Water Festival attracted a staggering 4.3 million domestic and international tourists during its first two days, according to Minister of Tourism Huot Hak.

Speaking to National Television of Cambodia (TVK) on the morning of Saturday, November 16, Hak said that of the total, approximately 60,000 were international tourists.

"In Phnom Penh alone, we have had 3.3 million visitors so far," he noted, highlighting the capital as the focal point of the celebrations.

The minister emphasised the significance of the holiday, describing it as a key driver for the nation’s economy.

He echoed Prime Minister Hun Manet's vision of tourism as “green gold”, a crucial pillar of the country’s economic growth.

The festival, an annual tradition marking the end of the rainy season and honouring the spirit of the Tonle Sap River, features boat races, cultural performances and bustling markets, drawing visitors from around the globe.