Flood of spectators for traditional regatta

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia celebrated the start of the Water Festival, a tradition dating back more than 800 years.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators, mostly from rural areas, flocked to the riverfront in capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday for the annual boat race, which is the centerpiece of the event.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, accompanied by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and other dignitaries, watched the race from a stage erected on the riverbank in front of the royal palace.