AKP Phnom Penh, November 25, 2025 --

Delegates from Cambodia’s 2025 National Ecotourism Forum, representing municipal & provincial tourism bodies and stakeholders nationwide, concluded their official session today with a high-level field study visit to the renowned Kampong Khleang Natural Tourism Community.

The delegation travelled to the floating village community in Sotr Nikum district, approximately 45 kilometres from Siem Reap city, following a morning of intensive discussions on sustainable tourism policy and development strategies.

Kampong Khleang, situated on the edge of the vast Tonle Sap Lake, is a critical site for Cambodia's ecotourism future. Mr. Sar Bunchamrong, Deputy Head of the local Natural Tourism Community, highlighted the area’s rich potential, stating that the community leverages its unique natural resources, surrounding flooded forests, and distinctive cultural landscape for tourism development.

The visit was aimed at observing a successful model of community-based tourism that integrates environmental preservation with the traditional livelihoods of local residents.

Over 85 percent of the nearly 1,800 families in Kampong Khleang commune depend on traditional fishing. Generations of residents have maintained the skills for large-scale fish processing, producing staple Cambodian products such as prahok (fermented fish paste), smoked fish, dried fish, etc.—activities that serve as key cultural attractions for visitors.

The remaining households supplement their income through aquaculture, farming, fish by-product processing, and providing direct tourism services.

Mr. Bunchamrong elaborated on the range of ecotourism experiences available to visitors, designed to provide an authentic immersion into the Tonle Sap ecosystem and lifestyle: Canoe tours and sunset boat excursions through the floating village and the ecologically vital submerged forest; and Opportunities for homestays, local dining, and observing the deep-rooted cultural traditions and practices associated with the fishing industry.

During their mission, the forum delegates inspected the local homestay facilities, toured the community museum dedicated to local life, and visited recreational sites, gaining firsthand insight into the sustainable operational practices of the Kampong Khleang model.

The visit underscores the Royal Government’s commitment to prioritising ecotourism as a pathway for environmental protection and economic diversification across Cambodia's provinces.

By K. Rithy Reak