In brief
On Nov. 1 and 2, 2026, Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia became a stage for 36 dragon boats racing amid cheering crowds, rekindling a regatta that dates back to the 11th‑century Khmer Empire. The event honored ancient naval forces, celebrated the seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River, and drew visitors who enjoyed local food, crafts, and fireworks. Participants and spectators alike described the festival as a bridge between past and present and a boost for provincial tourism.
Under the blazing sun on Nov. 1 and 2, 2026, hundreds of locals converged on Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia for a two‑day dragon‑boat festival that revived an age‑old regatta tradition tied to the Water Festival.
Thirty‑six dragon boats, each manned by crews of up to twelve, raced across the sapphire water of Daun Keo city’s lake, turning the shoreline into a theater of speed and celebration. Each time a favored boat surged past the finish line, the surrounding crowds erupted in cheers, marking a living link to the late‑11th‑century Khmer Empire when naval forces practiced on the same waters.
“I felt thrilled to see the vibrant boat races,” 22‑year‑old spectator Huch Sreynea told Xinhua. “Seeing this regatta honor Cambodia's naval forces of ancient times feels like a bridge across centuries.”
For 20‑year‑old university student Chhin Lida, the festival was more than a cultural reminiscence; it was a catalyst for tourism. “This event also helps boost the provincial economy by attracting more tourists,” she told Xinhua. Walking through the bustling fairground, Lida noted the festival offered a rich tapestry of local flavors and sights—food stalls, “One Village, One Product” showcases, traditional arts, and night‑time fireworks.
“At its heart, the festival is a deep breath of gratitude: a salute to resilient ancestors who defended the realm, and a quiet ‘thank you’ to the rivers and rains that sustain the land,” Lida added.
Richard Ly Sophal, a 37‑year‑old racer who had competed in Takeo province for the first time, proudly led a crew of twelve. “The regatta is an age‑old tradition deep within the heart of the Cambodian people and a prime occasion to attract both national and international tourists to Takeo,” he told Xinhua. “I am absolutely thrilled to see such massive crowds of spectators cheering us on.”
Leang Chanthon, another 37‑year‑old competitor, echoed the community’s excitement and the cultural significance of the event, expressing pride in representing the province’s heritage.
The Water Festival, celebrated across Cambodia, marks the end of the rainy season and the unique seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow, which connects Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong River. The festival’s timing, combined with the dragon‑boat races, underscores the kingdom’s enduring relationship with its waterways.
Alongside the races, the fairgrounds offered a nighttime display of fireworks that illuminated the riverbanks, adding to the festival’s festive atmosphere. Activities focused on local culture, including traditional music performances and craft demonstrations, attracted visitors from both near and far.
Officials noted that reviving the dragon‑boat regatta had become a strategic move to boost tourism in the Takeo province, a region long celebrated for its historic sites and natural beauty. By reintroducing a centuries‑old tradition, the festival not only preserved cultural heritage but also promoted economic development through increased visitor spending.
The two‑day event concluded with a grand finale, featuring all 36 boats racing side by side across the lake’s central channel. Spectators cheered, cameras flashed, and the roar of the paddlers echoed over the water—an unforgettable testament to Cambodia’s enduring maritime legacy.
