Cambodia to welcome foreign visitors with Chhay Yam during Khmer New Year

Monday, March 18, 2024

Cambodia is preparing to welcome foreign visitors with traditional Chhay Yam dance performances at international airports during the upcoming Khmer New Year in mid-April, as suggested by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Manet presided over the 8th River Festival in Siem Reap town from March 15-17, themed “River for Peace and Development”, to promote the province’s tourism potential and the “Visit Siem Reap 2024” campaign.

During the event, Manet commended the tourism recovery in Siem Reap, the Kingdom’s main tourist destination and home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, but emphasised the need for further efforts.

As part of the campaign, he instructed Minister of Tourism Sok Soken to consider welcoming international tourists with Chhay Yam performance at each airport upon their arrival.

“When I arrived, a Chhay Yam troupe welcomed me,” he noted. “So, during the Khmer New Year, for three days or a whole week, don’t forget to use our Chhay Yam to welcome tourists at the airports. When they disembark, they should see our Chhay Yam as well.

“It would be a memory for them and there’s nothing wrong with that. When they arrive, we offer them this welcoming gift, not only in Siem Reap but also in other provinces and Phnom Penh,” he said.

The River Festival attracted tens of thousands of people to the province, known for its rich cultural heritage.

Traditional performances, cultural events, modern concerts, sports and various exhibitions were set up, according to Siem Reap provincial deputy governor Ly Bunrith.

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