Cambodia has reinvented itself in the last few decades into to a burgeoning hub of hospitality, retail, and leisure. Known as the ‘Kingdom of Wonder,’ with an ancient past that has deeply influenced many Southeast Asian cultures, Cambodia has re-emerged as a beacon of cultural, environmental, and architectural brilliance, offering visitors and residents immersive experiences that honor the country’s rich heritage.
Cambodia’s hospitality industry is poised for remarkable growth, with an expected influx of 4.5 million international tourists in 2023, and ambitious plans to raise this number to over 7 million by 2026.
Cambodia has reinvented itself in the last few decades into to a burgeoning hub of hospitality, retail, and leisure.
This surge in tourism can be attributed to the government’s strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing hospitality services, maintaining environmental cleanliness, prioritizing visitor safety, and incorporating digital technology for effortless booking and payments. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, highlighted these developments in a conversation with Khmer Times.
With the ease of travel and a wealth of diverse experiences, Cambodia invites travelers to fully immerse themselves in the wonders it has to offer. From exploring the captivating historical temple ruins of Angkor and admiring stunning French colonial architecture to meandering through vibrant markets teeming with local crafts, every moment in Cambodia is an opportunity for an enchanting and immersive cultural journey.
Drawing inspiration from Cambodia’s vibrant past in the 1960s, when it was fondly referred to as the ‘Paris of East Asia’, La Maison Plaza boasts Parisian architectural designs.
This modern shophouse development project by Cambestate Management Co., Ltd., the winner of the Best Shophouse Development title at the 8th annual PropertyGuru Cambodia Property Awards, is poised to become the new central business district in northern Phnom Penh. Catering to the needs of residents in the four districts of Russey Keo, Sen Sok, Prek Pnov, and Chroy Changva, it offers a diverse range of amenities, including shops, services, restaurants, fast-food outlets, and grocery stores, available 24/7.
The Maline Office Park by Maline Office Co., Ltd., recipient of the Best Office Architectural Design award, ingeniously integrates work with leisure through its communal park-like space, inviting nature into the workspace. Abundant natural light and fresh air permeate the interiors, fostering a healthier work atmosphere.
“Communal spaces and vertical greenery run through the core of Maline Office by Maline Office,” noted the judges. “The clever design breaks the building into less bulky sections, creating better airflow and connecting workers and outdoor spaces. Open staircases seamlessly link interiors, while metal meshing and directional building aspects control heat and ventilation.”
Shifting our focus to more recreational pursuits, the Bay of Lights by Canopy Sands Development, which hold the distinctions of Best Leisure Architectural Design and Best Leisure Development, emerges as a haven for visitors seeking diverse leisure activities. Here, guests are invited to indulge in the region’s first USGA waterfront golf course, unwind on Cambodia’s longest man-made beach, or marvel at breathtaking panoramas from their state-of-the-art cable cars.
“An expanse of glass is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the coastal city of Sihanoukville at Bay of Lights by Canopy Sands Development. Green roofs and vertical gardens are woven into the architecture. So too are pedestrianized walkways and spaces connecting interiors with open-plan designs and large windows,” described the judges.
Meanwhile, in the realm of retail development, Mean Chey Avenue by RM Commercial Co., Ltd. earned the Best Retail Architectural Design and Best Retail Development awards. One of the most notable features of Mean Chey Avenue is its central tree garden, which canopies over a 0.5-hectare common area. This design element doubles as a natural cooling system, harnessing the natural airflow of southern Phnom Penh to moderate temperatures within the mall.
“A garden with tree canopies attracts fresh air at the heart of shopping center Mean Chey Avenue by RM Commercial,” explained the judges. “The greenery continues into the mall with its clearly defined retail units and F&B spaces. Connected by walkways, the brown-colored interiors add a natural, earthy ambiance to a commercial development.”
Cambodia embraces a period of dynamic growth, it is prepared to offer residents and visitors alike immersive experiences with its rich historical landmarks and cutting-edge architecture.
As Cambodia embraces a period of dynamic growth, it is prepared to offer residents and visitors alike immersive experiences with its rich historical landmarks and cutting-edge architecture. The ‘Kingdom of Wonder’ weaves its profound cultural heritage with forward-thinking sustainability, ensuring that its hospitality, retail, and leisure industries leave a lasting impression.
