Stung Treng to Host Inaugural Dolphin Festival and Kayak Races This Weekend
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Stung Treng, Cambodia – In a move to boost sustainable tourism and raise awareness about wildlife conservation, Cambodia will host the inaugural Mekong Dolphin Festival and Kayak Races from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at the Prek Rumkel Ecotourism Community in Stung Treng province. This special three-day event is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Stung Treng provincial administration.
The festival aims to strengthen Cambodia’s ecotourism potential by highlighting the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the Mekong River. It also supports the government’s new strategy to rebrand the rainy season as the “Green Season”, focusing on lush landscapes, cooler weather, and authentic local experiences.
Promoting Dolphin Conservation and Sustainable Tourism in Cambodia
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Mekong Dolphin Festival is designed to promote:
- Dolphin conservation and river biodiversity
- Sustainable ecotourism in Stung Treng
- Community-based tourism initiatives
- Clean and environmentally friendly travel destinations
The event will be held in Anlong Svay village, within the Prek Rumkel commune of Borey O’Svay Senchey district, a growing hotspot for eco-adventures in northeastern Cambodia.
Activities During the Mekong Dolphin Festival 2025
The festival will feature a variety of interactive and cultural activities:
- Traditional Mekong dolphin blessing ceremony
- Kayak races along the Mekong River
- Local food and ecotourism product exhibitions
- Charity marathon and traditional bat races
- Eco-camping experiences on Lon Island and Tunsay Island
- Excursions to the scenic Sophoan Mit Waterfall
- Visits to the Borey O’Svay Ecotourism Community
These activities aim to immerse both domestic and international tourists in Cambodia’s natural beauty and vibrant local culture.
Green Season Travel in Cambodia: A New Opportunity
The Mekong Dolphin Festival is part of a broader campaign led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who earlier this year encouraged replacing the term “low season” with “Green Season” to better reflect the appeal of Cambodia during the rainy months. The goal is to attract more regional tourists from ASEAN countries, as well as from China, Japan, and South Korea, during a period when long-haul travel from Europe tends to slow down.
Din Somethearith, president of the Cambodia Tourism Federation, explained that the Green Season is ideal for travel due to its pleasant weather and lush natural environment. He also highlighted opportunities for agro-tourism, as the season coincides with fruit harvests including mangoes, oranges, and durians.
Mekong Dolphin Population Increases in 2025
On May 25, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported encouraging news for conservationists: seven new Irrawaddy dolphin calves were born in 2025, bringing the total population in the Cambodian section of the Mekong River to 111. This reinforces the importance of conservation-focused tourism in the region.
Tourism’s Role in Cambodia’s Economic Growth
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia’s tourism sector created over 510,000 jobs in 2024 and contributed approximately 9.4% of the national GDP. Events like the Mekong Dolphin Festival are part of the country’s efforts to sustain this momentum while aligning tourism growth with environmental protection and community empowerment.
Visit Stung Treng: A Hidden Gem for Ecotourism
With its untouched river landscapes, rare wildlife, and immersive eco-experiences, Stung Treng province is emerging as a premier destination for Green Season travel in Cambodia. The Mekong Dolphin Festival 2025 offers the perfect opportunity for tourists to discover the natural wonders of this lesser-known region.
