The Old Siem Reap Airport, located about 7 kilometers from Siem Reap city, played a crucial role in Cambodia’s tourism boom, primarily by serving millions of tourists visiting the iconic Angkor Wat temples. Built in the early 2000s, the airport was constructed with an investment of $100 million, largely funded by Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of the VINCI Group. For nearly two decades, it connected Siem Reap to major cities worldwide, facilitating the region’s rise as a major tourist destination. However, with the opening of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SIA) in October 2023, the old airport ceased operations, leaving many to wonder about its future. The former Siem Reap airport can be located on the map here.

Now, discussions are underway about a bold transformation – turning the Old Siem Reap Airport into a museum that showcases Cambodia’s rich heritage, especially the history of the Angkor Wat temples. This idea has been positively received by tourism stakeholders, as the proposed museum would offer a deeper understanding of Angkor Wat’s historical and cultural significance before tourists visit the actual site.

When the SAI began operations, the old airport closed its doors, sparking discussions about its future. Recently, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) confirmed that negotiations are in progress with foreign investors to turn the abandoned site into a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to Angkor Wat’s history and cultural importance.

A New Gateway to Cambodian History

The proposed museum would aim to bridge the gap between Cambodia’s present and its rich past. Chea Oun, Secretary of State at the SSCA, stated that the museum would showcase a variety of historical exhibitions, with a particular focus on the construction and significance of Angkor Wat. By utilizing modern, digital technology, the museum would offer visitors interactive experiences, enhancing their understanding of Cambodia’s ancient heritage.

This initiative has garnered interest from companies with a strong reputation in Europe for museum operations. The new museum is expected to bring Siem Reap into a new era of cultural tourism by expanding the scope of what visitors can experience beyond the temples themselves.

Although the investment company behind the project has yet to be publicly revealed, the SSCA reassured that the museum will adhere to both government guidelines and UNESCO principles to ensure that Cambodia’s cultural heritage is respected and preserved. The museum will be located entirely within the old airport grounds, with plans to announce the project officially once agreements with investors are finalized.

Tob Sopheak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that no final decision has been made yet, and official updates are awaited. Similarly, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts remains cautious in its remarks, waiting for more concrete developments.

What Does This Mean for Tourism in Siem Reap?

Tourism stakeholders have largely welcomed the museum project. Chan Monicharya, a local tour guide, expressed excitement about the new opportunities it would bring to Siem Reap. “Even if the museum isn’t a major attraction, it will certainly add value to the destination, giving tourists another option to explore during their stay,” Monicharya said.

By extending the range of activities available to tourists, the museum could encourage longer stays in Siem Reap, providing economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, and tour operators. The museum would not only showcase the historical significance of Angkor Wat but also act as a complementary prelude to visiting the temples themselves.

In a broader sense, museums play a vital role in preserving and promoting a nation’s culture, art, and history. By documenting and presenting historical narratives, museums offer valuable insights into the past, ensuring that future generations can understand the cultural evolution of a country. For Cambodia, a museum dedicated to Angkor Wat inside the old airport could serve as a key educational and cultural resource.

The Next Steps and Future Outlook

Although the plans to transform the Old Siem Reap Airport into a museum are not yet final, discussions with foreign investors appear to be progressing. The SSCA remains optimistic that the project will soon move forward, transforming a redundant space into a thriving cultural hub.

For Cambodia, this project represents an opportunity to further solidify its reputation as a premier cultural destination. By giving visitors a deeper understanding of the Angkor Wat temples, the museum could enhance the overall tourism experience and ensure that Siem Reap remains a key player in the global travel industry.

What are your thoughts on this potential transformation of the old Siem Reap Airport? Do you think a museum would be a valuable addition to Siem Reap’s tourism landscape, or should the space be repurposed differently? Let us know your opinion!