Bon Om Touk - The Water Festival

This event marks the start of the Cambodian fishing season and originates back to the reign of King Jayavarman whose Navy celebrated in order to keep the God of the river happy to supply a plentiful crop of rice and many fish.

The races involve the whole community and villagers from afar will bring their boats painted brightly, with large eyes on the prows as a pre-caution to ward off evil spirits.

The boats, 60 oarsmen strong, compete throughout the weekend and it's the finale on the last day that is especially worth seeing as the teams frantically paddle and chant their way to first place position.