Cambodia Targets Phnom Kulen as Southeast Asia’s Premier Cultural and Nature Tourism Destination

SIEM REAP, June 5, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has unveiled a new strategy to transform Preah Cheyvarman Norodom National Park, better known as Phnom Kulen, into Southeast Asia’s leading destination for cultural, spiritual, and nature tourism, officials said Saturday.

Tourism Minister Huot Hak announced the vision while chairing a consultative meeting on the Draft Key Measures for Promoting Tourism Development in Phnom Kulen 2026–2028, following an on-site inspection of major sites within the park.

“Together, we must transform Phnom Kulen National Park into Southeast Asia’s leading cultural, spiritual, and nature tourism destination—one that is high-quality, sustainable, inclusive, and regionally competitive, following Angkor Wat,” Hak said.

The meeting gathered about 130 participants, including senior representatives from ministries, Siem Reap provincial authorities, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations. They reviewed development progress and discussed strategic measures to accelerate tourism growth over the next three years.

Hak stressed that tourism remains a government priority, citing initiatives such as the Visit Siem Reap Campaign and the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021–2035. Developing Phnom Kulen, he said, would diversify attractions beyond the Angkor Archaeological Park under the “Beyond Angkor” strategy, encouraging longer visitor stays and boosting local economic benefits.

The draft strategy outlines eight priorities: enhancing destination competitiveness; improving visitor safety; developing infrastructure and services; diversifying tourism products; conserving cultural and natural heritage; increasing community participation; promoting green and climate-resilient tourism; and strengthening governance and investment.

Hak recalled Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s directive at the 19th Government–Private Sector Forum, tasking the ministry with developing Phnom Kulen into one of Cambodia’s premier nature tourism destinations.

He reaffirmed that Phnom Kulen’s sacred sites, waterfalls, forests, and landscapes give it strong potential to complement Angkor Wat and attract visitors year-round.