Cambodia opens new airport with 7 million passenger capacity to protect Angkor Wat temple

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The airport has been financed by China at a cost of about $1.1 billion. The initiative is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering bilateral economic ties and showcasing deep friendship between the two nations. China's influence is evident in various projects across Cambodia, with over 40% of the country's $10 billion foreign debt owed to China. Another Chinese-funded airport, the Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, costing $1.5 billion is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Angkor Wat, located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic and well-preserved temples in the world.

Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia's rich cultural and historical heritage. The temple complex cover 400 acres of land and is renowned for its towering spires, and stunning galleries that depict scenes from Hindu epics. The central temple is surrounded by a vast moat and is designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu cosmology.

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Angkor Wat attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn by its awe-inspiring architecture and the sense of wonder inspired by its ancient grandeur.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Cambodia's economy, with Angkor Wat being a major magnet for international visitors. In recent years, Cambodia has welcomed a significant number of tourists, with around 3.5 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2023 alone. Prior to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, Cambodia received approximately 6.6 million foreign tourists.