Phnom Penh is expanding its public green spaces as Boeung Tamok Park reaches about 60 percent completion and the former Pochentong Airport site is transformed into a new recreational park.
Boeung Tamok Park Reaches 60 Percent Completion
Boeung Tamok Park, also known as Boeung Tumnup Kob Srov, is being developed in Khan Prek Pnov across approximately 75 hectares.
Dor Samphors, a spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, said areas of the site that required filling had been covered with land, while trees had been planted across about 60 percent of the park as of September 2026.
She said the trees are still small but added that, once completed, Boeung Tamok would become the biggest public park in Phnom Penh.
The project was initiated by former Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2020, with an initial plan to plant at least 100,000 trees and create multiple recreational areas.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has also highlighted the park's potential role in improving residents' access to green space.
Speaking at the inauguration of Luang Me Hospital in early September, Hun Manet said Boeung Tamok would provide another public recreational area where Phnom Penh residents could exercise and improve their well-being without having to travel long distances.
He also linked the development to the concept of a Walk Street, allowing residents to access recreational space closer to where they live.
“The trees are small, but after completion, the park will be the biggest public park in Phnom Penh.”
Former Pochentong Airport Site Set for New Public Park
The government is also transforming the former Pochentong Airport site into a public park that will retain the Pochentong name.
A pilot opening during Khmer New Year attracted large numbers of visitors, according to Hun Manet, indicating strong public interest in additional open spaces in the capital.
The planned park is expected to accommodate a range of recreational and public activities, including:
Walking
Cycling
Marathon running
Concerts
Exhibitions
Other outdoor recreational activities
The project could also incorporate commercial activities into parts of the former airport terminal.
Hun Manet said authorities should assess the possibility of using some terminal facilities for rental businesses and meeting venues. Revenue generated from such activities could contribute toward maintaining the former airport site.
According to Hun Manet, maintaining the airport site costs around US$4 million per year.
The approach would therefore combine public recreational use with revenue-generating activities intended to help finance ongoing maintenance.
Phnom Penh's Public Space Challenge
The development of the two parks comes against a significant shortage of public space in Phnom Penh.
A UNDP assessment cited in the report found that public space available per Phnom Penh resident declined from 1.1 square meters in 2014 to 0.67 square meters in 2020.
That means the amount of public space available per resident was less than one square meter by 2020.
The figure highlights the pressure created by rapid urbanisation and population growth. As residential, commercial and infrastructure development continues, publicly accessible land becomes increasingly important for recreation, physical activity and community interaction.
The comparison with Singapore is also significant. The assessment cited more than 7 square meters of public space per resident in Singapore, substantially above Phnom Penh's reported 0.67 square meters in 2020.
Phnom Penh's Park Network Is Gradually Expanding
The government has also pointed to gradual growth in the number of parks across the capital.
In July, Phnom Penh City Hall said it had received a three-hectare park in Sangkat Choam Chao II, donated by a Japanese couple in 2022.
The site is being renovated into a public green space intended for exercise and outdoor activities. Authorities have not yet announced an opening date.
Sou Savon, head of the Garden and Plant Unit at the Phnom Penh Department of Public Works and Transport, said the number of parks in Phnom Penh had increased from 121 in 2022 to 125 as of September 2026.
Together, the parks cover approximately 103.5 hectares, according to the department.
Authorities are maintaining existing parks while gradually developing additional green spaces at individual locations.
Phnom Penh Park Expansion at a Glance
| Indicator | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Phnom Penh parks in 2022 | 121 |
| Phnom Penh parks in September 2026 | 125 |
| Combined park area | 103.5 hectares |
| Boeung Tamok Park | 75 hectares |
| Boeung Tamok completion/planting progress | About 60% |
| Trees planned for Boeung Tamok | At least 100,000 |
| Choam Chao II park | 3 hectares |
| Former airport site | Pochentong Park |
| Former airport annual maintenance cost cited | About US$4 million |
Why Green Space Matters for Phnom Penh?
The expansion of parks is about more than adding trees to the city.
For a rapidly developing capital, public parks can provide several functions simultaneously: recreational space, areas for physical activity, community gathering places and accessible outdoor environments for residents living in increasingly dense neighbourhoods.
The location of new parks is also important.
A large park can have greater practical value when residents can reach it without crossing long distances or dealing with heavy traffic. This is particularly relevant to the Walk Street concept highlighted by Hun Manet, where recreational areas are developed closer to communities.
Boeung Tamok could therefore become an important recreational destination for residents in the northern part of Phnom Penh, while Pochentong Park could serve communities around the city's former airport area.
Angkor Times Analysis: Phnom Penh's Next Challenge Is Accessibility
Phnom Penh's park expansion represents a broader urban-planning challenge: the number of parks is only one measure of the city's public-space development.
The reported increase from 121 parks in 2022 to 125 in September 2026 shows expansion in the park network, while the 103.5-hectare combined area provides another measure of the city's green-space stock.
But the experience of residents depends on more than the number of parks.
The practical value of a public park also depends on its location, accessibility, size, shade, walkability, safety, cleanliness, facilities and ability to support different activities.
Boeung Tamok and Pochentong Park are significant because both projects involve relatively large sites and are intended for multiple recreational uses.
The Pochentong model also introduces an economic dimension. If commercial activities at the former airport can generate revenue for maintenance while preserving public access, the site could demonstrate how public recreational assets can incorporate financially sustainable operating models.
For Phnom Penh, the long-term objective will be to ensure that green-space expansion keeps pace with urban growth and that new parks function as everyday public infrastructure rather than simply occasional destinations.
What the New Parks Could Mean for Residents?
If completed and maintained as planned, the two projects could give residents more opportunities to:
Exercise closer to home
Walk and cycle in dedicated recreational areas
Spend time outdoors with family and friends
Participate in community activities and public events
Access larger green spaces without travelling across the city
Enjoy recreational areas as Phnom Penh's urban density increases
The projects also have potential relevance for the city's broader quality-of-life agenda, particularly as Phnom Penh continues to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Boeung Tamok Park located?
Boeung Tamok Park is located in Khan Prek Pnov, Phnom Penh, and covers approximately 75 hectares.
How far along is Boeung Tamok Park?
According to the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, trees had been planted across about 60 percent of the site as of September 2026, while areas requiring filling had also been covered with land.
How many trees are planned for Boeung Tamok?
The project was initiated with plans to plant at least 100,000 trees.
What is Pochentong Park?
Pochentong Park is being developed on the site of the former Pochentong Airport. The government plans to use the site as a public recreational area while retaining the Pochentong name.
What activities are planned at Pochentong Park?
Planned activities include walking, cycling, marathon running, concerts, exhibitions and other recreational activities.
How many parks are currently in Phnom Penh?
The Phnom Penh Department of Public Works and Transport reported 125 parks as of September 2026, compared with 121 in 2022.
How much park area does Phnom Penh have?
The city's parks collectively cover approximately 103.5 hectares, according to the department.
Why is Phnom Penh developing more public parks?
The development responds in part to the city's shortage of public space as its population grows and urban development increases. The government has also emphasised the importance of green space for residents' health, exercise and well-being.