Cambodia and Vietnam open new border crossing

Cambodia and Vietnam are strengthening links in a bid to boost both tourism and trade. 

The two south-east Asian nations this month opened a new international land border crossing, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

The Khanh Binh-Chrey Thom international border gate links An Giang province in southern Vietnam with Cambodia’s Kandal province, providing another gateway for travellers and commercial traffic between the neighbouring countries.

The crossing is expected to simplify journeys for residents and international visitors while supporting logistics, commercial exchanges and cooperation between border communities.

It could also make it easier for travellers to combine visits to Cambodia and Vietnam within a single trip.

The opening comes as Cambodia is in conflict with another neighbour, Thailand, after border skirmishes.

The Khanh Binh-Chrey Thom opening follows the inauguration of the Muen Chey-Tan Nam international border gate on December 8, 2025, linking Cambodia’s Prey Veng province with Vietnam’s Tay Ninh province.

Image: vietnam.vn

Phnom Penh to get the first Ritz Carlton in Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating Asian destination, a little rougher around the edges than some of its neighbours, but all the more interesting for that.

Marriott International and The Royal Group have announced plans to debut The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand in Cambodia in 2032 with The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh.

The plans reveal a new 152-key Ritz-Carlton Hotel alongside 119 branded residences.

“The Ritz-Carlton is defined by its presence in destinations of cultural significance and enduring appeal, and Phnom Penh embodies the promise and vitality we seek in the world's great cities,” said Brad Edman, regional market vice president for Marriott International.

“Combining an unrivalled downtown location with legendary service, sophisticated design, and a remarkable collection of hotel accommodations and branded residences, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are set to establish new benchmarks for luxury living and hospitality in the Cambodian capital.”

Located in a prime spot on Norodom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Daun Penh district of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penhare planned to form part of a new mixed-use development which also features an office tower.

The new hotel will be on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural and commercial attractions, including the Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum of Cambodia, while Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport is 20km away.

The rooms and suites will have views across the city and Mekong River. The design plans also include scope for an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and five restaurants and lounges, including a sky bar and an exclusive Club Lounge.

For info see www.ritzcarlton.com

Travel warning levels upped for Cambodia

Australians have been warned to avoid visiting Battambang (above), Cambodia's second city, and tourism hub Siem Reap, amid ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

The Smart Traveller website published by the Australian Government this week upped its warnings for the south-east Asian nation.

"We’ve reviewed our advice for Cambodia and have raised the overall travel advice level," the website says. "We now advise exercise a high degree of caution overall due to ongoing conflict and its security risks.

"The security situation remains unpredictable. We continue to advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia-Thailand border and reconsider your need to travel within an additional 30 kilometres of that border (and all of Battambang city) due to ongoing armed clashes including military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance."

Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain closed.

Tourists are advised to check local and international media for updates, follow the instructions of local authorities and pay close attention to their personal security.

It is advised avoiding the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, and Koh Kong, "due to ongoing armed clashes including military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines and unexploded ordinance".

See https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Busy start for Cambodia's new airport

Cambodia's new international airport had a much livelier start than had been expected.

Techo International Airport, the Asian nation's largest aviation infrastructure project, opened last month.

With a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport began operations as a modern hub for business and tourism and the first flight, operated by Air Cambodia, was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

Within its first month of operations, the airport has seen the opening of two new routes and, unexpectedly, also supported Cathay Pacific by temporarily hosting some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa, which ravaged Hong Kong and other regional cities.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), the Techo International Airport has capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its first phase and will strengthen tourism, expand trade flows, and enhance Cambodia's international connectivity.

The project was Cambodian built in collaboration with a consortium of local and international contractors and is located 35 kilometres south of the capital Phnom Penh..

The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, reflects Angkorian traditions through sweeping roof canopies supported by structural "trees" inspired by the rumduol - Cambodia's national flower.

It served by almost 30 airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

"Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment," said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of infrastructure partner OCIC and CAIC.

"It creates new opportunities for Cambodia - for visitors, businesses, and investors - and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country."

Techo International Airport also features retail and dining offerings. Among the shops and restaurants are Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d'Angkor.

An official inauguration ceremony is set to be held on October 20. For those wondering, The name Techo is a title given to army commanders by the King of Cambodia.  

Where to now for Sihanoukville?

What is the future for Sihanhoukville? 

Just a few years ago it was a fishing port and sleepy beach resort. 

Now Cambodia's biggest deep-sea port is awash with Chinese money and casinos. Recent reports have not been positive. 

 
The Radisson Hotel Group is apparently confident it will retain broad appeal, announcing the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, to add to its expanding portfolio in Cambodia.

Scheduled to open in early 2029, the newly built 176-key hotel will be located within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a mixed-use township on Cambodia's southern coast.

Sihanoukville is undergoing a government-driven transformation into a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by 2038. 

This initiative aims to establish the city as a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology, stimulating corporate demand in addition to its leisure appeal.

The new hotel will feature a mix of rooms and serviced apartments, some with panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. 

It is located just a five-minute walk from a private beach and adjacent to the city's CBD. 

The property will cater to both business and leisure travellers and is within a 25-minute drive of Sihanoukville International Airport. 

"Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of south-east Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities," says Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, APAC, Radisson Hotel Group. 

"The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia's key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh."

The Bay of Lights development, spread across 934 hectares, integrates residential, commercial, financial, hospitality, and leisure components, including a marina and cultural attractions. 

With Sihanoukville welcoming approximately 5 million visitors in 2024, including both domestic and international travellers, Radisson is positive about the destination. 

For more info visit the Radisson website. 

High-tech new airport the new gateway to Cambodia

Flyers arriving in Phnom Penh will be landing at a new airport from next month.

The Cambodian capital is bidding farewell to its international airport in Pochentong, which has operated for 65 years.

The new airport (above) is named Techo International Airport (IATA code KTI) and is located 28km south of Phnom Penh.

Compared to the current facility which is a mere 30 minutes by car to the capital, it will take over an hour to reach the city centre.

There are plans to construct a direct rail link to Phnom Penh, but work has not yet started.

Secretary of State and Spokesperson for Civil Aviation, Sin Chansereyvutha, confirmed that: “Techo International Airport will open for operations on September 9, 2025, and Phnom Penh International Airport will close on the night of September 8, 2025.”

From September 9, Pochentong will only be used by military aircraft and private jets.

The new airport will be one of the largest in south-east Asia. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and his team at Foster and Partners, the concept is of a green facility, using natural light, integrating greenery and powered by a solar farm.

It is capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year, which is 2.5 times more than the current airport’s capacity.

The airport’s management will be transferred to Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of French VINCI Airports.

VINCI Airports is the world's leading private airport operator with more than 70 airports operating in 14 countries and eight capitals

Sweet and savoury: Meet a most unusual whiskey

Thinking outside the box has paid dividends for one inventive Cambodian migrant to the US. 

Steven Yeng and his American wife/chemist turned lawyer Brittany have enjoyed huge success with Skrewball, a peanut butter flavoured whiskey liqueur. 

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey Flavoured Liqueur was founded by the Yengs in 2018 and is now available in Australia and New Zealand.

The pair took took an unexpected combo - peanut butter and whiskey from their Ocean Beach base in California  in 2018- and turned it into a household name in the US. 

Steven’s journey began after fleeing Cambodia as a child and spending four years in a refugee camp. 

His first taste of America? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a flavour that became symbolic of his first “taste of freedom” and inspired his liquor creation. 

He now says it is a chance "'skrew the usual"’ and embrace the unexpected. The brand has enjoyed consumer retail growth rate of 1,976% in the US market despite initial scepticism from the market. 

"They all laughed," Yeng told US media. "Everybody was a doubter. No one believed in us. They saw us as a novelty, not a phenomenon. [But the] scepticism fuelled our drive. We'd been successful before; we used that underdog mentality and said: "Let's do it."

The global Pernod Ricard group is now on board.
  

I enjoyed my first taste of the unusual - it is a delicious combo of sweet and earthy flavours, perfect enjoyed over ice. One reviewer described it as being like a "liquid scorched peanut bar"

It is World Whisky Day this Saturday and was World Cocktail Day earlier in the week. So....

Here are a couple of cocktails you might like to try:

Skrewball Paloma
2 parts Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
¾ parts Tequila
1/3 parts Aperol
2 parts Grapefruit Juice
Soda Water
Build the ingredients over ice and top with soda water. Garnish with lemon or lime wheel.

Skrewball Pineapple Margarita (above) 

2 ¼ parts Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
¾ parts Tequila
½ parts Sour Mix
2 parts Pineapple Juice
Shake all ingredients and pour into an unsalted margarita glass. Garnish with pineapple and lime.

