Beyond the Temples: Inside Cambodia’s Shift to Coastal & Arts Hubs
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There are also several destinations such as Kampot, Kep, Battambang and Phnom Penh that are gaining popularity in the country because of the change in the country’s tourism industry. This industry in Cambodia is going beyond the traditional activities such as Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. The national tourism activities in 2026 focus much on coastal, ecological, cultural, culinary and urban tourism that can attract people to visit other destinations and spend more time there. This is done by using the Cambodian “Visit Cambodia During Green Season 2026” campaign from May to October. Recent tourism events have also been organised to attract people to enjoy regional food, community products, nature and site-based attractions. According to the Ministry of Tourism, this is one of the measures in order to expand the distribution of tourists in terms of time and destination. The tourism market in the country is changing its behaviour. In 2025, the number of international tourists in the country reached 5.57 million people. This number is 16.9% less than the previous year’s number. Moreover, there is also an increase in revenues in the sphere of tourism – 6.6%. It is equal to US$3.88 billion.
Coastal Cambodia Expands the Travel Itinerary
Kampot and Kep are central to the coastal tourism offer. Kampot provides access to riverside travel, countryside landscapes, pepper-growing areas, food experiences and nature-based attractions, while Kep combines beaches, seafood, islands and coastal scenery.
Kep’s tourism development master plan for 2023–2035 includes a focus on high-quality and luxury tourism, alongside environmental management and destination development. The province also provides access to Koh Tonsay, commonly known as Rabbit Island, which lies a short boat journey from the coast.
Kampot has an established network of nature and community-based tourism experiences. The Ministry of Tourism lists Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism Site as an attraction offering mangrove walks, waterfalls, guided nature activities, local food and opportunities to learn about traditional livelihoods.
Trapaing Sangke is another example of coastal ecotourism linked to conservation. The community has developed guest accommodation, tourist boats, a wooden bridge through mangroves and seafront resorts, while conservation work includes mangrove planting.
These destinations give travellers options to combine Cambodia’s cultural attractions with slower coastal and nature-focused stays. They can also be included in multi-stop itineraries linking Phnom Penh with the southern provinces.
Battambang Builds a Culinary and Creative Identity
Battambang is developing a different tourism proposition based on gastronomy, culture, arts and heritage. The city became Cambodia’s first UNESCO Creative City in 2023, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy.
Food is increasingly part of the destination experience. In April 2026, Battambang’s provincial administration highlighted local cuisine during the Sankranta celebrations, with traditional cooking demonstrations, food exhibitions and cultural performances.
The city also has a long-running connection with contemporary and community arts. Earlier S’Art Urban Art Festival editions have used public spaces, murals, performances, creative activities and food events to support cultural tourism and visitor engagement.
For travellers, Battambang offers a route beyond the conventional Angkor-focused itinerary. Its colonial-era streets, temples, countryside, river landscapes, food culture and nearby natural attractions create a broader combination of experiences within one province.
Phnom Penh Strengthens Urban Tourism
Phnom Penh is also receiving greater attention as a destination rather than simply an arrival point. In August 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and Phnom Penh Capital Administration launched the Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030.
The plan aims to strengthen the capital’s urban tourism offer through the principles of “Clean, Smart, and Green”. It provides a framework for improving the city’s tourism quality, attractions and competitiveness.
The capital’s role also connects with Cambodia’s wider gastronomy strategy. In June 2026, the Ministry of Tourism held a national seminar on tourism diplomacy and gastronomy tourism, identifying culinary routes and agri-tourism as areas for development.
For visitors, Phnom Penh can therefore function as more than a gateway. Its restaurants, markets, cultural sites, creative activities and city experiences can form part of a wider itinerary connecting the capital with Kampot, Kep and other destinations.
More Regional Travel Options for Visitors
Diversification of tourism in Cambodia would bring about more opportunities for tourists coming into the country. Visits to the coastal towns of Kampot and Kep, cultural and food tourism in Battambang, and urban tourism in Phnom Penh are all examples of other ways to get around visiting the heritage sites in Siem Reap. Diversification would also promote community-based tourism and nature-based tourism, among other things.
