AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2026 --

Siem Reap provincial authorities are set to host the 2nd annual "Khmer Ek" and Freestyle Kite Festival next month, an initiative aimed at preserving centuries-old cultural traditions and boosting heritage tourism.

The three-day event will take place from Feb. 6 to 8, 2026, at the site of the former Siem Reap International Airport. 

Organised by the Siem Reap Provincial Administration in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Fine Arts, the festival highlights the Khmer Ek—a traditional musical kite featuring a bow-shaped attachment that produces a unique humming sound when flown.

Speaking during a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Provincial Governor Mr. Ly Sary emphasised that the festival serves as a vital bridge between Cambodia’s history and its future generations.

"This event is a platform for the public to participate in safeguarding Khmer cultural heritage," he said. "It is about transferring ancestral knowledge to our youth, ensuring they recognise and promote our national identity and intangible cultural values."

He added that the festival is also designed to diversify the tourism experience in Siem Reap, offering international visitors a deeper look into Cambodian customs that date back to the Angkorian era, where kite flying was often depicted in temple carvings.

Beyond the competitive kite flying displays, the 2026 programme will feature: Exhibitions on the intricate craftsmanship required to build the Khmer Ek; Traditional Lakhon Bassac (theatrical folk opera) stages; Educational displays on the evolution of Khmer kites.

Local authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely on security, public order, and sanitation to accommodate the expected influx of domestic and international spectators.

The revival of the kite festival is part of a broader provincial strategy to leverage cultural assets beyond the Angkor Wat Temple complex, fostering sustainable tourism and community pride.

Article in Khmer by Khuth Sao
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak