Cambodia to Develop 'Te Te Puh' Hot Spring Area into Eco-Tourism Hub

The Ministry of Environment of Cambodia is promoting the development of the 'Te Te Puh' hot spring area, located within the Koh Doung Tei Natural Protected Area in Oral district, Kampong Speu province, into a sustainable eco-tourism destination. This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of local communities while strengthening the sustainable management of the protected natural area. On the morning of August 7, 2026, His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, met with community members, local authorities, and stakeholders to discuss the infrastructure development project for the 'Te Te Puh' eco-tourism destination. His Excellency stated that the project aims to reinforce the natural resource protection system in the area and increase the income and living standards of the local population by creating an attractive new green recreational spot. This follows the success of previous eco-tourism development projects, such as the one in the Phnom Khsnar area. The Minister clearly emphasized the crucial role of 'peace' generated by the 'win-win' political policy and the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, current President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the government of the 7th mandate led by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The government is firmly committed to preserving this peace, which is an indispensable foundation for national development in all sectors, including environmental protection and local community development. His Excellency added that under the umbrella of peace and the high guidance of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with ministries, institutions, local authorities, and community members within natural protected areas, has organized the 'Te Te Puh' eco-tourism destination development project. The focus is on improving infrastructure, including natural hot spring bathing areas, an information center, a community market, resting and recreational facilities, parking, restrooms, toilets, tree planting, decorative gardens, cultural sites, and places of worship. It is noted that previously, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and his wife, Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, provided infrastructure development support to the local community, including the installation of solar lighting for 303 families. In the near future, the Ministry of Environment will implement the eco-tourism development project, emphasizing the empowerment of the community as entrepreneurs who will own and lead the project, providing excellent tourism services to elevate the livelihoods of the community members sustainably. Surveying, boundary marking, and the planning of green infrastructure for the 'Te Te Puh' eco-tourism development area have already been completed by technical officials. The Te Te Puh area features unique natural landscapes, including rare natural hot springs, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, which some locals believe have healing properties. Beyond this area, there is also the 'Arak Forest,' a sacred site according to the beliefs of the indigenous Suy people, as well as forests, wildlife, and biodiversity that must be conserved sustainably to enhance the aesthetic beauty and green cover for future generations. Mr. Phal Luon, head of the Koh Doung Tei Natural Protected Area Community, expressed his profound gratitude to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet for his high attention to the infrastructure development in the 'Te Te Puh' area, which will help improve the living standards of the local people. Mr. Phal Luon expressed hope that the green eco-tourism development project will transform the Te Te Puh area, attract more tourists, create jobs and direct income for villagers, and contribute to sustainable forest conservation. Source: CPP Cambodia