What makes Siem Reap stand out on the global travel map today is not only its ancient temples but also its growing reputation for safety and comfort, especially for people travelling alone. In a recent study by UK based travel specialist Travelbag, Siem Reap was ranked seventh among the safest cities in the world for solo travellers, a recognition that reflects the city’s steady rise as a trusted and welcoming destination in Southeast Asia. This ranking reinforces Cambodia’s improving international image as a place where independent explorers can feel confident navigating new surroundings while enjoying rich cultural experiences.

How Did Siem Reap Perform in the Global Safety Study?

How exactly was this ranking determined and why did Siem Reap score so well? Travelbag evaluated 36 international cities using a combination of factors that matter most to solo travellers, including daytime and nighttime safety scores from the Numbeo Crime Index, affordability, ease of getting around, transportation quality, and overall traveller friendliness. Siem Reap achieved a strong daytime safety score of 85 and a nighttime score of 69, placing it ahead of major global cities such as Montreal and Tokyo, and firmly within the global top ten for solo travel safety.

What Role Does Angkor and the City’s Layout Play in Traveller Confidence?

Why do solo travellers feel comfortable exploring Siem Reap on their own? A big part of the answer lies in the city’s compact layout and its well developed tourism ecosystem. Siem Reap Province is home to the world famous Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, and the routes connecting major attractions are well travelled and easy to navigate. The city’s manageable size, combined with reliable tuk tuk services and a strong presence of tourism businesses, creates a reassuring environment for visitors who prefer to explore independently.

What Are Solo Travellers Saying About Their Experience in Siem Reap?

What do real travellers experience on the ground? Many solo visitors sharing their stories on social forums describe Siem Reap as a place where moving around on foot or by tuk tuk feels generally safe and straightforward. Central areas such as Pub Street and the Old Market are often mentioned as lively yet comfortable zones, especially during the evening, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a friendly destination where travellers can enjoy local life without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

Why Is Solo Travel Driving Siem Reap’s Global Appeal Right Now?

Why does this ranking matter at this particular moment? Globally, solo travel is on the rise, especially among younger generations seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and flexible travel experiences. The Travelbag study highlights that safety remains the top concern for solo travellers, particularly Gen Z and millennials planning trips in 2025 and beyond. Siem Reap’s strong performance positions it well to capture this growing market at a time when destinations that combine safety, affordability, and authenticity are in high demand.

What Does This Ranking Mean for Cambodia’s Tourism Industry?

How could this recognition impact Cambodia’s wider tourism sector? Tourism experts suggest that Siem Reap’s appeal to solo travellers could support a more diverse visitor base as the industry continues its post disruption recovery. Solo travellers often spend more on local tours, dining, and cultural activities, which can generate broader economic benefits beyond traditional group tourism. Adding to this momentum, Siem Reap was previously voted by British travellers as the second best winter sun holiday destination for 2025, just behind Bangkok, further strengthening its global tourism profile.

Conclusion

So what does Siem Reap’s seventh place ranking really tell us? It shows that the city has successfully combined cultural heritage, traveller friendly infrastructure, and a sense of everyday safety that matters deeply to modern explorers. As global travel trends continue to shift toward independent and experience driven journeys, Siem Reap is well positioned to shine not only as the gateway to Angkor but also as one of the world’s most reassuring destinations for solo travellers.

What makes a city space truly come alive, and why has Chaktomuk Walk Street become such a talking point after only one year of operation? Marking its first anniversary on February 1, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet shared a congratulatory message celebrating how this pedestrian zone has reshaped weekends in the capital. Launched as a pilot project by the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, the walk street runs along Preah Sisowath Quay from Street 94 to Street 240 in Daun Penh District. Since February 1, 2025, it has opened every weekend evening from six to eleven, creating a vehicle free space where people can walk, relax, and enjoy the riverside atmosphere without traffic concerns.

Why Do Locals and Tourists Keep Coming Back Every Weekend?

What draws crowds week after week to the same stretch of riverfront? Over the past year, Chaktomuk Walk Street has evolved into a lively weekend hub for both Phnom Penh residents and international visitors. Authorities estimate that between eighty thousand and one hundred thousand people visit every Saturday and Sunday, turning the area into one of the city’s most energetic gathering spots. Street performances, food stalls, and a relaxed social vibe have helped the walk street become a place where people of all ages can enjoy Phnom Penh after sunset.