For more details see https://www.skrewballwhiskey.com/ In Australia try Liqourland or Thirsty Camel outlets. RRP is around $70.  

Novotel makes its debut in Cambodia

The Cambodian seaside resort of Sihanoukville now has a new international hotel brand.

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts, part of the Accor group, this week opened the doors to Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort.

It is the first Novotel property in Cambodia and is located directly on Independence Beach.

The 215-key resort has views over the Gulf of Thailand, four dining options, and family-friendly facilities.

“The opening of Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort marks the beginning of an exciting journey for us in 2024," says Garth Simmons from Accor.

"It stands as a significant milestone in Accor's ongoing commitment to providing diverse and enriching hospitality experiences in Asia.

"With the growing potential in Cambodia's hospitality sector, we are thrilled to introduce the Novotel experience to the country for the first time.

“Novotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary design, spacious comfort, and well-being facilities. This combination makes Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort an attractive choice for travellers seeking an opportunity to connect with their loved ones, and themselves, or unwind in Cambodia's most recognized seaside town of Sihanoukville.”

The hotel offers eight room configurations, ranging from comfortable 32 sqm standard rooms to 96 sqm suites.

Facilities include 24/7 in-room dining, a fully-equipped, a beachside infinity pool with sunset views, and a separate kids' pool and kids' club.

Sihanoukville International Airport is 25 km from the hotel, while it is a 2 1/2-hour drive on the new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway to the capital city of Phnom Penh.

 Once a quiet retreat, Sihanoukville is now a booming resort town - complete with Chinese investment and all the plusses and minuses that brings.  

To celebrate its opening, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort is offering a Coastal Getaway package from now until April 9 starting at US $120+++ per night, including a daily $25 food and beverage credit, along with early check-in and late check-out.

See https://all.accor.com/hotel/A611/index.en.shtml

Cambodia to get a new airline with a familiar name

The travel industry is gaining momentum as we reach the final days of 2022.

Over the Covid era I barely heard a word from the AirAsia group. Now they seem to have breaking news just about every day.

AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), also known as Capital A, this week signed a joint venture agreement with Sivilai Asia to establish AirAsia Cambodia, a new low-cost airline to operate from Cambodia.

The new airline is aiming to cement AirAsia’s brand in Cambodia and Indochina, providing AirAsia with greater access to its domestic market and connecting to international markets across Asean, North Asia and beyond.

AirAsia Cambodia aims to stimulate the Cambodian aviation and tourism industries, launch new destinations, create jobs and bring low-cost flights to the country.

The agreement was signed by Tony Fernandes, the AirAsia founder, and Vissoth Nam, director of Sivilai Asia, in Phnom Penh.

Subject to obtaining regulatory approvals, the new airline is expected to commence operations in late 2023.

"We continue to focus on Asean, where we know best and our brand is the strongest," Fernandes said.

"Cambodia is the fifth Asean country where we are continuing our march of being the region’s number one mover of people and cargo, and providing a lynchpin of economic growth for Asean countries.

“2022 was about restarting our airline to pre-Covid levels. That machine is in place and will be completed by the second quarter of 2023. The second half of 2023 will be when we focus on our continued efforts in growth.

"We are confident of profitability in the first year. Cambodia is a market that is familiar to us and where we have deep infrastructure in place."

AAAGL operates five routes to Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, from Penang to Phnom Penh (starting January 3, 2023) as well as from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Since entering the Cambodian market in 2005, AirAsia has carried over 10 million guests to and from Cambodia.

One of Asia's grandest hotels reopens its doors

One of Asia's grandest hotel addresses - Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor - has just reopened its doors to guests.

First opened in 1932 and widely celebrated as La Grande Dame de Angkor, the hotel has welcomed guests including Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

Operating as a hotel for almost 90 years, hotel underwent a transformation in 2019 with rooms and suites receiving a facelift before the global pause in travel.

There may be an older vibe, but guest rooms feature Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations and Simmons pillow-top mattresses.

The French windows, which swing open to views of street scenes or the plantation-style grounds of the hotel, have been upgraded, and each room now has a writing desk and vintage rotary telephone.

"It is a magnificent feeling to bring this enchanting hotel back to life,” said general manager Dennis de Groot.

