Large numbers of tourists and residents joined the 2026 Sankranta festivities at Otres Beach in Sihanoukville city, Preah Sihanouk province, over two days, April 11–12. Long Dimanche (ឡុង ឌីម៉ង់), Deputy Provincial Governor and president of the provincial Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, said domestic and international visitors attended. He estimated that more than half of the domestic tourists came from outside the province, including Phnom Penh and other provinces.
Long Dimanche said the festivities were organised for the enjoyment of residents and tourists, with Khmer traditional games including pot breaking, climbing a greased pole and tug of war. Participation exceeded expectations, with many people joining the games. He stressed: “We prohibited smearing powder on one another and splashing or spraying water at one another. Participation has improved considerably. Although there was a little powder smearing, it remained within good standards of conduct.”
He hoped Preah Sihanouk province would welcome many tourists during the approaching traditional New Year. He called on residents to clean public places and their homes in preparation, and asked hotel, guesthouse and restaurant owners and other traders to maintain prices and dignified business practices without arbitrary increases. He invited residents and tourists to enjoy themselves, saying the provincial and city authorities had prepared strict plans for security, public order and visitors’ safety.
Text: ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត.
Photos: Keo Dara.
