Kampong Thom Becomes First Interprovincial Tourism Destination

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By:
- Ou Sokmean
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January 24, 2025, 4:25 PM
PHNOM PENH – Kampong Thom will be developed into the first inter-provincial tourist destination within three to four years, a senior government official says.
Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, raised the plan at a meeting on January 21.
The development seeks to establish a chain of tourist destinations, encouraging visitors to explore Kampong Thom along the route that connects Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Preah Vihear.
Minister of Tourism Hout Hak, Kampong Thom Governor Nuon Pharaoh and other officials also participated in the meeting.
Vissoth said improvements in Kampong Thom's tourism sector could enhance residents' lives by increasing income and creating jobs. The province's economic base could go beyond agriculture and agro-industry.
“This will help make Kampong Thom no longer be just a place for tourists to pass through, as it has been in the past,” Vissoth said.
He said the government chose Kampong Thom because of its central location and rich cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The tourism development plan was a strategic way to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
Vissoth noted a planning team studying the culturally rich Sambor Prei Kuk Temple area, which features ancient temples amidst trees. They will work with the local community and nearby tourism sites to develop a comprehensive multi-tourism plan.
Another planning team is developing a development plan for the Stung Sen River. This involves decorating the area and creating new tourist attractions, such as night markets and boat rides to enjoy the scenery.
Other tourist destinations that require development include Santuk Mountain, Prey Pros, Boeung Samrith Water Park, the Tonle Sap flooded forest and the cashew community area. In Kampong Thom, new activities will be introduced, such as building a model pagoda and a meditation center and planting trees.
“The preparation of these products must also consider wellness tourism, traditional cultural values, and the natural conditions of the local community,” Vissoth said.
The Kampong Thom provincial planning team and authorities need to prepare delicious dishes and unique products that represent the province, apart from cashew nuts. Vissoth said these foods should be served and sold to tourists and travelers passing through the province.
The Council of Ministers reported that the planning team is revising the draft proposal to clearly define the strategic plan, action plan, implementing institutions and monitoring mechanisms. Once the final proposal is complete, the team will submit it for approval to the Ministry of Tourism.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Chhuon Kongieng for Cambodianess.
