Cambodia has emerged as one of the most promising investment destinations in Southeast Asia, thanks to its rapid economic growth, strategic location, and government-friendly business policies. As the country continues to develop its infrastructure and attract foreign investment, several key locations stand out as prime opportunities for business expansion. From world-renowned tourist destinations to massive infrastructure projects, these seven main gems of Cambodia provide lucrative opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat remains a significant cultural and economic asset, drawing millions of tourists and generating substantial revenue. Meanwhile, the upcoming Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh is set to revolutionize Cambodia’s aviation industry, improving connectivity and making the country more accessible for trade and tourism. Additionally, Cambodia’s deep-sea ports in Sihanoukville and Koh Kong are enhancing the country’s trade capacity, providing essential gateways for international commerce.
Another ambitious infrastructure project, the Funan Techo Canal, will redefine Cambodia’s logistics landscape, facilitating smoother maritime trade routes. Beyond urban developments, provinces like Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Battambang are gaining attention for their vast agricultural potential and cost-effective investment opportunities. These regions offer abundant land, strategic locations, and a growing workforce, making them ideal for industrial expansion and agribusiness ventures. Furthermore, the Tonle Sap Lake, a crucial ecological and economic resource, provides opportunities in sustainable fishing, tourism, and environmental conservation.
This blog explores these seven major gems of Cambodia in detail, highlighting their economic significance, development projects, and potential investment benefits. Whether you’re a foreign investor looking for new opportunities or a business owner seeking expansion, understanding these key areas will provide valuable insights into Cambodia’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
1. Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat, is the heart of Cambodia’s tourism industry. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical marvel attracts millions of tourists annually, making it a hotspot for business opportunities in hospitality, retail, and tourism services.
The best spots to visit within the Angkor Archaeological Park include Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. The park receives over 2 million visitors per year, generating approximately $100 million annually in revenue. The influx of tourists creates significant investment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and travel agencies, making Siem Reap a prime location for business expansion.
Siem Reap on Google Map
2. Techo International Airport
Located in Kandal Province, just 30 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Techo International Airport is set to be Cambodia’s largest and most modern airport. The project, developed by the Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC), costs around $1.5 billion and covers an area of 2,600 hectares. Construction began in 2019, with the official opening planned for 2025.
This airport aims to handle up to 50 million passengers annually upon full completion, making it a game-changer for Cambodia’s aviation industry. Its strategic location and world-class facilities will boost tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment. Business opportunities surrounding the airport include logistics, duty-free retail, aviation services, and real estate, as the area around the airport is expected to see rapid urban development.
3. Sihanoukville and Koh Kong Seaports
Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s premier deep-sea port, and the upcoming Koh Kong seaport are crucial hubs for trade and logistics. Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (SAP) is the largest in the country, handling over 700,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually. It has undergone multiple expansions, with the latest investment exceeding $200 million to modernize facilities.
Koh Kong’s deep-sea port, set to be operational by 2026, will further strengthen Cambodia’s trade capabilities. These ports are essential for investors in import/export businesses, manufacturing, and logistics. With improved infrastructure and increasing international shipping demands, both ports present immense business opportunities for local and foreign investors.
4. Funan Techo Canal
The Funan Techo Canal is one of Cambodia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. This 180-kilometer canal will connect Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, facilitating direct maritime trade. The $1.7 billion project, led by a Chinese-Cambodian joint venture, is expected to be completed by 2030.
This canal will significantly reduce transportation costs for goods, boosting Cambodia’s export potential. It is expected to transform the logistics and trade sectors by enhancing connectivity with regional markets. Investment opportunities include warehousing, shipping services, and inland port facilities.
Funan Techo Canal on Google Map
5. Kampong Speu and Takeo Province
Kampong Speu and Takeo are emerging as industrial and agricultural hubs in Cambodia. Kampong Speu, located west of Phnom Penh, has a population of around 900,000 and is known for its vast agricultural land and growing industrial zones. Takeo, with a population of approximately 1 million, is a key agricultural province producing rice, fish, and livestock.
These provinces offer lower land costs, government incentives for industrial investment, and a strategic location for manufacturing, especially in textile, garment, and food processing industries. Their proximity to Phnom Penh and Vietnam’s border makes them ideal for investors looking for cost-effective production and export opportunities.
Takeo Province on Google Map
6. Tonle Sap
Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is located in central Cambodia. It spans up to 16,000 square kilometers during the wet season, supporting over 1.5 million people who rely on fishing and agriculture.
The lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing over 300 species of fish and numerous floating villages. Its unique water reversal phenomenon, where the flow changes direction seasonally, makes it an ecological wonder. Investors in ecotourism, fisheries, and sustainable agriculture will find Tonle Sap a promising area for growth, especially with increasing global interest in environmental conservation and responsible tourism.
Tonle Sap on Google Map
7. Battambang Province
Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, is an emerging investment hub. With a population of over 1 million, it is known for its fertile land, strong agricultural sector, and well-preserved colonial architecture. The province is Cambodia’s leading producer of rice, fruit, and vegetables, making it an excellent location for agribusiness investments.
The province’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its growing tourism sector, offers opportunities in hospitality, food production, and retail. Additionally, Battambang’s strategic location near Thailand’s border provides access to export markets, making it a prime spot for businesses looking to expand regionally.
Battambang Province on Google Map
Cambodia’s rapid economic growth and infrastructure development make it an attractive destination for investors and business owners. From historical landmarks like Angkor Wat to modern infrastructure projects like Techo International Airport and the Funan Techo Canal, Cambodia presents vast opportunities across various industries. Whether in tourism, logistics, agriculture, or manufacturing, these seven gems offer unparalleled potential for those looking to invest in Cambodia’s future.