Every year there is a traditional community fish-catching event that takes place at Lake Bangkong in Bangkong Village, Ampil Commune, Prasat Bakong District, of Siem Reap Province. It’s not far from the Siem Reap city centre, about 30 minutes by moto, car, or tuk tuk and not far from Chau Srei Vibol Temple on the ancient East Road.
The ceremony, which takes place after the harvest season in February, reportedly celebrates ancient traditions here with hundreds of local people gathering by the lake in the morning with fishing nets at the ready.
Once the siren blares at 7 am, everyone charges into the waist-height waters of the lake to net themselves a bounty of fresh fish. The fish here are incredibly abundant, and no one goes without, with families setting up picnic rugs and a fire at the ready to cook up their catch. There’s a lot of comradery and lots of fun for all ages. Plenty of foreigners joining in on that fun, too.
Chanthim, Damey, Dama, and I went along for the morning and totally loved it. Next year, we’ll be sure to pack some nets and join in on the fun!
This year, the event coincides with the Buddhist Makha Bucha festival, which takes place on the full moon day of the third lunar month (Makha), typically in February or March.