Cambodia Draws Up 'Master Plan' for New Asian Riviera

The Royal Group of Cambodia has embarked on a new plan to transform the island of Koh Rong into the next "Asian Riviera."

After sixth months of studying the environment, the Master Plan was drawn up for one of the last "undiscovered paradises in Southeast Asia" to be transformed into an environmentally planned resort destination.

With a five-year timetable for the first phase, (and an overall timeline of 25 years), the project is stirring buzz throughout the world. The Master Plan has identified locations for a range of three- to five-star properties, although the island will mostly be a luxury destination. An international airport will allow flights by aircraft such as the A320 Airbus operated by Air Asia, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways.

The plan also includes a working seaport, accessed by ferries, equipment and supply ships. A separate marina will house boats, yachts and cruise ships, with a boardwalk of boutiques, restaurants, bars and guesthouses.

For decades Koh Rong has been left untouched, making it a destination to take in some of the region's most preserved scenery. This will include coral reefs, tropical palms, rainforest, waterfalls and 28 white sand beaches.