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In a significant move to boost the tourism sector in Cambodia, HE Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth convened a key meeting on 30 December 2025 at the Council of Ministers focused on enhancing the appeal of the historic Sambor Prei Kuk Temple and its surrounding areas. This meeting brought together senior government officials, tourism experts, and other stakeholders to discuss a strategic plan aligning with the “Kampong Thom Provincial Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030.”
During the meeting, HE Vongsey Vissoth emphasized the strategic importance of the project, which aims to establish Kampong Thom as an essential component of a tourist corridor spanning Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, and Siem Reap. “Our vision is to transform Kampong Thom into a must-visit destination, connecting visitors with the cultural treasures of Sambor Prei Kuk and the renowned Angkor temples,” he stated.
The meeting detailed four primary projects aimed at revitalizing the region:
- Enhancing the attractiveness of Sambor Prei Kuk Temple and its surroundings.
- Leveraging digital technology to improve tourist experiences in the temple area by “Sambor Prei Kuk: Pre-Angkorian Chenla”.
- Launching a digital promotion campaign titled “Sambor Prei Kuk: Pre-Angkorian Chenla.”
- Elevating the standard of tourism services through initiatives focusing on cleanliness and hospitality.
The first project consists of three vital sub-projects: enhancing the visitor appeal of the Sambor Prei Kuk Tourism Community, developing the Sambor Prei Kuk Cultural Resort, and transforming Boeung Prang into a wellness tourism destination.
The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the working group to cooperate with the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB) and the Digital Transformation Working Group of the Ministry of Tourism to implement these initiatives effectively. Coordination with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is also necessary to support digital promotion efforts.
“Improving facilities such as community markets, educational institutes like the Kampong Chheuteal Institute of Technology, and enhancing the aesthetics of the area is paramount,” Vongsey Vissoth remarked. He stressed the importance of creating an attractive tourism ecosystem that integrates smoothly with the developing Stung Sen tourist area.
As part of the broader strategy, Vongsey Vissoth proposed the creation of an Information Center to serve as a museum dedicated to the Chenla period, showcasing the rich history of Sambor Prei Kuk. This museum would display critical historical artifacts and provide visitors with insights into the ancient context of the temple complex.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the need for bolstering security and sanitation in the area, as well as improving infrastructure such as roads, clean water, electricity, and internet access—all crucial elements to attract more domestic and international tourists.
In closing, Vongsey Vissoth called for the working group to draft an operational mechanism and action plan based on a central strategy he termed the “Time Trap Strategy.” This approach aims to transform Kampong Thom from a brief stopover into a destination where visitors would want to extend their stay, thereby contributing to local economic growth and sustainable development.
With these initiatives set in motion, the Cambodian government is making strides toward elevating the significance of Sambor Prei Kuk not just as a historical site but as a vibrant tourist destination that enriches the lives of both visitors and local communities.
Previously, through the Office of the Council of Ministers, a meeting was also held to establish a working group to promote tourism potential for Kampong Thom province. (Read more)
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