Cambodia is setting its sights on transforming the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers into economic and tourism powerhouses with a new initiative to construct multiple ports along these vital waterways. Announced following an inter-ministerial meeting on April 8, 2025, the ambitious project promises to enhance transportation, boost tourism, and improve living standards for communities along the rivers, while contributing to national economic development. As the government and private sector collaborate on a long-term strategy, the plan is already generating optimism among industry experts who see it as a game-changer for the country’s future.
A Vision for Cambodia’s ‘Uncut Gems’
The Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, often described as Cambodia’s “uncut gems,” are at the heart of this transformative project. During the April 8 meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal, who also serves as the Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, officials and stakeholders discussed how port development could unlock the rivers’ vast potential. The gathering included key figures such as Thor Cheta, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, and Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, alongside senior officials and private sector representatives. 
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, the inter-ministerial body is tasked with crafting a comprehensive strategy to attract investment and generate revenue through the construction of several ports. While specific details—such as the exact number and locations of the ports—remain under discussion, the initiative’s broader goals are clear: to stimulate economic activity, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life for riverside communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal emphasized the transformative potential of the project, reportedly stating that it could turn Cambodia into a “true golden land.” He highlighted the rivers as immense treasures, likening them to “uncut diamonds” with untapped opportunities for growth. This vision resonates with tourism experts and industry leaders who see the rivers as gateways to a new era of prosperity for the nation.
Tourism and Beyond: A Multi-Faceted Impact
The proposed ports are expected to serve as critical infrastructure for Cambodia’s burgeoning tourism sector. Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a plan that “offers hope” to those living along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. “This project has great potential and significant meaning” he told The Phnom Penh Post, underscoring its capacity to reshape the region’s economic landscape.
Sinan envisions the ports facilitating a range of tourism opportunities, from eco-tourism and agro-tourism to cultural experiences rooted in authentic Khmer traditions, arts, craftsmanship, and history. The Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, with their scenic beauty and cultural significance, are already popular with tourists—evident in the sunset cruises near Phnom Penh that draw visitors seeking a glimpse of Cambodia’s natural splendor. New ports could make these destinations more accessible, potentially increasing visitor numbers and extending the economic benefits to local communities.
Yet, the project’s ambitions extend far beyond tourism. Officials and experts alike point to its potential to revolutionize transportation infrastructure in a country that currently relies heavily on road networks. “Cambodia has neglected the infrastructure potential of its rivers and relies solely on land transportation” Sinan noted, arguing that developing water-based transport could alleviate road congestion and reduce traffic accidents—a persistent issue in the country. Ports along the rivers could serve as hubs for moving agricultural products and other goods, lowering transport costs and fostering competitive domestic production.
This multi-faceted approach—combining tourism with enhanced transportation and economic diversification—positions the initiative as a cornerstone of Cambodia’s broader development strategy. By linking rural communities to markets and tourist destinations, the ports could help address regional disparities, bringing income and opportunities to areas often overlooked by urban-centric policies.
Challenges and Unanswered Questions
Despite the optimism surrounding the project, several challenges remain. The lack of finalized details about the number and locations of the ports raises questions about feasibility and implementation. Environmental concerns are also likely to emerge, given the ecological sensitivity of the Mekong and Tonle Sap ecosystems. The Mekong, in particular, supports millions of people across multiple countries through its fisheries and agricultural resources, and any large-scale infrastructure project risks disrupting these vital systems. While no specific environmental impact assessments have been publicly discussed as of yet, such considerations will be crucial to ensuring sustainable development.
Funding is another potential hurdle. Developing ports and associated infrastructure will require significant investment, and the government’s strategy to attract private capital will be key to the project’s success. The inter-ministerial body’s long-term plan, as outlined by the water resources ministry, aims to create an attractive framework for investors, but the specifics of incentives or partnerships remain unclear. If not managed carefully, financial constraints could delay or scale back the initiative, limiting its impact.
Additionally, community engagement will be essential. While the project promises to improve living standards for riverside populations, large infrastructure developments often risk displacing local residents or altering traditional ways of life. Balancing economic progress with social and cultural preservation will be a delicate task for policymakers. Public consultations and transparent planning processes could help mitigate these risks, ensuring that the benefits of the ports are equitably shared.
Regional Context and Economic Implications
Cambodia’s river port initiative comes at a time when Southeast Asia is increasingly focusing on connectivity and sustainable tourism as drivers of economic growth. Neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand have invested heavily in their own river systems—the Mekong Delta in Vietnam supports a thriving tourism and agricultural economy, while Thailand’s Chao Phraya River is a hub for cultural tourism in Bangkok. Cambodia’s plan could position it as a competitive player in this regional landscape, particularly if it can leverage its unique cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract international visitors.
Economically, the project aligns with Cambodia’s broader goals of diversifying its economy and reducing reliance on garment exports and foreign aid. By enhancing water transportation, the ports could lower logistics costs for agricultural producers, making Cambodian goods more competitive in regional and global markets. For a country where agriculture remains a backbone of the economy, employing a significant portion of the population, such improvements could have far-reaching effects on poverty reduction and rural development.
Tourism, too, is a critical sector for Cambodia, with iconic destinations like Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat drawing millions of visitors annually. Expanding access to lesser-known regions via the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers could distribute tourism revenue more evenly across the country, easing pressure on overcrowded sites while showcasing Cambodia’s diverse landscapes and traditions. If successful, the ports could help Cambodia build on its post-pandemic tourism recovery, capitalizing on growing global interest in authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Looking Ahead: A Golden Opportunity?
As Cambodia moves forward with its river port initiative, the stakes are high. The project holds the promise of economic revitalization, improved connectivity, and a reinvigorated tourism sector, but its success will depend on careful planning and execution. Environmental sustainability, community involvement, and financial viability are just a few of the factors that policymakers must navigate in the coming months and years.
For now, the enthusiasm from government officials and industry leaders like Thourn Sinan offers a glimpse of the potential rewards. If realized, the vision of transforming the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers into engines of growth could mark a turning point for Cambodia, cementing its status as a rising star in Southeast Asia. As plans take shape, both locals and international observers will be watching closely to see whether these “uncut gems” can truly shine.
