Phnom Penh: February 6, 2026 – Following a successful showcase at the Annual Conference exhibition organized by the Ministry of Tourism Cambodia on February 3–4, Vireak Chandara is proud to announce the next phase of development for the Mlech Ecotourism Community. From humble beginnings at a roadside booth to a featured presenter on the national stage, Mlech is rapidly transforming into Kampot’s premier eco-adventure destination.
During the conference, he presented the community’s evolution and its signature Kampot cuisine, outlining a roadmap for 2026 that includes significant infrastructure improvements and the launch of a major new event: the Mlech Camping Festival.
From Roadside Booth to National Recognition, the journey to national recognition began in 2019 at the Kampot Sea Festival. Dara, owner of The Safari, partnered with Vanna of Mlech Adventure to promote the region from a small booth situated outside the main event area. Their persistence caught the attention of the Director of the Kampot Provincial Department of Tourism, leading to the first public broadcast of the Mlech story on Kampot city screens.
Today, Mlech Dam has evolved from two isolated operators into the Mlech Ecotourism Community, a cohesive ecosystem where attractions, restaurants, local residents, fishermen, and boat operators collaborate. The community is dedicated to protecting the lake, preventing illegal fishing through annual fish releases, and connecting diverse local activities into a unified destination.
A Vision for 2026: Infrastructure and International Appeal While Mlech has secured its place among local travelers, Dara’s strategic focus for 2026 is to prepare the destination for regional and international markets, including Europe and the United States.
He also mentions the key initiatives for 2026 include the ongoing advocacy for the improvement of the remaining 4 km of rural road access. Activity development for the creation of designated community walking and cycling routes and navigation through the installation of standardized signage to seamlessly connect the four main activity zones.
Additionally, he is introducing the Mlech Camping Festival. That is also thrilled to announce the upcoming Mlech Camping Festival. This signature community event will serve as the highlight of 2026, designed to showcase Mlech’s unique outdoor lifestyle and solidify its status as a next-level eco-adventure destination.
“Joining exhibitions is not only about promotion. It is about continuing a long journey to make Mlech visible to people who have never heard of this place before and to show that a small rural community can grow into a real, sustainable destination,” Dara said.
Driving force behind the development of the Mlech Ecotourism Community in Kampot, Cambodia. By uniting local stakeholders—from boat operators to conservationists he aims to create sustainable tourism experiences that support local livelihoods and preserve the natural beauty of Mlech Dam.
Photo by: Supplied
