Cambodia Enhances Muslim Friendly Travel with New Airport Prayer Rooms

Published on September 15, 2025

Significant progress is being made by Cambodia to make it a more welcoming travel destination for Muslims. The nation has installed special “Praying Rooms” at two significant international airports, Techo International Airport in Kandal Province and Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap Province, as part of its larger tourism development strategy. These amenities are intended to support Muslim tourists’ religious customs, improving their trip and positioning Cambodia as a welcoming country for Muslims.

Strategic Infrastructure Developments

The establishment of prayer rooms at these airports is a direct response to the growing number of Muslim tourists visiting Cambodia. The initiative is part of the Royal Government’s broader efforts to promote religious harmony and inclusiveness, aligning with the Pentagon Strategy – Phase I. This strategy aims to support Cambodia’s development, peace, and growth by fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors, regardless of their religious background.

In addition to the prayer rooms, the Ministry of Tourism has been working on developing infrastructure that caters to the needs of Muslim travellers. This includes the introduction of halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and culturally sensitive services across the country. These efforts are in line with Cambodia’s goal to attract more Muslim tourists and enhance their overall experience.

Techo International Airport: A Modern Gateway

Techo International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometres from Phnom Penh, officially commenced operations on September 9, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of $2 billion, replaces the older Phnom Penh International Airport. Designed to handle up to 13 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to 50 million by 2050, Techo International Airport is poised to become a major hub in Southeast Asia.

The airport’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its provision of dedicated prayer rooms for Muslim travellers. These facilities are strategically located within the terminal, ensuring easy access for passengers. The introduction of these prayer rooms reflects the airport’s dedication to providing services that cater to the diverse needs of its international clientele.

Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport: Serving the Gateway to Angkor Wat

Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, which began operations in October 2023, serves as the primary gateway for visitors to the Angkor Wat temple complex. The airport, situated about 40 kilometres east of Angkor Wat, was constructed to replace the older Siem Reap International Airport, which was located closer to the temple to prevent potential damage from aircraft vibrations.

Similar to Techo International Airport, Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport has also introduced dedicated prayer rooms to accommodate Muslim travellers. These facilities are part of the airport’s broader efforts to provide services that meet the needs of all visitors, ensuring a comfortable and respectful environment for Muslim tourists.

Aligning with Cambodia’s Muslim Tourism Development Plan

The introduction of prayer rooms at these airports aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s Muslim Tourism Development Plan. This plan aims to enhance Cambodia’s attractiveness as a destination for Muslim travellers by providing facilities and services that cater to their specific needs. The establishment of prayer rooms is a key component of this plan, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive tourism environment.

The plan also includes the development of halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and culturally sensitive services across the country. These efforts are designed to make Cambodia a more appealing destination for Muslim tourists, encouraging longer stays and increased spending, which in turn contributes to the country’s economic growth.

Conclusion

An important step in Cambodia’s efforts to become a more welcoming travel destination for Muslims is the installation of special prayer rooms at Techo International and Siem Reap–Angkor International Airports. In addition to meeting the religious requirements of Muslim tourists, these amenities demonstrate Cambodia’s dedication to fostering religious inclusivity and harmony. Cambodia is positioned to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations for Muslims as long as it keeps improving its services and infrastructure to accommodate Muslim visitors.