(Phnom Penh): With guidance and support from Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, led by Governor Khuong Sreng, officially launched a pilot pedestrian zone along Preah Sisowath Quay, stretching from Street 94 to Street 240 in Daun Penh District. Operating every weekend from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the initiative has now completed one full year of operation.

According to Dao Samphors, Deputy Director of Administration and Spokesperson for the municipal administration, the project initially faced mixed public reactions, including concerns over feasibility, economic impact, and effects on local livelihoods. After a year, however, Chaktomuk Walk Street has proven to be a clear success.

She attributed the achievement to systematic preparation and steady improvements, including upgraded lighting, construction of additional public restrooms, organized vendor zones, and a mix of traditional and modern cultural and entertainment activities. These efforts have been supported by consistent attention to security, public order, and environmental cleanliness.

As a result, Chaktomuk Walk Street has become a popular weekend destination for both local residents and international visitors, drawing an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday. The project has also generated nearly 1,400 jobs, including about 1,000 general vendors and 400 vendors in organized stalls.

In recognition of its growing popularity, the prime minister officially designated the area as “Chaktomuk Walk Street.” Beyond leisure and tourism, the pedestrian zone has evolved into a diplomatic and cultural corridor. In 2025, several foreign embassies, including those of the United States, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and China, organized cultural and culinary events there, attracting large crowds and strong public support.

The success of Chaktomuk Walk Street reflects close cooperation among municipal leaders, civil servants, security forces, and the public. This collaboration has contributed to Phnom Penh being ranked second globally as a nightlife city and tenth among the world’s most favored tourist cities, while the BBC has listed Phnom Penh among the top 20 travel destinations for 2026.

City authorities called on the public to continue cooperating in maintaining order, cleanliness, and proper waste disposal to further enhance the area’s appeal and prepare for increasing visitor numbers. The administration expressed confidence that Chaktomuk Walk Street will continue to grow as a flagship tourist destination for Phnom Penh and Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS