Cambodia River Express Launches its New Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Boat Service, Boosting Eco-Tourism and Cruise Opportunities with Scenic, Sustainable Travel

Published on December 7, 2025

Cambodia River Express has introduced a novel boat service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, enabling tourists to experience a rare combination of ecotourism and cruise tourism. This service offers a mode of greener transportation wherein visitors can tour the natural landscapes of Cambodia, its cultural heritage, and remote village areas on a combined boat ride along the Tonle Sap River and a bus transfer. Starting May 13, 2026, this initiative ushers in a combination of luxury river cruising and eco-friendly transportation, promoting both sustainable tourism and cultural immersion.

The 50-50 river and road experience takes passengers on a scenic journey, offering an opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of Cambodia’s countryside. The new route enhances ecotourism by encouraging visitors to opt for an environmentally friendly travel option while offering the charm and allure of cruise tourism along the Tonle Sap River-the biggest lake of Cambodia.

Eco-Tourism and Cruise Tourism: A Sustainable Tourism Experience

The introduction of this boat service is set to boost Cambodia’s eco-tourism industry, offering a more sustainable travel option that minimizes the environmental footprint of transportation. The route will travel through rural areas where few tourists have ventured, providing travelers with a chance to experience Cambodia’s pristine natural beauty and local culture in a way that promotes responsible travel.

By traveling along untouched stretches of the Tonle Sap River, passengers will pass by floating villages, lush farmlands, and the daily life of Cambodian communities. The boat service offers a rare and authentic view of life on the water, highlighting the growing importance of nature-based tourism and cultural conservation within Cambodia’s tourism sector. The partnership between Cambodia River Express and local communities ensures that this new route provides economic benefits while also preserving cultural heritage and natural resources.

Strengthening Cruise Tourism in Cambodia

This new service also adds a new dimension to Cambodia’s cruise tourism sector. While Cambodia has long been recognized for its rich history and heritage sites, the launch of the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service offers a new opportunity for cruise tourists who are seeking alternative cruising experiences beyond traditional coastal cruises.

The boat ride, coupled with the scenic bus transfer, creates an immersive travel experience that will appeal to both local and international tourists looking for more sustainable options in cruise tourism. By offering unique river cruises through Cambodia’s wildlife areas and cultural regions, the country is positioning itself as an emerging cruise tourism destination in Southeast Asia, particularly for travelers who are passionate about eco-tourism and responsible travel.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel Practices

The eco-tourism and cruise tourism elements of the new Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service also align with Cambodia’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism development. The service aims to reduce carbon emissions by offering a combined river and road option that minimizes the need for multiple transport modes and high-emission vehicles.

The route also encourages the preservation of Cambodia’s natural ecosystems, with a focus on maintaining the health and stability of the Tonle Sap River and surrounding areas. Through sustainable travel practices, Cambodia River Express hopes to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving natural resources and protecting local wildlife.

Expanding Cambodia’s Eco-Tourism and Cruise Tourism Offerings

Looking to the future, this initiative could serve as a model for expanding eco-tourism and cruise tourism offerings throughout Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route could be the first of many river-based tourism experiences, opening up more areas of the country for responsible travel.

As tourists increasingly seek sustainable travel options, Cambodia is well-positioned to attract eco-conscious travelers who are looking for authentic experiences that prioritize environmental responsibility. By continuing to expand its eco-tourism offerings, Cambodia can establish itself as a leader in sustainable travel in the Southeast Asia region.

The growing interest in green travel and responsible tourism provides a solid foundation for future investment in eco-friendly infrastructure, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism management in Cambodia.

Tourism Impact: Promoting Regional Growth and Cultural Preservation

The Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service is expected to have a significant economic impact on the regions it serves. By promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism, the initiative will drive tourism-related revenue in areas that are less often visited by international tourists. Local communities will benefit from increased demand for hospitality, tourism services, and cultural experiences, all of which contribute to the socio-economic development of rural Cambodia.

Furthermore, the boat service will help preserve local traditions and natural landscapes by encouraging responsible travel that respects the environment and supports sustainable livelihoods for communities living along the Tonle Sap River. The success of the service could inspire similar initiatives in other parts of Cambodia, promoting eco-tourism as a key pillar of the country’s tourism industry.

Future Impact: Expanding Eco-Tourism Opportunities in Cambodia

The launch of the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service represents a major step in promoting sustainable tourism in Cambodia. As the service grows in popularity, it will open the door to more eco-tourism opportunities across the country. The initiative aligns perfectly with the growing global demand for sustainable travel options, providing tourists with an experience that balances adventure with environmental stewardship.

By expanding its focus on eco-tourism and cruise tourism, Cambodia can attract more international visitors, drive economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability in the coming years. The success of this model could encourage further investment in green tourism infrastructure, creating new opportunities for responsible travel while ensuring that Cambodia’s natural beauty remains protected for future generations.

A Scenic, Sustainable Future for Cambodian Tourism

The exciting prospects which the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service has in store for Cambodia’s tourism sector include cruise tourism and eco-tourism, done in a fashion that is supportive of sustainability and cultural preservation. The service will attract eco-conscious travelers by providing a unique river and road experience, thus fostering growth in the local communities and supporting Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure. As Cambodia continues to open up to green tourism, this Tonle Sap River route shall be vital in the country’s plan toward becoming a leading nation in sustainable travel and tourism innovation within Southeast Asia.