Preah sihanouk: Preah Sihanouk province welcomed more than 321,000 visitors during the annual three-day Water Festival Celebration, according to official data released Friday, signaling continued growth in the coastal region's key tourism sector.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the provincial Department of Tourism recorded a total of 321,076 tourists from Nov. 4-6, 2025, marking a 3.08 percent increase from the same period last year. The festival, known for its vibrant activities, featured traditional boat races, lantern floating ceremonies, and the moon worship (Ork Ambok) celebration.
Domestic tourists accounted for the vast majority of visitors, numbering 312,478, which represented a 2.99 percent year-on-year rise. In contrast, international arrivals showed stronger growth, climbing 6.27 percent to 8,598 visitors. The province's beaches and major resort areas remained the primary attraction, drawing 315,997 visitors, a 3.10 percent increase.
Passenger arrivals at Preah Sihanouk International Airport surged significantly, with a 76.99 percent increase, as 1,308 passengers arrived on 14 incoming flights, highlighting the region's growing connectivity. However, tourist numbers to the province's islands experienced a decline, with visits falling 11.29 percent to 3,771. This included a notable drop of 22.16 percent in foreign visitor numbers to the islands.