Khnang Phsar in Kampong Speu province is quickly becoming one of Cambodia’s fastest growing nature tourism destinations, bringing new opportunities for local communities while protecting the country’s natural environment. Thanks to improved infrastructure, better visitor facilities, and sustainable tourism initiatives led by the Ministry of Environment, the once remote mountain is attracting increasing numbers of Cambodian and international visitors. The transformation is not only boosting tourism but also creating stable incomes, encouraging conservation, and improving the quality of life for families living around the protected area.
The latest developments demonstrate how responsible ecotourism can balance economic growth with environmental protection. Community leaders say better roads, organized tourism services, and continued government investment have helped turn Khnang Phsar into a model for sustainable tourism development, giving local residents new ways to earn a living while preserving one of Cambodia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Improved Infrastructure Opens the Door to More Visitors
Khnang Phsar has experienced remarkable growth after significant investments in infrastructure made the mountain easier and more comfortable to visit. According to community leaders, upgraded roads, visitor facilities, and improved tourism services have transformed the destination into a welcoming attraction for travelers from across Cambodia and abroad.
Hun Sao, head of the Roleak Kang Choeung Community Protected Area, explained that tourism facilities have evolved dramatically over recent years. Small roadside stalls have been replaced with organized reception areas, restaurants, parking spaces, and visitor services that provide a better experience for tourists while creating new business opportunities for local residents.
Improved road access has also changed the profile of visitors. What was once a destination mostly visited by adventurous young travelers is now welcoming families, senior citizens, and visitors of all ages who can comfortably explore the mountain and enjoy its natural beauty.
Tourism Creates Better Livelihoods for Local Families: What Is Drawing More Visitors?
The rapid growth of tourism has transformed the local economy in ways that extend well beyond visitor numbers. According to Hun Sao, around 95 percent of residents have shifted from collecting non timber forest products to tourism related businesses, creating more reliable and sustainable sources of income.
“The transition has enabled many families to move beyond subsistence living, earn higher incomes, build savings and improve household livelihoods,” he said.
Community members now provide a wide range of tourism services, including guided tours, accommodation, camping equipment rentals, transportation, packed meals, and locally produced goods such as rice wine, herbal liquor, and cardamom. These activities have diversified household incomes while allowing residents to directly benefit from the area’s growing popularity.
Hun Sao believes continued investment over the next five to ten years will create even greater employment opportunities, helping secure long term prosperity for future generations living around Khnang Phsar.
Green Tourism Supports Nature Conservation
The Ministry of Environment says tourism development at Khnang Phsar has been carefully planned to protect the surrounding ecosystem while improving visitor access. Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya said the Khnang Phsar Green Tourism Project has completed several key infrastructure projects that enhance both conservation and tourism.
These include a more than seven kilometre access road from Taing Bampong Pagoda to the foot of the mountain, a visitor centre, parking facilities, a café, public toilets, and a community market. The project has also established hiking trails and seven scenic viewpoints managed by the Roleak Kang Choeung Community Protected Area, allowing local residents to generate income while safeguarding the area’s rich biodiversity.
The combination of sustainable tourism and environmental protection has become a central feature of the project’s long term vision, ensuring tourism growth does not come at the expense of Cambodia’s natural resources.
Tree Planting Strengthens the Green Tourism Vision
Environmental restoration remains an important part of the Khnang Phsar development plan. Khvay Atitya said Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has promoted tree planting throughout the community, with 1,400 flamboyant trees planted along the entrance road leading to Khnang Phsar.
The ministry believes its nationwide tree planting campaign, together with forest restoration efforts, is helping restore ecosystems, improve the surrounding landscape, and make ecotourism destinations even more attractive for visitors while protecting biodiversity for future generations.
To highlight the project’s progress, the Ministry of Environment recently invited 20 journalists from 15 media organizations to visit Khnang Phsar in Oral district, Kampong Speu province, where they observed firsthand the continuing development of Cambodia’s emerging green tourism destination.
Conclusion
Khnang Phsar is proving that sustainable tourism can deliver lasting benefits for both people and nature. Improved infrastructure, stronger community participation, and environmental conservation are transforming the mountain into one of Cambodia’s leading ecotourism destinations. As visitor numbers continue to rise, local families are enjoying better livelihoods while protecting the forests that make Khnang Phsar such a unique place to explore. The project stands as an inspiring example of how responsible tourism can create long term economic growth without compromising the environment.