Author: Kampot Camping

The 11th Sea Festival 2024 is set to take place in Kampot province from December 13 to 15, 2024, promising an exciting event for both domestic and international tourists. This vibrant celebration will showcase Kampot’s rich cultural heritage and its stunning coastal landscapes, aligning with the festival’s theme, “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability.”

The preparations for this significant event are well underway. On Friday, the Kampot Provincial Administration held a meeting at the Bokor Conference Hall, chaired by Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Kampot Governor Mao Thonin. Together, they discussed strategies to ensure the festival’s success while highlighting Kampot’s unique tourism offerings, including its scenic coastline and eco-tourism opportunities like camping in Kampot.

Since its inception in 2011, the Sea Festival has been hosted annually on a rotating basis by Cambodia’s four coastal provinces: Kampot, Kep, Preah Sihanouk, and Koh Kong. The event not only promotes the tourism potential of these provinces but also emphasizes the importance of protecting marine resources and maintaining pristine beaches. For visitors seeking an immersive experience, activities like Kampot camping provide the perfect way to explore the area’s natural beauty and participate in eco-friendly tourism.

Cambodia’s coastline, which spans approximately 450 kilometers across these provinces, earned global recognition when it became a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club in 2011. This prestigious status highlights Kampot’s appeal to nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those looking for tranquil escapes by the sea.

The 10th Sea Festival in Kep drew over 260,000 visitors, and Kampot is preparing to welcome even larger crowds this year. Whether you’re planning to enjoy the festivities or looking for an extended stay, camping in Kampot offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s breathtaking coastal environment.

Start planning your trip now to make the most of the 11th Sea Festival in Kampot—a perfect destination for culture, sustainability, and unforgettable coastal adventures.

Authorities say that 99,279 people visited Kep to celebrate the Royal Water Festival – an increase of 7.02% (6,518 people) compared to 2023 and 134,622 tourists came to Kampot province – an increase of 59.82% compared to 2023.

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501593233/in-pictures-almost-250000-visit-kep-and-kampot-to-celebrate-royal-water-festival

Kampot province is set to host the 11th Sea Festival from December 13 to 15, under the theme “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability.” This annual event will highlight the unique appeal of Cambodia’s coastal tourism and Kampot’s dedication to sustainable development.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak, also chair of the Sea Festival Organizing Committee, held a coordination meeting on Friday with Kampot’s Governor Mao Thonin, government officials, and 178 participants from the private sector and various institutions at Bokor Conference Hall. During the meeting, the minister underscored the importance of this year’s festival for showcasing Kampot as a Cultural Heritage and Agri-Tourism Destination.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife, Pich Chanmony, are expected to attend, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for December 14.

Minister Hak noted that this will be Kampot’s third time hosting, after successful events in 2015 and 2019. He emphasized that the festival aligns with Cambodia’s goal to promote coastal tourism and strengthen efforts toward coastal conservation and high-quality tourism services.

Hak also called on all ministries and sectors to participate in the campaign “Together for Tourism, Tourism for All,” encouraging collaborative and responsible action for sustainable development.

The Sea Festival will offer a variety of activities, including art performances, concerts by renowned artists, fireworks displays, sports competitions, exhibitions, and food stalls, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Since its inception in 2011, the Sea Festival has rotated among Cambodia’s four coastal provinces—Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Koh Kong, and Kampot—to showcase each region’s tourism potential and promote marine conservation and environmental preservation.

The rehabilitation of National Road No. 33 (NR No. 33)—a strategic 52.57-kilometer route connecting Kampot to Chrak Lok and the Cambodia-Vietnam border—is now 98.89% complete as of early November 2024. In a recent inspection led by HE Pal Chandara, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, alongside technical teams from China Bridge and Road Corporation (CRBC), the project’s progress and adherence to quality standards were highlighted.

The inspection underscored the focus on durability, user safety, and efficient travel, with the Secretary of State emphasizing rigorous quality control, particularly as the rainy season approaches. Key safety measures, including road signage and safety equipment, are being implemented to ensure a secure and reliable journey.

Funded through concessional financing from the Government of the People’s Republic of China with additional contributions from the Cambodian government, this vital infrastructure project will enhance connectivity from NR No. 3 in Kampot through Teuk Chhou, Kampong Trach, Kep City, and Damnak Chang Eur, significantly benefiting both local residents and cross-border travelers.

The Kampot Provincial Administration has rescheduled this year’s Water Festival to coincide with the much-anticipated Sea Festival in mid-December 2024, aiming to make the event even more festive and memorable for visitors. Governor Mao Thunin announced that the province will host the 11th Sea Festival in Kampot from December 13 to 15, and to mark this special occasion, both festivals will be celebrated together. With extensive preparations underway, the administration decided this combined celebration will enhance the Sea Festival’s appeal, creating an even more vibrant experience for all attending Kampot’s spectacular year-end events.

