The 416km route follows the eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake and passes via Siem Reap sitting close to the northern end of the lake. After Siem Reap, Route 6 continues northwest until it reaches Sisophon where it merges with Route 5 which further connects Sisophon to Poipet at the border with Thailand.
Now when the new route is innaugurated, the travel time between Poipet and Siem Reap as well as between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is cut to two and six hours respectively. Not only the new road will facilitate the circulation of cargo and reduce logistic costs, it will also attract more visitors to the provinces it cuts through including Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear which, though both rich in historical sites and attractions, do not see too many tourist arrivals compared to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Archeological park of Angkor.
The renovation of Route 6 has lasted over 4 years and cost more than USD255, almost totally financed with a concessional loan from the Chinese government. The officials are sure the new road will help Cambodia's better integration into ASEAN community.
Construction of National Route 6 in Cambodia Is Officially Completed
News in Asia
The national route 6 which links the capital city of Phnom Penh to its farflung northwestern outpost province of Bantey Meanchey is now officially in service after the ribbon cutting ceremony held last weekend.