Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030: Cambodia’s Capital Sets Its Sights on the Future

Royal Palace of Cambodia complex in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is preparing for a major transformation as Cambodia launches a five-year tourism development plan designed to strengthen the capital as a leading urban tourism destination in South-East Asia.

The Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030 was officially launched on 17 August 2026 by Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng, with approximately 300 tourism stakeholders attending the launch. The plan provides a shared roadmap for developing tourism, improving visitor experiences and strengthening the capital’s regional competitiveness.

A New Vision for Phnom Penh Tourism

Phnom Penh is already Cambodia’s political, economic, commercial and cultural centre, as well as an important international gateway to the country.

Under the new tourism plan, the capital is looking beyond its traditional role to develop a more distinctive urban tourism identity combining history, culture, architecture, local lifestyles, cuisine and modern city experiences.

The strategy is based around the principles of Clean, Smart and Green, reflecting an emphasis on improving destination quality while responding to changing traveller expectations.

Greener Public Spaces and a Revitalised Riverfront

The Birdcage Boutique

One of the plan’s priorities is the continued development of Chaktomuk Walk Street and its surrounding riverfront area as a modern, green and environmentally friendly tourism zone.

Phnom Penh authorities also plan to develop additional public recreational parks capable of hosting major national and international tourism and sporting events.

A major 75-hectare public park and recreational area is also being developed at Boeung Tamok, adding to the capital’s expanding green spaces and providing opportunities for leisure, exercise and outdoor activities.

Better Ways to Explore the City

Phnom Penh

Getting around Phnom Penh is another focus of the 2026–2030 tourism strategy.

Plans include dedicated public transport lanes intended to help reduce traffic congestion, new cycling lanes and a public electric bicycle-sharing system.

For visitors, improved transport options could make it easier to explore the capital's attractions while offering alternatives to conventional road transport. The initiatives are also intended to benefit local residents and support a more connected urban environment.

Three Priorities for the Future

The tourism plan identifies three important strategic directions: Phnom Penh destination branding, tourism storytelling and night tourism development.

Rather than simply promoting individual attractions, the storytelling approach aims to connect visitors with the city's history, traditions, architecture, food and everyday life.

Expanding night-time tourism is intended to provide visitors with more things to see and do after dark, potentially encouraging longer stays and greater visitor spending across the city's hospitality, dining and entertainment sectors.

Discover the Phnom Penh of Tomorrow

Phnom Penh

For travellers planning a Cambodia holiday, Phnom Penh offers an increasingly diverse city experience, from riverside walks and historic architecture to Cambodian cuisine, markets, cultural attractions and contemporary urban life.

The Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030 signals an ambitious period of development for Cambodia's capital. As new parks, transport improvements, cycling facilities, tourism products and evening experiences emerge, visitors will have new reasons to explore Phnom Penh and spend more time discovering the city.

Cambodia Ministry of Tourism

Website: https://www.tourismcambodia.org/
Address: No. 3, Preah Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh Capital Administration

Website: https://phnompenh.gov.kh/
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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