Former Siem Reap airport site set for tourism revival

Cambodia is pressing ahead with plans to turn the former Siem Reap International Airport into a major tourism hub, in a move officials hope will extend visitor stays and diversify the province’s appeal beyond the Angkor temples.

The “Miracle Angkor” project, led by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) and Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), will transform the disused site into a commercial, cultural and night‑time destination. Designs include an international exhibition centre, a digital museum and eco‑friendly performances aimed at drawing crowds after dark.

SSCA spokesperson Sinn Chansereyvutha said the initiative could help shift Siem Reap from a transit stop into a stayover destination, potentially adding one or two nights to tourists’ itineraries. Officials believe the project will boost local businesses and strengthen Cambodia’s tourism economy.

On 12 August, Minister Mao Havannall met AIAI chairman Lu Wei to review development phases and assess progress at the newer Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which opened three years ago. Havannall praised AIAI’s decade of investment, calling the airport a “strategic gateway” that connects Cambodia to global markets and symbolises cooperation with China.

Civil aviation authorities are also working to expand direct flight links to China, India, South Korea, the Middle East and ASEAN countries. Incentives on airport fees are under discussion to encourage airlines to broaden their services.

The government hopes that stronger air connectivity, combined with the Miracle Angkor project, will revitalise Siem Reap’s tourism sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. By offering new attractions and building a vibrant night‑time economy, Cambodia aims to compete more effectively with regional rivals and secure longer stays from international visitors.

For residents, the development promises fresh opportunities in hospitality, retail and cultural industries. For travellers, it could mean a richer experience of Siem Reap — blending heritage with modern entertainment and ensuring the city remains a key stop on Southeast Asia’s tourism map.

-2026-08-14