AKP Phnom Penh, May 15, 2025 —

The coastal province of Kampot has become a popular destination, drawing thousands of Cambodian tourists during the public holiday commemorating the birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.

The festive atmosphere is evident throughout the province, with major roads experiencing significant traffic congestion and accommodations reporting full occupancy since the early hours.

The influx of visitors began on May 14, the holiday marking His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni's 72nd birthday.

Tourists from various municipality and provinces travelled to Kampot in large numbers. This surge in arrivals caused considerable traffic jams, particularly around the new bridge and the Kampong Bay stream, prompting local authorities to deploy personnel to manage the traffic flow effectively.

Tourists expressed their delight in experiencing Kampot's natural beauty and its ongoing development. Many visitors lauded the province's appealing charm and well-organised infrastructure. The vibrant and festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of numerous fellow holiday-makers.

Mr. Say Sinol, the Director of the Kampot Provincial Department of Tourism, confirmed the substantial increase in visitor numbers on the evening of May 14.

He noted that the stream area had become a focal point of activity, experiencing both traffic congestion and high participation in boat tours.

Across Kampot's primary tourist sites, services operated smoothly, and all types of accommodation reached full capacity early in the day. While comprehensive visitor statistics are still being compiled, Mr. Sinol indicated that current trends suggest a continued rise in tourist numbers over the following days, coinciding with the Royal Plowing Ceremony holiday.

Article in Khmer by Prak Leang
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak