In a significant step toward enhancing Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure, Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the Kampot International Tourism Port on April 21, 2025, in Kampot province’s Teuk Chhou district. Spanning 4.25 hectares in Chum Kriel village, the new facility is poised to become a pivotal gateway for domestic and international visitors, fostering greater connectivity to the country’s scenic coastal regions and islands.
A New Hub for Coastal Connectivity
Located in the heart of Cambodia’s southern coastal area, the Kampot port is designed to bolster waterway travel across the region’s four coastal provinces. During the inauguration, Hun Manet highlighted the port’s role as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism development, emphasizing its potential to link key destinations both within Cambodia and beyond. He described the facility as a “new achievement” that aligns with broader infrastructure goals supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which provided financial backing for the project. 
The port’s strategic location offers direct access to popular island destinations such as Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and Koh Sdach, which have long drawn visitors for their pristine beaches and tranquil settings. With successful trial operations already completed between February 15 and April 15, 2025—during which nearly 7,000 tourists used the facility—the port has demonstrated early promise as a catalyst for tourism growth in Kampot province.
Boosting Tourism Numbers and Economic Prospects
Kampot, a province known for its laid-back charm, historic architecture, and proximity to natural attractions, has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers. According to Say Sinol, director of the Kampot provincial Department of Tourism, the region welcomed nearly 600,000 tourists in the first three months of 2025, including over 50,000 international visitors. The recent Khmer New Year celebrations further underscored the area’s appeal, drawing more than 1.3 million domestic and international travelers.
The new port, the first of its kind in Kampot, is expected to build on this momentum by facilitating faster and more efficient waterway connections. Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, told local media that the facility would “significantly contribute to unlocking the potential of coastal tourism” in the province. He also pointed to the growing popularity of water-based travel, predicting that the port would attract more cruise passengers from neighboring countries, enhancing regional tourism ties.
Economically, the port represents a vital opportunity for local businesses and communities. Increased tourist arrivals are likely to spur demand for accommodations, dining, and guided tours, creating jobs and supporting small enterprises in Kampot and surrounding areas. The project’s alignment with the Greater Mekong Subregion’s sustainable tourism goals further ensures that development prioritizes long-term environmental and cultural preservation, a critical consideration for a region reliant on its natural beauty.
Challenges and Future Expansion
Despite the optimism surrounding the port’s opening, challenges remain. Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed the importance of careful planning to ensure the facility’s long-term viability. He urged authorities and stakeholders to implement investment and expansion strategies that address operational and maintenance needs. Among his key recommendations was the need to upgrade the port to accommodate larger passenger ships, a move that could significantly increase inbound and outbound tourist traffic.
At present, the port has not achieved full connectivity with neighboring or regional countries, a limitation noted during its trial phase. Establishing these links will be crucial for positioning Kampot as a major stop on international cruise routes, particularly for travelers exploring the Gulf of Thailand. If successful, such connectivity could place Cambodia’s coastal tourism on par with more established destinations in the region, such as Thailand’s Phuket or Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.
Additionally, the port’s impact on local infrastructure must be managed to avoid overburdening Kampot’s resources. Increased tourist numbers could strain roads, waste management systems, and water supplies if not accompanied by parallel investments in urban planning. The provincial leadership, which Sinol noted is “highly focused” on tourism, will need to balance growth with sustainability to preserve the area’s appeal.
Cambodia’s Broader Port Network
The Kampot International Tourism Port is part of a larger network of maritime infrastructure in Cambodia, which includes 119 operational sea and river ports. According to Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea, this network encompasses major facilities like the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, and numerous smaller coastal and river ports. The addition of the Kampot port strengthens this system, particularly for tourism-focused travel, complementing the commercial and cargo operations of larger hubs like Sihanoukville.
Unlike Sihanoukville, which has become a hub for industrial shipping and casino-driven tourism, Kampot offers a quieter, more culturally rich experience. The new port could help distribute tourist traffic more evenly across Cambodia’s coastal provinces, alleviating pressure on Sihanoukville while showcasing lesser-known destinations. This redistribution aligns with national efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond the iconic temples of Siem Reap and the bustling capital of Phnom Penh.
Regional Implications and International Appeal
The port’s development carries implications beyond Cambodia’s borders, particularly within the Greater Mekong Subregion, where countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos are also investing in tourism infrastructure. Enhanced waterway connectivity could foster collaborative tourism initiatives, such as multi-country cruise itineraries that highlight the region’s shared cultural and natural heritage. For international visitors, the port offers a new entry point to explore Cambodia’s southern coast, potentially drawing travelers who might otherwise overlook the country in favor of more established Southeast Asian destinations.
Financial support from the ADB underscores the international community’s interest in Cambodia’s tourism potential. The bank’s involvement suggests confidence in the sector’s ability to drive economic growth, provided that projects like the Kampot port are managed effectively. For now, the focus remains on scaling up operations and ensuring that the facility meets the needs of a growing market.
Local Perspectives and Community Impact
For residents of Kampot, the port’s opening is a source of both excitement and cautious optimism. Local vendors and tour operators anticipate a surge in business, particularly during peak travel seasons like the Khmer New Year. However, some express concerns about preserving the province’s serene atmosphere amid rapid development. Striking a balance between economic gains and cultural integrity will be key to ensuring that tourism benefits are felt equitably across the community.
The port also opens up opportunities for island communities near Kampot, many of which have struggled to attract consistent visitor numbers due to limited access. Improved ferry services could transform these areas into viable day-trip destinations, boosting local economies while introducing travelers to Cambodia’s diverse coastal landscapes.
Looking Ahead
As the Kampot International Tourism Port begins full operations, its success will hinge on strategic investments and regional cooperation. The facility holds the promise of transforming Kampot into a must-visit destination on Cambodia’s southern coast, provided that growth is managed with foresight. For now, the port stands as a symbol of the country’s ambitions to elevate its tourism profile, inviting the world to discover the hidden gems of its shoreline.
With visitor numbers already on the rise, the coming years will test whether Kampot can sustain its charm while embracing its new role as a gateway to Cambodia’s coastal wonders. The journey has just begun, and much remains to be seen about how this infrastructure will shape the future of tourism in the region.
