Bay of Lights, an ambitious coastal development in Sihanoukville town, revealed its transformative vision: to position Cambodia as a world-class destination for tourism, recreation and investment at the 11th Cambodia Sea Festival in Kampot province. The festival, themed “Celebrating Heritage and Coastal Sustainability”, drew over 300,000 visitors, providing a powerful platform to spotlight how sustainable coastal development can drive economic growth, cultural preservation and global tourism appeal.
Bay of Lights: The Future of Coastal Recreation in Cambodia
The Cambodia Sea Festival, an annual celebration of the nation’s coastal beauty and tourism potential, welcomed over 300,000 local and international visitors this year. Bay of Lights showcased its vision of combining Sihanoukville’s stunning coastline with innovative tourism experiences. Flagship projects debuted include the Summer Bay Beach Club and Cabins by Preference, a luxury beachfront retreat, and Nitro Kart, Cambodia’s first waterfront international-standard go-karting experience.
The Water Sports and Adventure Club featured activities like paddleboarding, jetskiing and kayaking, showcasing the vibrant marine tourism of the province. Bay of Lights also announced the upcoming Bay19 Golf Course, Cambodia’s first waterfront course, designed by golf legend Greg Norman to offer an unparalleled oceanfront experience.
Driving Cambodia’s Coastal Economy and Tourism Expansion
Cambodia’s tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, attracting 4.8 million international tourists in the first three quarters of 2024, generating $1.7 billion in revenue. Sihanoukville, a key coastal city, welcomed 2.8 million visitors, underscoring its critical role in the nation’s tourism growth.
To sustain this momentum, Bay of Lights takes a multifaceted approach to development. The project integrates luxury resorts, recreational complexes and cultural venues that showcase authentic Cambodian experiences, expanding Sihanoukville’s appeal beyond the traditional beach vacation.
Strategically located near key international gateways – Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway – Bay of Lights enhances accessibility for global travellers and investors alike.
A Transformative Vision for Cambodia
Presided over by Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, this year’s Sea Festival celebrated the nation’s coastal heritage and its growth potential. Bay of Lights’ participation highlights its alignment with national goals for sustainable development and economic progress.
More than just a tourism project, Bay of Lights represents a transformative vision for Cambodia’s future, combining innovation, sustainability and economic opportunity to position Sihanoukville as a leading regional destination for tourism, recreation and investment.
About Bay of Lights
Bay of Lights is a pioneering development reshaping the skyline of Sihanoukville. With an investment of $16 billion, this sprawling 934-hectare beachfront project has been meticulously master-planned to feature nine distinctive districts supporting the initiative's six core pillars: Financial Services, Tourism, Education, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness and Art & Culture.
Driven by a vision to create a world-class financial and tourism hub, Bay of Lights’ design fosters connectivity between diverse sectors while stimulating economic growth. Connect with us today to explore investment opportunities at Bay of Lights.