How Has the Walk Street Supported Jobs and the Nighttime Economy?

Can a pedestrian street really make a difference for livelihoods? In the case of Chaktomuk Walk Street, the answer appears to be yes. The initiative has created income opportunities for nearly one thousand four hundred people, including about one thousand general vendors and four hundred vendors operating in organized stalls. By providing a structured and busy space for small businesses, the walk street has contributed directly to local employment while strengthening the city’s growing nighttime economy.

What Does This Say About Phnom Penh’s Rising Global Profile?

Why is Phnom Penh increasingly appearing on international travel lists? The success of Chaktomuk Walk Street comes at a time when the capital is gaining global recognition. Phnom Penh is currently ranked second in the world as a nightlife city and tenth among the most favored tourist cities worldwide. Adding to this momentum, the BBC has named Phnom Penh among the top twenty best travel destinations for 2026, reinforcing the city’s image as a vibrant and attractive place to visit.

Who Made Chaktomuk Walk Street a Success Story?

Who deserves credit for turning a pilot project into a celebrated urban space? Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the achievements of the walk street over the past year were made possible through the combined efforts of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration leadership, civil servants at all levels, security forces, and the active support and participation of the public. This shared commitment has helped ensure safety, order, and a welcoming environment that keeps people coming back.

Conclusion

What does the first anniversary of Chaktomuk Walk Street really represent for Phnom Penh? More than just a celebration of one year, it highlights how thoughtful urban planning, public cooperation, and strong leadership can transform a simple riverside road into a dynamic symbol of tourism growth, economic opportunity, and city pride. As Phnom Penh continues to rise on the global tourism stage, Chaktomuk Walk Street stands as a clear example of how local initiatives can create lasting impact.

Images: Fresh News

Song Saa Island and the Question of Ownership in Cambodia

Recent social media claims suggesting that Cambodia has sold islands in its territorial waters to private companies have sparked confusion and concern among the public. In response, the Council for the Development of Cambodia clarified that Cambodia has never sold any islands to private entities. The government emphasized that such allegations are inaccurate and misleading, particularly those referencing Song Saa Island and other islands located in Preah Sihanouk and Kampot provinces. These claims overlook long standing legal and administrative frameworks governing state property and investment in the country.

Government Response to Misinformation Circulating Online

The Council for the Development of Cambodia formally addressed the issue after false information circulated widely on social media platforms. According to the CDC, the Royal Government of Cambodia has not transferred ownership of any islands to private companies. Instead, what has occurred aligns with established development practices, where certain islands categorized as private state property are leased, not sold, to investors for tourism development. This distinction is critical, as leasing allows the state to retain ownership while encouraging responsible private sector participation.

Leasing for Tourism Does Not Mean Selling National Assets

The CDC further explained that the two islands mentioned in the allegations fall under private state property, which legally permits leasing for economic activities such as tourism. These arrangements are designed to support sustainable development, attract investment, and create jobs without compromising national sovereignty. The government reaffirmed that leasing land for development is not the same as selling it, and Cambodia continues to maintain full ownership of its islands and coastal resources.

Conclusion

In summary, claims that Cambodia has sold islands to private companies are unfounded. The Royal Government, through the Council for the Development of Cambodia, has clearly stated that no islands have been sold, and that leasing arrangements are standard practice aimed at promoting tourism and economic growth while safeguarding national assets. As Cambodia continues to develop its tourism sector, accurate information and responsible sharing on social media remain essential to maintaining public trust and national integrity.

A New Eco Tourism Experience Takes Shape in Ream

Preah Sihanouk province is preparing to introduce a fresh eco tourism attraction designed to blend water based recreation with a relaxed natural dining experience, adding new energy to the coastal tourism scene. Located in Ream commune of Kampong Som city, the upcoming site aims to draw both local and international visitors looking for something beyond the usual beach activities. Scheduled to open in late January, the project reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings while highlighting the area’s natural environment and coastal charm.

