Tourists seek out the critically endangered Mekong dolphin in Kratie province in December 2023. Post Staff
Cambodia will organise the first-ever “Mekong Dolphin Festival and Kayak Races” at the Prek Rumkel Ecotourism Community in Stung Treng province this weekend, as part of efforts to promote tourism during the “green season”.
According to a May 22 Ministry of Tourism announcement, the ministry will partner with the Stung Treng provincial administration to host the three-day event. It will be held at the ecotourism community, in Anlong Svay village, of Borey O’Svay Senchey district’s Prek Rumkel commune, from May 30 to June 1.
The festival aims to promote dolphin conservation, publicise potential ecotourism areas, diversify tourism activities and enhance the quality of tourism products and services. It also encourages local communities to actively participate in conserving natural resources and environmental hygiene to attract more domestic and international tourists,” it said.
The announcement also shared some of the key activities that will take place, including a Mekong dolphin blessing ceremony (a traditional chanting ritual), kayak racing and exhibitions that showcase local ecotourism products and regional foods. A charity marathon and traditional bat races will also be held, and tourists are invited to camp on Lon Island and Tunsay Island, visits the Borey O’Svay ecotourism community or take part in an excursion to the Sophoan Mit waterfall.
In February 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed support for rebranding the rainy season as the “Green Season”, replacing the term “low season” in the tourism sector. The aim of the new terminology is to highlight Cambodia’s lush landscapes, cool weather and refreshing environment during the rainy season, enhancing the visitor experience.
The festival will take place shortly after a May 25 announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, which reported that so far this year, seven dolphin calves have been born, raising the total Mekong dolphin population to 111.
Din Somethearith, president of the Cambodia Tourism Federation, told The Post in early May that the Green Season is when Cambodia's weather becomes more favourable — cooler than the March-April period and with regular rainfall. He added that because European tourists typically do not travel far during this time, Cambodia’s tourism sector should target regional visitors from ASEAN countries, as well as from China, Japan and South Korea.
He emphasised that the Green Season in Cambodia could also be considered a time for agro-tourism, coinciding with the fruit harvest season for mangoes, oranges and durians, among others.
According to the tourism ministry, in 2024, the tourism sector created about 510,000 jobs and contributed around 9.4% of the national GDP.
