In brief
Hundreds of locals raced dragon boats across Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia on Nov. 1‑2, 2026, re‑awakening a tradition rooted in the 11th‑century Khmer Empire. The two‑day event, tied to the Water Festival, celebrated ancient naval heritage and boosted local tourism and the provincial economy.
Hundreds of locals gathered at Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia on Nov. 1‑2, 2026, to race 36 dragon boats, reviving a tradition that dates back to the 11th‑century Khmer Empire, Xinhua reported.
Framed by cheering crowds that lined the shores of Daun Keo city’s lake, the weekend turned the water into a theater of speed; each surge ran the line as spectators roared, the newspapers noted.
For 22‑year‑old spectator Huch Sreynea, the spectacle was an "electric bridge across the centuries," she said to Xinhua, adding that the regatta honored Cambodia’s ancient naval forces.
A 20‑year‑old university student, Chhin Lida, told Xinhua the festival preserves history and "acts as a powerful magnet for tourism." She described the fairgrounds as offering local food stalls, a "One Village, One Product" showcase, traditional arts, and night‑time fireworks. Lida said the event was "a deep breath of gratitude: a salute to resilient ancestors and a quiet thank you to the rivers and rains that sustain the land."
Dr. Ly Sophal, a 37‑year‑old racer competing in Takeo for the first time, led a crew of 12 and told Xinhua that the regatta was "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 added, "I am absolutely thrilled to see such massive crowds of spectators cheering us on."
Another 37‑year‑old competitor, Leang Chanthon, echoed Ly Sophal’s remarks, highlighting the event’s cultural and economic significance.