The rehabilitation of National Road 33 (NR 33), connecting Kampot province to the Cambodia-Vietnam border, has reached 62% completion as of April 2024. This 52.57-kilometer project, funded by the People’s Republic of China and supported by the Cambodian government, aims to improve connectivity across Kampot and Kep provinces, passing through Teuk Chhou, Kampong Trach, and Damnak Chang Eur districts. Safety and quality remain top priorities, with enhanced measures being implemented for smoother, safer travel. Once complete, this infrastructure project will facilitate efficient transportation and bolster regional access between Cambodia and Vietnam

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is negotiating a public-private partnership (PPP) with Cambodian development firm AZ Builder to finalize the long-awaited Kampot International Tourist Port. AZ Builder, a subsidiary of AZ Group, has proposed an investment of $5–$10 million to bring the port into operation.

Despite the port’s construction concluding in 2022, technical issues have delayed its opening. AZ Builder’s proposed investment focuses on essential dredging to deepen the waterway, making it navigable for larger vessels.

Minister Peng Ponea emphasized that the port must meet international standards to attract tourists and that the selected private partner will be responsible for infrastructure improvements, including waterway dredging and security upgrades. The MPWT is targeting the third quarter of 2024 for initial operations, with full commercial opening anticipated by year-end.

Once operational, the port will connect Kampot with major destinations along Cambodia’s coast and facilitate international connections with nearby countries, promising to boost tourism and trade across the region.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on establishing new casinos in Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot provinces, except in Kampot’s Bokor Mountain, where existing gaming venues already operate. The decision, detailed in an official letter and reported by the Phnom Penh Post, aims to enhance security and public order in these popular tourist areas, while encouraging a more diverse range of investments beyond the casino industry.

Cambodia currently hosts 184 licensed casinos, with 100 of these located in coastal areas, including Bokor Mountain. This move aligns with efforts to diversify the local economy and ensure a sustainable tourism model in Kep and Kampot.

In Kampot’s Prek Tnaot community, dedicated conservation initiatives have transformed the area into a haven for marine biodiversity, drawing both attention and visitors. Thanks to these efforts, the population of rare marine mammals, including dolphins and dugongs, has noticeably grown, offering visitors a chance to observe these majestic creatures up close.

Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the community’s efforts by sharing a video showcasing dolphins and dugongs, noting that these conservation successes now offer tourists unique sightings of these rare species. The community, spanning 1,168 hectares, is a protected zone for mangroves and marine life, including seagrass beds that shelter species like pink dolphins, seahorses, and sea turtles.

Local conservation leaders report the presence of around 15 humpback dolphins in the area, boosted by artificial reefs that encourage marine life growth. The region’s diverse dolphin populations, including humpback and Irrawaddy dolphins, are now a major attraction.

The Fisheries Administration has also implemented initiatives to protect Mekong dolphins, especially during the rainy season, when these dolphins migrate to feed. Fishermen are trained to release dolphins that may accidentally get caught in their nets, and river guards patrol to ensure dolphin safety.

As a result of these efforts, Cambodia’s Mekong River dolphin population has grown to approximately 105 individuals, with ongoing patrols and legal protections in place to sustain their habitat. These conservation measures not only protect dolphins but also help sustain fish stocks, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that benefits local communities.

Kampot, Cambodia – The 11th Sea Festival is scheduled to be held in Kampot province from December 13 to 15, 2024. Preparations for the event are being guided by Kampot Province Governor Mr. Mao Thunin, who has outlined extensive plans to ensure a joyful and organized celebration.

The Kampot Provincial Administration has engaged various stakeholders, including municipal administrations, district departments, military units, and private sector organizations, to participate in the festival’s organization and activities. The administration is urging all community members, including government bodies, businesses, religious institutions, and local traders, to actively contribute to creating a festive atmosphere.

Governor Thunin has emphasized the importance of disseminating information about the 11th Sea Festival throughout the province. Municipalities, districts, and local institutions are tasked with informing residents about the event, with expectations for widespread participation. To enhance the celebratory spirit, community members are encouraged to decorate their homes and public spaces with national flags, religious flags, and banners, aligning with the theme of the festival.

As part of the preparations, the Kampot Green Garbage Collection and Cleaning Company, along with 2 Thnou Company, have been instructed to maintain cleanliness in Kampot City by ensuring that streets are swept and litter-free from now until the festival concludes. To ensure the safety and security of both national and international visitors, the Provincial Police Commission and the Provincial Gendarmerie Command are coordinating efforts to maintain public order and traffic management during the event.

Further preparations include cleaning and decorating along major national roads leading into the province, with instructions for the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport to tend to roadside grass and ensure that infrastructure is visually appealing ahead of the festival.

The Provincial Department of Cults and Religions is also playing a pivotal role by inviting local leaders and religious figures to assist in environmental clean-up efforts and decorative initiatives for the festival. Additionally, the health sector has been mobilized to ensure that health centers and hospitals are prepared and hygienic, enhancing the overall wellbeing of attendees.

To increase publicity for the event, the Provincial Information Department is tasked with creating video clips to broadcast information about the festival, while various entertainment activities planned by the Inter-Ministerial Commission will be promoted through media channels to generate excitement and engagement among the public.

Advertising companies within the province are urged to display festival-related billboards by November 25, 2024, to ensure that promotional materials reach a wide audience. The Provincial Department of Tourism will monitor pricing for tourism services to ensure fair practices during the festival period, and the Provincial Department of Commerce will oversee compliance with regulations to prevent any fraudulent activities.