Provincial Leaders Review Progress and Approve Development

The plan to launch this new attraction was officially shared during a site inspection held on Monday, led by Em Pheap, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, alongside Kheang Phearum, Director of the Provincial Hall’s Planning and Investment Department, and other relevant officials. The technical working group visited the site known as the floating pier and water sports activities to assess readiness and ensure preparations were aligned with development goals, according to information released by the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Information Department. During the visit, Pheap confirmed that the provincial administration has agreed to support the project as part of its broader tourism development strategy.

Boosting Tourism Through Water Recreation and Nature Inspired Dining

Provincial officials see the project as a new tourism product that will strengthen the appeal of Ream and contribute to the overall attractiveness of Preah Sihanouk province. By combining water based recreational activities with dining in a natural setting, the site is expected to offer visitors a more immersive and relaxed experience. Pheap also emphasized the importance of responsible development, asking technical officials to carefully study potential environmental impacts and support the site owner in arranging the surroundings to meet required standards. He further encouraged the business owner to speed up the application process for all necessary licenses to ensure the attraction operates fully within legal frameworks.

Construction Timeline and Soft Opening Plans

According to the Provincial Information Department, construction of the new tourism project began in January 2024 and has progressed steadily. The project is now approaching completion, with a soft opening scheduled for January 30, 2026. This timeline reflects careful planning and coordination aimed at delivering a quality attraction that meets both visitor expectations and regulatory requirements, while supporting sustainable tourism growth in the province.

European Cuisine and Healthy Dining on the Water

Beyond recreational activities, the site will feature café services offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed waterside setting. The restaurant will focus mainly on European cuisine and healthy food options, using fresh and natural vegetables, fish, and meat. Meals will be prepared by experienced and highly skilled chefs, positioning the venue as a place where visitors can enjoy quality dining while surrounded by the calm atmosphere of Ream’s coastal environment.

Conclusion

The launch of this new water based eco tourism attraction marks another step forward for Preah Sihanouk province as it continues to expand and modernize its tourism offerings. By combining recreation, nature, and quality dining, the project has the potential to attract a wider range of visitors and encourage longer stays in the region. If developed responsibly and managed well, it could become a standout destination that supports sustainable tourism and reinforces Preah Sihanouk’s reputation as one of Cambodia’s most dynamic coastal provinces.

Cambodia Reaffirms Its Commitment to a Safe and Welcoming Tourism Environment

Cambodia has once again underscored its position as a safe, secure, and stable destination for both domestic and international travelers, reassuring visitors that tourism across the Kingdom continues without disruption. In a formal response issued on January 19, the Ministry of Tourism addressed recent Cambodia travel advisories released by certain foreign missions, emphasizing that these notices do not reflect the current reality on the ground. According to the ministry, the advisories and accompanying maps may have unintentionally created confusion among the public and travelers, especially international tourists, about Cambodia’s overall safety situation, despite the fact that daily life and tourism activities are proceeding as normal nationwide.

Major Tourist Destinations Remain Fully Open and Operational

The Ministry of Tourism made it clear that Cambodia’s key tourism hubs are functioning normally and continue to welcome visitors with confidence. “Major tourism destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk and other tourism sites, continue to operate normally and remain fully open to warmly welcome visitors, with safety and security duly ensured,” the ministry stated. From cultural landmarks and heritage sites to coastal destinations and urban centers, tourism services, infrastructure, and hospitality operations remain intact, allowing travelers to explore Cambodia without interruption or concern.

Ministry of Tourism Calls for Responsible and Accurate Information Sharing

Highlighting the importance of clear communication, the Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its openness to cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions, media organizations, and tourism stakeholders. The ministry stressed its ongoing commitment to providing accurate and factual tourism related information to support informed travel decisions and to ensure balanced reporting. It also urged the public, embassies, national and international media, tourists, and all relevant stakeholders to help share information responsibly, recognizing that accurate messaging plays a vital role in maintaining traveler confidence and protecting Cambodia’s tourism reputation.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s message is clear and consistent. The country remains open, safe, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world. While acknowledging that misunderstandings can arise from incomplete or unclear information, the Ministry of Tourism continues to emphasize transparency, cooperation, and responsibility in communication. For travelers considering Cambodia, the reassurance from authorities reflects a stable tourism environment where safety, hospitality, and cultural richness remain at the heart of the travel experience.

Source: AKP