In brief
Over a two‑day weekend on November 1, 2026, 36 dragon boats raced at Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia, marking the return of a tradition dating back to the 11th‑century Khmer Empire. The event is tied to the Water Festival, honoring ancient naval forces and inviting tourism to the province. Xinhua reports that the regatta struck a cultural and economic chord, drawing crowds, showcasing local foods, and stimulating the provincial economy.
Hundreds of locals gathered at Takeo Lake in southern Cambodia on the weekend of November 1, 2026 to witness a return of the ancient dragon‑boat tradition that celebrates the country’s maritime heritage and the national Water Festival.
According to Xinhua, the event featured 36 dragon boats and crews racing across the lake while cheering crowds lined the shores of Daun Keo city’s Takeo Lake, a spectacle that embodied the lake’s “pure speed.”
The regatta’s history dates back to the late 11th century during the ancient Khmer Empire, when naval forces honed their skills on the water. Xinhua reports that the festival is held “to honor Cambodia’s naval forces of ancient times.”
"This event also helps boost the provincial economy by attracting more tourists," said 20‑year‑old university student Chhin Lida. Xinhua noted that she observed a rich tapestry of local flavors, food stalls, and night‑time fireworks, adding that the festival serves as a "magnet for tourism."
"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," said 37‑year‑old dragon‑boat racer Ly Sophal, who led a crew of 12 members for the first time in the province. Xinhua recorded his excitement at seeing vast crowds cheering the competitors.
"The excitement on the water is shared by the athletes themselves," echoed another 37‑year‑old competitor, Leang Chanthon, speaking to Xinhua. The two‑day festival thus combined the reverence of centuries‑old naval heritage with a contemporary boost to the local economy projected by the provincial tourism authorities.