Siem Reap is widely known as the home of Cambodia’s ancient temples and breathtaking natural attractions. However, the province is now gaining attention for something entirely different. A growing grape cultivation industry is emerging as a new agritourism attraction, offering visitors a unique experience beyond traditional sightseeing. As of June 2026, local farmers are successfully growing premium grape varieties in the province, creating new economic opportunities while attracting increasing numbers of domestic tourists.

This transformation reflects a broader effort to diversify Siem Reap’s economy and tourism offerings. Through agricultural innovation, expert training, and the introduction of high value crops, local farmers are proving that the province can become more than just a cultural destination. Vineyards are now joining the list of attractions that showcase Cambodia’s evolving agricultural potential.

From Family Gardens to Commercial Vineyards

For many years, commercial grape farming in Cambodia was mainly associated with Battambang and a few other provinces. In recent years, however, Siem Reap has begun carving out its own place in the sector by embracing modern farming techniques and experimenting with new crops.

Local farmers have gradually shifted from small household gardening activities to more productive agricultural ventures. Alongside the expansion of durian plantations, grape cultivation has emerged as one of the most promising developments. This shift demonstrates how agricultural diversification can create additional sources of income while strengthening rural economies.

One of the leading examples of this success is the vineyard operated by local farmer Sam Vanna in Run Ta Ek Techo Sen City. Her vineyard has attracted strong consumer interest thanks to the quality of its grapes and the appeal of purchasing locally grown produce.

A Small Pilot Project with Big Results

Vanna’s journey into grape farming began with a modest pilot project. After receiving specialized training from agricultural experts, she planted 60 grapevines on a small 10 by 30 metre plot near her home. Using organic fertilizers and following professional cultivation guidance, the vineyard completed a 10 month growing cycle with highly encouraging results.

The successful harvest demonstrated that grapes can thrive in Siem Reap’s environment when proper farming methods are applied. What started as a small experiment has quickly evolved into a business with significant growth potential, inspiring other farmers to explore similar opportunities.

“Our goal was to diversify Siem Reap’s tourism and economic profile,” Vanna said. “Historically, the province has been synonymous with ancient temples and natural reserves, lacking the diverse fruit cultivation seen elsewhere. Today, we have successfully established multiple durian orchards and are now expanding into viticulture.”

Premium Grapes Attract Visitors and Buyers

The vineyard currently cultivates five grape varieties imported from Israel, Japan, and the United States. These international varieties have helped create a distinctive product that stands out in the local market.

After an initial harvest in February, the next crop is expected to reach peak ripeness around June 15, 2026. The grapes sell for approximately 45,000 Riel, or around US$11 per kilogram, reflecting their premium quality and limited supply.

Despite seasonal production constraints, public interest continues to grow. The vineyard has already become a popular destination for agritourism, attracting as many as 100 local visitors each weekend. Many visitors come not only to purchase fresh grapes but also to learn about the cultivation process and enjoy a different side of Siem Reap’s countryside.

Vision for Expansion and Local Supply Growth

Encouraged by the vineyard’s success, Vanna plans to expand operations by acquiring additional land and increasing production capacity. Her long term vision is to establish one of the province’s leading vineyards while encouraging other landowners to join the industry.

“Looking ahead, I plan to acquire more land to scale this into a major provincial vineyard,” Vanna added. “I encourage local landowners with larger plots to explore grape cultivation. This will not only satisfy local demand but also establish a supply chain for domestic export to Phnom Penh and other provinces.”

If more farmers embrace grape cultivation, Siem Reap could develop a reliable domestic supply chain that serves both local consumers and major urban markets across Cambodia.

More Than a Fruit: Health and Industry Potential

Beyond tourism and economic benefits, grapes offer important nutritional value. Health specialists highlight that grapes contain natural sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, all of which contribute to overall wellbeing and support cardiovascular and cognitive health.

The crop also has applications beyond fresh consumption. In Cambodia, grapevine roots and stalks are used in traditional medicine practices, while growing interest in wine production creates additional opportunities for value added agricultural processing. These diverse uses strengthen the case for expanding grape cultivation across the country.

For more information, readers can refer to the original report published by the Cambodian news agency AKP.

Conclusion

The rise of grape farming in Siem Reap represents an exciting new chapter in Cambodia’s agricultural and tourism development. What began as a small experimental vineyard has evolved into a thriving attraction that brings together farming, tourism, and local entrepreneurship. As more farmers explore high value crops and agritourism opportunities, Siem Reap may soon become known not only for its temples but also for its flourishing vineyards and innovative agricultural success stories.

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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

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