In brief
In Takeo Province, southern Cambodia, residents celebrated a return of dragon boat racing during the annual Water Festival, a tradition rooted in the 11th‑century Khmer Empire. The event drew 36 boats and throngs of spectators, energizing the local economy and reaffirming a historic maritime legacy.
Under a blazing sun on Takeo Lake, the southern Cambodian town of Daun Keo buzzed this weekend as hundreds of villagers gathered to watch 36 dragon boats race across the water, reviving a tradition that dates back to the late 11th century.
The two‑day festival, tied to the annual Water Festival that marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River, drew crowds that lined the shores and cheered loudly each time a boat surged past the finish line. Local spectators rode the excitement like a swell, their shouts echoing over the lake.
For 22‑year‑old spectator Huch Sreynea, the sight of the boats felt like an electric bridge across centuries. He told Xinhua that he was thrilled to see the races, adding that the regatta honors Cambodia’s ancient naval forces.
"I felt thrilled to see the vibrant boat races," Huch Sreynea said, "and this regatta was held to honor Cambodia's naval forces of ancient times."
The tradition he refers to began during the Khmer Empire, when naval crews trained on the waters of the region. The Water Festival, which also celebrates the unique seasonal reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow, connects the Tonle Sap Lake with the Mekong River.
University student Chhin Lida, 20, said the festival does more than preserve heritage; it also acts as a powerful magnet for tourism. She told Xinhua, "This event also helps boost the provincial economy by attracting more tourists." Walking through the fairgrounds, Lida pointed out food stalls, “One Village, One Product” displays, traditional arts and night‑time fireworks as evidence that the festival brings a rich tapestry of local culture to visitors.
"I am absolutely thrilled to see such massive crowds of spectators cheering us on," swimmer Ly Sophal, a 37‑year‑old racer competing in Takeo for the first time, said. "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."
Sophal led a crew of 12 men and women across the lake, the same number as his competitor Leang Chanthon, 37. Chanthon echoed Sophal’s sentiment, celebrating the tradition that has become a key part of the community’s identity.
The festival’s appeal is not limited to the roar of crowds and gleaming paddles. Economically, it has become a stimulus for local businesses ranging from food vendors to souvenir shops. Lida noted that the influx of visitors helped sustain the livelihoods of many families who rely on river‑based trade and tourism.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, the races also serve as a living reminder of a resilient past, honoring ancestors who defended the kingdom and paying thanks to the rivers and rains that nurture the land. In a region where the water’s flow can shape livelihoods, the Water Festival, with its dragon boats, emphasizes gratitude and community resilience.
Even the officials, who organized the weekend event, spoke of the cultural heritage preserved by the races. Though the Xinhua report does not detail their comments, officials reiterated the goal of celebrating antiquity while encouraging modern tourism.
As the festival drew to a close with night‑time fireworks lighting the sky over Takeo Lake, the 36 dragon boats had raced a total of eight laps across the water. The local community’s enthusiasm, coupled with the economic uptick, signals a promising future for the revival of this centuries‑old tradition.
