AKP Phnom Penh, April 16, 2025 —

The "Sankranta Wat Phnom 2025" celebration and the riverside Walk Street in Phnom Penh have drawn approximately 800,000 national and international tourists on the second day of the Khmer New Year, April 15.

According to Ms. Dor Samphors, Deputy Director of Administration and spokesperson for Phnom Penh City Hall, the event was secured and well-managed by the municipal authorities. She provided this information on the April 15 night.

Phnom Penh City Hall organised the "Sankranta Wat Phnom 2025" to celebrate the traditional Khmer New Year. The festivities were officially inaugurated on April 14 morning by H.E. Khuong Sreng, the Governor of Phnom Penh, along with his spouse and other senior City Hall officials at the historic Wat Phnom site. The event featured religious ceremonies alongside a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes, creating a joyful atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

Ms. Dor Samphors noted a steady increase in visitor numbers throughout the three-day event, rising from 480,000 on the first day to the peak of 800,000 on the second day. These figures do not account for the celebrations taking place across all 14 Khans of Phnom Penh, at local pagodas and other tourist destinations.

H.E. Khuong Sreng and his spouse actively participated in the Wat Phnom celebrations on the second day, following their engagement on the opening day.

The "Sankranta Wat Phnom 2025" celebration, organised by Phnom Penh City Hall, commemorates the Khmer New Year, marking the Year of the Snake. The event at Wat Phnom spanned three days, from April 14 to 16, while the festivities along the riverside Walk Street extended for five days, from April 12 to 16.

By K. Rithy Reak