|
Cambodian Water Festival (khmer: Bon Om Touk) has been a most important holiday for Cambodians public holiday calendar. There has been alot of much interest for visitor for not only beauty of Phnom Penh city and but also for boat races on the Tonle Sap and Mekong River and the carnival atmosphere ashore attract millons of people from all over the country.
A smaller Water Festival is also held in SIem Reap City, Angkor Wat and some provinces, but for the real thing you’ll have to go to Phnom Penh to enjoy. Bonn Om Teuk lasts three days so that boats from near and far provinces can join the contest. During the festival, Cambodians from across the country gather in Phnom Penh, the capital, to attend and celebrate this festival.
Bonn Om Teuk lasts three days so that boats from near and far provinces can join the contest. During the festival, Cambodians from across the country gather in Phnom Penh, the capital, to attend and celebrate this festival.
The Water Festival has a long history dating from the Angkor era in the 12th century, under the reign of King Preah Bat Jayvarman VII, when the Khmer Empire occupied and ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula. The King battled with enemies to defend the Empire as well as to expand the territory. With a very powerful naval force, the King had defeated his enemies at each battle.
During water festival there are has more than 500 boats, propelled by precision-trained oarsmen, take part in the annual boat race, the highlight of Festival.
Most people arrive Phnom Penh for a visit few day, some people arrive by buses, cars, bikes, cyclos, bicycles and even trucks. Many stay over in the city during the three-day festival, lending support to their boat team. Others use this opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh – for many it is the only occasion to visit the city.
Some people said that the celebration of the Festival is also a thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land. People from all walks of life gather on the bank of the Mekong River for days and nights. Click here for more details about Water Festival.
|