Cambodia Promotes Railway Tourism as Sustainable Travel Opportunity

PHONM PENH, May 2026 – Tourism authorities are increasingly recognising rail as both a transport mode and a tourism product, offering travellers scenic journeys while supporting more sustainable mobility. In emerging rail markets, this approach can help generate additional passenger demand and strengthen the business case for network investment.

Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, has highlighted railway travel as a distinctive visitor experience that combines convenience, hospitality, and views of the country’s landscapes and communities. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to diversify Cambodia’s tourism offering and encourage domestic and international travellers to consider rail as an alternative to road transport.

Cambodia’s passenger rail services, operated by Royal Railway, connect Phnom Penh with key destinations including Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Poipet. These routes provide access to coastal tourism hubs and heritage destinations while helping reduce road congestion and offering a lower-emission travel option.

For the rail sector, tourism-focused promotion can play an important role in boosting ridership and improving asset utilisation, particularly on networks with spare passenger capacity. It also creates opportunities for integrated tourism packages, station-area development, and stronger collaboration between transport operators and tourism stakeholders.

Cambodia’s strategy reflects a broader regional trend in which governments are leveraging rail infrastructure to support sustainable tourism and regional connectivity. As Southeast Asian countries continue investing in passenger rail, tourism-oriented services are expected to become an increasingly important component of network growth and public engagement.

Source: Khmer Times