Som Sotheary / Khmer Times
Techo International Airport (TIA) will incorporate a model of the Cultural Village in Siem Reap province into its design, to highlight and promote Cambodian culture and identity while also attracting tourists.
Charles Vann, Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Co Ltd. (CAIC), said yesterday that the TIA is copying a model of the cultural village into its location to promote and enhance the value of Cambodia’s cultural heritage, which represents the national identity.
TIA is located in Takhmao City, Kandal province. The first phase of its construction was completed in October 2024, and the airport is set to officially begin operations in July this year.
“This project is bringing only certain elements of the Siem Reap cultural village to be re-established here,” he said. “We are creating a new village similar to the one in Siem Reap to attract tourists and provide them with a deeper understanding of Khmer culture.”
The Cultural Village is a model village that features traditional houses, historical buildings, and structures representing the customs, traditions, and lifestyles of various ethnic groups in Cambodia.
Vann noted that the company is currently constructing a traditional house at the airport’s exit. Other cultural structures will be built progressively, with the goal of completing the cultural village before the airport’s official opening.
“This cultural village differs from Siem Reap in terms of design, layout, sculptures, and traditional wooden houses,” he added.
Vann noted that this arrangement would help promote the cultural sector and attract tourists to Cambodia, allowing them to learn more about Cambodia’s culture and history.
“We see this initiative as a great opportunity. Firstly, it enhances the cultural sector and helps future generations, as well as tourists, gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history and heritage. Secondly, it serves as a means to attract tourists who have never visited Cambodia or are unaware of our culture. This provides them with an opportunity to explore and appreciate Cambodian culture in a meaningful way,” Vann said.
“We believe that showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage is important, as foreign visitors always show great interest and enthusiasm in learning about authentic Khmer traditions. Many have heard about Cambodia’s rich history, so it allows them to learn,” he added.
Currently, the airport is more than 90% complete at a cost of over $1.3 billion.