KRATIE: Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Construction of the new Kratie Bridge across the Mekong River (Chetr Borei-Preaek Prasab) on Monday morning, 2 January 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he was excited to see people have lots of fun at family reunions and celebratory outings across Cambodia this New Year.

"Because [we have] peace, [it has allowed] our people [to celebrate the New Year], from Mondulkiri, to Ratanakkiri, to other faraway places, to the coastal provinces. It is lots of fun for our people," said the Prime Minister.

Across the New Year’s weekend, from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, more than two million people in Cambodia traveled to tourist sites across the country, including about 2.6 million local residents, and more than 16,000 foreign tourists.

The capitals and provinces that attracted the most tourists were Phnom Penh, with more than 450,000 visitors, followed by Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, and Kampot with more than 330,000 visitors, Battambang with more than 150,000 visitors, Kep and Tbong Khmum with 80,000 visitors, and Kampong Cham with more than 70,000 visitors.

The Ministry of Tourism has highlighted that these tourism figures indicated a 76.65% increase compared to last year.

According to the Ministry, in Phnom Penh, more than 450,000 people visited popular destinations such as Diamond Island, the riverside in front of the Royal Palace, the Chroy Changvar entertainment area, the win-win Monument, and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

Tourist destinations across the country also received similar numbers of tourists, with hotel rooms, guesthouses, resorts, and bungalows almost 100% booked.

Some chose to celebrate the new year at home with their families and friends, while others went out and gathered for celebrations at restaurants, bars, pubs, and more.