roasted and crushed with pestle eaten with banana or coconut juice).

Annually, Cambodia organises the Water Festival to mark the end of the monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country’s rich culture and long history.