SIEM REAP, (Cambodia): The Siem Reap Provincial Administration announced the launch of the Wat Bo Village Festival, a celebration designed to transform the charming Wat Bo Village into the city's latest tourist destination.
Organised in collaboration with the Siem Reap Municipal Administration, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the private sector, the festival aims to showcase the village as a new highlight for tourists alongside the famous Angkor temples, Tonle Sap Lake and Pub Street.
“With its grand opening on Sept 20, 2024, at the Angkor Villa Hotel, the festival will serve as the official inauguration of the Wat Bo Village Community Project,” the provincial administration said.
The initiative seeks to draw both national and international tourists to explore the diverse cultural offerings of the village, located in sangkat Sala Kamroeuk, Siem Reap town.
The festival, from 1pm to 8pm, starting Saturday (Sept 21) and ending Sunday (Sept 22), is set to transform the sangkat’s Street 26 into a lively space filled with activities.
“Visitors can look forward to a variety of food stalls offering local delicacies, art performances by Khmer and international artists, live music and even yoga sessions,” said the provincial administration.
“The festival is open to the public for free, making it a family-friendly event for tourists and locals alike,” it added.
The province is also taking measures to ensure smooth logistics throughout the event.
To maintain security and avoid traffic congestion, Street 26 will be temporarily closed to vehicles during the celebration between Achar Hem Chieu and Achar Sva Street (East Siem Reap Riverside Road) for the duration of the celebration.
Officials hope the festival will not only enrich the province’s tourism portfolio but also offer visitors a deeper connection with the local community, culture and lifestyle.
With its mix of modern attractions and traditional heritage, the village is poised to become a must-see destination in the country’s thriving tourism scene.
Locals, tourists and the public are encouraged to join the festivities and help celebrate this exciting new chapter in Siem Reap's growth as a world-class destination. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN