The Inland Ocean Festival
Every June, Tonle Sap communities celebrate Cambodia’s "inland ocean".
Cambodia has an ocean in the middle of the country.
Tonle Sap is so large that it works like an inland ocean. The festival celebrates it: its villages, its culture and its nature. It also asks everyone to keep it clean.
Ocean Recovery Alliance and NGO2 BambooShoot started the festival in 2023. It is held in June, around World Ocean Day, as the lake begins to rise.
Festival by festival.
2023
The first festival
A river prayer, a parade of giant puppets built by volunteers, tree planting, and the launch of the clean family challenge.
2024
Details to add
To confirm
2025
The third festival
Organised with local and provincial authorities, with support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment.
2026
The fourth festival
Announced with a lantern parade in Kampong Khleang and a large "Entangled Propeller" sculpture. To confirm
Sources: Cambodianess, 14/06/23; Phnom Penh Post, 18/05/23; cpp.org.kh, 17/06/25; Ocean Recovery Alliance, Inland Ocean Festival.
Two days on the water's edge.
Culture
Ceremonies, parades and performances by the community.
Art
Giant puppets and lanterns made by volunteers and students.
Awareness
Activities about plastic and the lake, for all ages.
Clean-up
The festival is part of the Water Rising season of clean-ups.
Made together.
