Cambodge : Kratié accueillera la 10e édition du Festival de la Rivière du 27 au 29 mars 2026

The province of Kratié, located in northeastern Cambodia, will host the 10th edition of the River Festival from March 27 to 29, 2026. This event, returning to the province for the second time since its launch in 2015, will take place under the theme “Green River, Cultural Heritage, and Great Nature.”

@Adam Jones

The event has received approval from the royal government. It fits into a national strategy for tourism diversification, aimed at promoting lesser-known destinations through event-based initiatives. The program will include traditional artistic performances, exhibitions on local heritage, and cultural and sports activities tailored to Kratié's riverine vocation. These attractions will draw visitors to the banks of the Mekong, the province's main asset.

At the same time, the festival will serve as a platform to raise awareness about the conservation of river resources. Educational sessions will emphasize sustainable development, encouraging participation from local communities and tourists in protecting the aquatic environment.

Festival History

Created in 2015 in Kratié, the River Festival is organized annually on a rotating basis among provinces along the country's major rivers, particularly the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Subsequent editions took place in Stung Treng (2016), Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum (2017), Kandal (2018), Kampong Chhnang (2019), Battambang (2022, after a pandemic-related pause), Kampong Thom (2023), Siem Reap (2024), and Takeo (2025). Each host highlights its regional specificities, combining culture, sports, and ecology.

The 2025 edition in Takeo recorded participation from 358,994 local and international visitors, demonstrating the event's growing appeal. In Kratié, organizers anticipate a similar influx, boosted by the proximity of iconic natural sites like the Kratié Biosphere Reserve, home to the vulnerable Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins—protected by government programs.

@Corto Maltese

Kratié, Land of Waters and Heritage

Bordered by the Mekong, Kratié is renowned for its floating villages, lush islands, and preserved French colonial architecture. The province, less touristy compared to Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, will benefit from this event to bolster its local economy. Local authorities plan craft stalls, night markets, and demonstrations of traditional fishing, fostering exchanges between producers and buyers.

On the ecological front, the “Green River” theme underscores the Mekong's importance for agriculture, fishing, and biodiversity. The festival will include workshops on river waste management and erosion control, aligned with national sustainable development goals.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, these festivals contribute to the post-pandemic recovery of the sector, which accounted for 12% of Cambodia's GDP in 2025. Kratié, with its modest but authentic accommodations, should see an increase in overnight stays and revenue for small businesses.