A new water taxi will open next month to carry commuters and tourists between Phnom Penh and Takhmao, the biggest city in Kandal Province.

Jenni Reid

Four boats able to carry between 45 and 60 people each will make the 45-minute trip from Prek Phnov in far northern Phnom Penh to Takhmao along the Tonle Sap and Tonle Bassac rivers, with 15 stops in between, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.

The fare was not announced at Saturday's presentation on the project.

Kong Ratanak, of the Institute for Road Safety, said the water taxi service could help unclog the streets and reduce traffic accidents.

"It is very, very congested, especially near the bridge headed to Takhmao," Ratanak said. "If we can have a waterway for the city, that would be wonderful."

Ho Vandy, secretary-general of Cambodia National Tourism Alliance, also said the waterway could provide a new tourism opportunity. "It will give a chance to tourists to see the beauty of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, Tonle Bassac," Vandy said.