The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled plans to establish a new Siem Reap city – Grand Siem Reap –, located near the under-construction new Siem Reap Airport in Sotr Nikum district, Siem Reap province.

The new city, part of Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan, will be developed into a Smart City, but the city will be designed following Khmer architecture, said Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, after a recapitulative meeting .

“The establishment of Grand Siem Reap is to support the old city of Siem Reap which cannot accommodate high-rise buildings or constructions that can affect cultural heritage,” he explained.

However, the specific date for the project to begin has not been unveiled. Mr Khon said a working team is studying the project in detail.

Scores of 20 major investment projects have been proposed in the Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2020-2035.

Regarding the plan, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is going to build 38 roads in Siem Reap to enhance the economy and beauty of the province, as well as to help connect the city centre to rural areas.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 38 roads is scheduled for mid-November under the presidency of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Chea Vannak – AKP