“The Grand Hotel is a national treasure, and its storied history is testament to Cambodia’s colourful past. It was originally built as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat.

"As we prepare to celebrate the hotel’s 90th anniversary this year, we are delighted that this hotel can continue to set the standard for luxury hospitality, where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family.”

Named after the year that Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened, 1932 is the hotel’s latest signature restaurant, featuring Khmer cuisine.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is situated just a 20-minute drive to the doorway of the UNESCO Heritage temples of Angkor.

Designed by French architect Ernest Hébrard in a style that combines Khmer art and furnishings with Art Deco influences, the hotel has just 63 rooms, all with private bathrooms and was taken over by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in 1997 at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk.

For reservations call +855 23 982 598 or email bookus.siemreap@raffles.com.

Big row brewing over controversial lager

A Cambodian brewery is under fire after naming its flagship lager after a Hindu monkey god.

Hanuman Premium Lager is made by Hanuman Beverages and has faced criticism from angry Indian consumers.

The perceived religious insult has led to the Indian embassy being encouraged to reach out to Cambodian authorities to “get the brand name and image changed”.

Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said inappropriate usage of sacred Hindu deities or concepts or symbols or icons for commercial or other agenda was not acceptable.

He said Lord Hanuman was highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines, and not to be used in selling beer.

Cambodians say the name is not insulting as the character is “mythological”.

Hanuman, a key character in Hindu scripture Ramayana, is revered both in Cambodia and India.

Hanuman Beverages has not faced any domestic backlash. Hanuman Premium Lager is promoted as "the best beer in Cambodia."

Hotel manager urges travellers to discover Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a fascinating destination and very much on my radar for a post-Covid visit.

The city's newest international luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, is ready to play its part in a post-pandemic renaissance as the city regains momentum as a hub for tourism.

In common with destinations around the world, Cambodia’s capital has suffered as the global health crisis slowed international arrivals to a virtual standstill for the past two years. But with the country now fully open to travellers, it is ready to showcase its credentials as one of the most dynamic drawcards in South-East Asia.

The Hyatt Regency opened in January 2021, when most of the world was battened down by the pandemic.

It has 247 guest rooms including 43 suites, and is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city.

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is within a short walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the riverside.

“Before the pandemic, Phnom Penh was making great strides as one of South-East Asia’s rising capitals,” said Herman Kemp, the hotel's general manager.

“It’s a dynamic metropolis that balances modernity with tradition. There’s alluring café society, bustling bars, and a thriving and eclectic restaurant scene. On the other hand, there’s historic architecture, bustling markets, a stunning location on the banks of the Mekong River and classic Khmer culture and hospitality.”

As guests pull into the hotel’s driveway, they are greeted by a heritage French heritage villa that contrasts with the modern main building.

The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar. Other F&B options include Metropole Underground, an Art Deco-themed space that is Phnom Penh’s first subterranean venue, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar with city views.

Other hotel highlights include a 22-metre outdoor infinity pool.

“It’s been an extremely challenging couple of years for Cambodia, as it has been for countries everywhere,” said Kemp. “But we regard the future with optimism and are ready to give our guests a flavor of what makes this city so special.”

Hotel group does its bit for nature

It is always pleasing to hear a good news story from the travel industry. 

This time it is Thai-based hospitality group Anantara that has some feed good tidings as we approach Christmas. 

Wildlife rangers in Cambodia have confirmed the return of wild elephants and endangered otters to a concession of forest that Anantara funds via The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF), Anantara’s charitable organisation.

The sightings of these rare species were confirmed by Khmer rangers supported by Wildlife Alliance and from funds raised by Anantara guests that are distributed through the GTAEF to a number of charitable projects around the world. 

"From the size of the dung and the number of footprints, it seems that this is a herd of nine elephants comprising four adult females, their calves and one juvenile,” said John Roberts, director of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) and Group Director of Sustainability and Conservation for Anantara. 

The hotel group has been fully funding the ranger effort since the pandemic shut down tourism across the globe. 

The Cardamom Tented Camp, in southern Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountain range, is a non-profit eco lodge resting within 18,000 hectares of pristine land that opened in late 2017. 

Proceeds from the camp are used to fund rangers that patrol the concession, protecting against deforestation and illegal poaching. 

The camp uses the slogan, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing” and otters (above) have recently been spotted nearby. 

For more info see anantara.com