Kandal Boat Racing Festival

បុណ្យអុំទូក

View on map
Sports & AdventureTakhmao/Kandal
Dates23–25 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceTakhmao's proximity to Phnom Penh makes it
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: KHR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Kandal Boat Racing Festival in Takhmao/Kandal

Kandal's boat racing festival on the Bassac River in Takhmao City is one of Cambodia's largest provincial editions of the nationwide Bon Om Touk Water Festival, drawing reported crowds in the hundreds of thousands. Long boat teams from Kandal, Phnom Penh, and the military compete across standard, rowing, and international categories over two days, followed by evening lantern releases, fireworks, and concerts along the riverfront.

Tens of thousands line the Bassac River's banks in Takhmao City each year when Kandal province hosts one of Cambodia's largest provincial editions of the nationwide Bon Om Touk Water Festival, timed to the same lunar calendar dates observed across the country.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Takhmao's proximity to Phnom Penh makes it an easy day trip for visitors already based in the capital, and the Bassac River's width here gives clear sightlines for spectators along both banks

02

The mystery stays covered

Provincial product exhibitions run alongside the races, adding a market-day feel to the daytime hours

03

The city starts moving

The evening lantern release is a quieter, more reflective counterpoint to the loud daytime competition, and fireworks and concerts typically continue past midnight, so visitors planning to attend both halves of the day should expect a long, full day at the riverside

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The three-category race format

Water and renewal

Living ritual

standard boats

The sacred route

Living ritual

rowing boats

The local code

Living ritual

and an international category

Tradition 5

Living ritual

reflects Kandal's role as one of the largest provincial racing hubs

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Evening lantern releases and fireworks echo the same rituals seen at the national regatta in Phnom Penh

Tradition 7

Living ritual

tying Takhmao's celebration to the shared lunar-calendar Bon Om Touk tradition of honoring the river and marking the rainy season's end

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

23–25 November 2026

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Takhmao/Kandal to work differently.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing for daytime heat and riverside humidity; a hat and sunscreen are useful for hours spent on the open riverbank. Modest coverage is appreciated for anyone visiting a...

Safety

Kandal Boat Racing Festival is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Takhmao/Kandal you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

KHR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map11.56 N, 104.92 EOpen in Google Maps

Takhmao/Kandal, Kandal Province, Cambodia

Nearest airportKTI — Techo
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Takhmao/Kandal to work differently.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Takhmao/Kandal you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Takhmao/Kandal via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Takhmao/Kandal, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing for daytime heat and riverside humidity; a hat and sunscreen are useful for hours spent on the open riverbank. Modest coverage is appreciated for anyone visiting a nearby pagoda before or after the races.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Cambodia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kandal Boat Racing Festival?

Kandal Boat Racing Festival is listed for 23–25 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kandal Boat Racing Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Takhmao/Kandal, Cambodia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Dates confirmed in curated data. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Takhmao/Kandal, Kandal Province, Cambodia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed dates23–25 November 2026
Source statusDates confirmed in curated data
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