A New Vision for Cambodia’s Sacred Mountain
Cambodia is preparing an ambitious plan to transform Phnom Kulen National Park in Siem Reap province into a world class cultural, religious, and eco tourism destination. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Tourism in late May 2026, aims to diversify tourism experiences, attract higher value visitors, and strengthen the park’s appeal both regionally and globally. Located about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap city, Phnom Kulen holds deep historical and spiritual significance as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire and is home to waterfalls, sacred religious sites, archaeological treasures, and rich natural landscapes.
The strategy comes as Cambodia seeks to expand tourism offerings beyond traditional destinations while ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Officials believe that by improving tourism products, infrastructure, visitor experiences, and safety standards, Phnom Kulen can become a premium destination that benefits local communities while safeguarding its unique heritage for future generations.
Government Maps Out Long Term Tourism Strategy
The Ministry of Tourism recently outlined its priorities during a meeting chaired by Tourism Minister Huot Hak on May 27. Alongside discussions on institutional reforms and future budget planning, one of the major agenda items focused on tourism development measures for Phnom Kulen from 2026 to 2028 and the preparation of Cambodia’s next tourism development framework.
“Effective tourism development requires unity, strong cooperation and proactiveness, as well as highly responsible implementation from all relevant stakeholders,” the minister said.
According to ministry spokesperson Hun Dany, officials are developing a detailed roadmap designed to elevate Phnom Kulen into a premium tourism destination. The plan focuses on expanding tourism diversity by combining cultural experiences, religious tourism, eco tourism, historical exploration, and traditional heritage into one integrated destination.
“These key measures possess a clear vision and specific goals to transform Phnom Kulen National Park into a high-end cultural, religious and eco-tourism destination,” she said.
The ministry also intends to strengthen tourism services, improve marketing efforts, expand supporting infrastructure, and enhance visitor safety while maintaining accessibility for both local and international travelers.
Creating New Opportunities for Local Communities
Tourism officials believe the development strategy will generate meaningful economic benefits for residents living around Phnom Kulen. Increased visitor numbers could create jobs, encourage small business growth, and boost household incomes throughout surrounding communities.
“Every development of new tourism destinations, as well as the creation of new tourism products, has a single objective: to expand the scope of arrivals of both national and international tourists,” Dany said.
The government also emphasizes that tourism growth should support conservation efforts rather than undermine them. By protecting natural resources and preserving cultural, religious, and historical assets, officials hope to build a sustainable tourism model that creates long term economic value without damaging the destination’s identity.
“To put it another way, it is tourism diversification at Phnom Kulen to make it diverse encompassing culture, nature, traditions, beliefs, religion and history, making it a multi-purpose tourism destination,” Dany added.
Tourism Industry Calls for Better Infrastructure
While industry leaders welcome the government’s vision, they warn that significant improvements are needed before Phnom Kulen can fully reach its potential.
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said the destination offers an impressive combination of cultural heritage, religious significance, natural beauty, and adventure tourism opportunities.
“Within it, we have historical and religious heritage, waterfalls, the Thousand Lingas, Preah Ang Thom and numerous archaeological sites,” she said.
Despite these strengths, many attractions remain underdeveloped or difficult to access. Activities such as trekking, cycling, camping, and forest exploration have yet to be fully promoted, leaving considerable room for growth.
“We have not yet fully utilised all of those benefits to their maximum potential,” Sivlin said.
One of the most pressing concerns is road infrastructure. Poor road conditions and muddy access routes during the rainy season can discourage visitors and limit tourism growth.
Expanding Visitor Experiences Beyond Day Trips
Another challenge is the limited range of tourism services currently available at Phnom Kulen. Sivlin pointed to a lack of organized facilities, quality accommodations, and standardized community tourism services.
“We do not yet have eco-lodges, clean homestays or enough hygienic services,” she said.
At present, most visitors leave the area before evening, resulting in limited economic activity after dark. Tourism experts believe introducing sunset viewpoints, stargazing experiences, community performances, and cultural activities could encourage overnight stays and increase local spending.
“Currently Phnom Kulen becomes completely quiet in the evening,” she said.
Improving access to lesser known archaeological sites could also help distribute visitors more evenly across the park and create additional tourism experiences beyond the waterfall and Preah Ang Thom areas.
“Currently visitors can only go as far as the waterfalls and Preah Ang Thom,” she said.
Protecting Nature While Growing Tourism
Environmental sustainability remains a key concern as tourism development plans move forward. Industry leaders argue that protecting Phnom Kulen’s natural resources must remain a top priority alongside tourism expansion.
Sivlin recommends introducing visitor limits in sensitive areas to reduce overcrowding, establishing Zero Plastic Zones near waterways, and requiring businesses operating close to rivers and streams to implement wastewater treatment systems.
She also suggests building protective walkways around archaeological sites to minimize damage caused by foot traffic while preserving important cultural assets.
“Development and conservation must go together,” she said.
Special facilities for religious activities could also enhance the visitor experience, particularly for international pilgrims and spiritual travelers who visit the sacred mountain for worship and cultural exploration.
Phnom Kulen’s Global Potential
Declared a national park in 1993, Phnom Kulen remains one of Cambodia’s most important cultural and natural landmarks. The wider archaeological landscape, known as Mahendraparvata, has also been nominated for future World Heritage consideration, highlighting its international significance.
With careful planning, improved infrastructure, stronger environmental protections, and meaningful community involvement, Phnom Kulen has the potential to become one of Southeast Asia’s leading examples of sustainable cultural and eco tourism. The government’s new strategy represents a major step toward unlocking that potential while preserving the history, spirituality, and natural beauty that make the destination unique.
Source: Kiripost