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

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

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.”