Battambang plans development of five tourist sites

Buddhist statues placed at Laang Kang Keb in

Battambang province. Provincial Tourism Department

Officials from the Battambang provincial Department of Tourism have recently inspected and studied five potential tourist destinations in the province to prepare for development plans. The efforts aim to increase both national and international tourism in the area.

Department director Uch Um Phinisara said on January 11 that he had led a team of experts to evaluate the potential of five resorts and destinations in the province.

He said the initiative is part of a broader plan to develop tourism in these areas.

The destinations under consideration include Laang Kang Keb (Frog Cave) in Banan district; Teak Traing Cave in Ratanak Mondol district; Teuk Pus (Hot Spring) in Kamrieng district; Laang 100 Phnom Prampi (100 Caves, Seven Mountains) in Phnom Proek district; and a waterfall at Cambodia-Thailand border in Samlot district.

“After the study, the working group will continue to formulate a plan to develop these destinations, collaborating with authorities to make them more attractive,” he stated.

He added that the finalisation of the plans depends on their discussion with the tourism ministry. Presently, the provincial tourism department is preparing a report for a meeting with the ministry.

Ho Vandy, an adviser to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), highlighted the province’s historical significance, noting its preservation of buildings from the French colonial era and the inclusion of some resorts as cultural heritage sites.

He emphasised that further development of tourist destinations in these resorts would not only enhance the variety of entertainment options but also aid in preserving the histories of Battambang town and the province as a whole.

He noted that the development is expected to attract more national and international tourists.

“When these five tourist destinations undergo development, it will undoubtedly benefit the local economy, as residents will be able to sell their products and services to visitors,” he said.

Vandy also pointed out that the initiative would contribute to reducing local migration and help transform the targeted resorts into conservation areas.