• Society

LRT from Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap City to Avoid Disturbing Temples  

• By Rin Ousa
• December 28, 2023 6:30 PM

PHNOM PENH – Light rail connecting Siem Reap Angkor International Airport to Siem Reap city will be built in a way to avoid disturbing any temple, officials have agreed.

The project was discussed by the Inter-Ministerial Commission and builder China Metro Group on Dec. 26. 

Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and first deputy chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Commission, chaired the meeting. 

It was held to speed up implementation of the project In response to the growth of tourists and provide more transport services in line with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recommendations. 

Ministry of Public Works and Transport spokesman Heang Sotheayuth said the ministry and the company discussed forming a technical working group for further study to ensure effective implementation. 

He said the study of the route had been thoroughly discussed to ensure no disturbance in the Angkor area, other archeological sites, or conservation of the property by the APSARA National Authority.

“The ministry intends to spend about one year until the opening of construction begins. The exact date or any updates will be announced later,” Sotheayuth said. 

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport was officially inaugurated by PM Hun Manet on Nov. 16. The airport will serve as a major hub for tourists.

The airport, in Soutr Nikom district, is about 50km from Siem Reap city and 40km from Angkor Wat.  Passengers normally get to the city from the airport by taxi, mini bus, tuk tuk or motorbike taxi. 

The fare for a minibus with fewer than seven seats is $35 per trip and $40 for an 8-15-seat minibus. The bus fare is $8 per trip and $15 for the round trip. 

The Siem Reap project is one of two light rails to be built. The other, now under construction, will connect the new Phnom Penh International Airport to the capital.