Participants prepare traditional kites during a heritage festival in Siem Reap on February 20, 2026. (Siem Reap Province Administration)
More than 130 kite flyers from across the country gathered in Siem Reap yesterday for a three-day annual festival celebrating Cambodia’s ancient kite-flying tradition. Held at the former Siem Reap International Airport, the festival plays a vital role in preserving the centuries-old craft and passing on intangible cultural heritage to younger generations.
The tradition, which dates back over 2,000 years and was historically linked to the rice harvest season, is also seen as a boost for tourism. Ly Sary, deputy governor of Siem Reap province, said the festival helps strengthen national identity while creating a lively atmosphere for visitors. Now in its second year, the event takes place in the gateway city to Angkor Archaeological Park, which welcomed more than 955,000 international tourists in 2025 and generated about US$45 million in ticket revenue.
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