Day two of Water Festival sees 1.7M attend

The second day of the Water Festival in Phnom Penh drew an estimated 1.7 million people, according to the National Police.

Day one, on November 26, saw a claimed 1.2 million revellers flock to the capital’s riverside.

The return of the festival – with 338 racing boats, 30 light barges, a range of concerts and a vast array of delicious food all proving drawcards – took place following a three-year hiatus, which likely spurred the huge number of attendees.

Spectators immerse themselves in boat races on the second day of Phnom Penh’s Water Festival on November 27. STPM

“In general, the second day of the festival went well, with excellent security and public order, with around 1.7 million people immersing themselves in the festivities,” said a National Police statement on the night of November 27.

The police recorded a number of petty crimes (predominantly phone snatchings), some sunk racing boats, a few lost children and several instances where medical attention was provided to members of the public.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen welcome people to the third and last day of the festival today.

Spectators immerse themselves in boat races on the second day of Phnom Penh’s Water Festival on November 27. STPM