The rhythmic chants of monks at Angkor Wat, the bustling riverside cafes of Phnom Penh, and the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville are once again welcoming travelers in record numbers. Cambodia’s tourism sector isn’t just recovering from the pandemic devastation—it’s experiencing a remarkable renaissance that’s redefining who visits the Kingdom and why.
Breaking Records: The Numbers Tell a Powerful Story
Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, marking a significant 22.9% increase from 2023. But the momentum hasn’t slowed. The first half of 2025 saw 3.36 million visitors arrive, representing a 100.8% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. This milestone signals more than just recovery—it demonstrates that Cambodia has officially surpassed its pre-COVID tourism strength.
The growth trajectory continues to accelerate. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the Kingdom welcomed 1.83 million international visitors, a solid 16% rise compared to the same period in 2024. These aren’t just statistics; they represent millions of travelers choosing Cambodia as their destination of choice, pumping vital revenue into local communities and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the hospitality sector.
The Chinese Tourism Boom: A Game-Changing Partnership
Perhaps the most dramatic shift in Cambodia’s tourism landscape is the explosive growth of Chinese visitors. The designation of 2025 as the “Cambodia-China Year of Tourism” has catalyzed extraordinary results. Between January and August 2025, more than 784,965 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia, a sharp 45.7% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
China now ranks as Cambodia’s third-largest source market at 17.4%, and the growth shows no signs of plateauing. In the first four months of 2025 alone, over 380,000 Chinese visitors arrived, up 49% compared to the same period last year.
This surge isn’t accidental. Strategic marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity, and streamlined visa processes have made Cambodia an increasingly attractive option for Chinese travelers seeking cultural experiences, natural beauty, and value for money. The iconic Angkor Wat has become a must-visit destination for Chinese tourists, while coastal developments in Sihanoukville cater specifically to this growing market.
A New Regional Dynamic: ASEAN Neighbors Lead the Way
While China’s growth dominates headlines, Cambodia’s traditional source markets from neighboring ASEAN countries remain the backbone of its tourism industry. Thailand leads as the top source market at 27.6%, followed by Vietnam at 18.4%.
This regional tourism flow reflects Cambodia’s strategic position within Southeast Asia. Weekend getaways from Bangkok, cross-border adventures from Ho Chi Minh City, and the ease of road travel have made Cambodia a natural choice for regional travelers. The recent completion of improved highway infrastructure, including expressways connecting major tourist hubs, has only strengthened these ties.
Laos also features prominently in the top 10 markets, highlighting the growing trend of multi-country itineraries where travelers explore multiple Mekong nations in a single trip. This regional integration benefits Cambodia by positioning it as an essential component of the Southeast Asian travel experience rather than a standalone destination.
Angkor Wat: The Eternal Draw Gets Stronger
Cambodia’s crown jewel continues to captivate the world’s imagination. The Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed close to 570,000 international visitors during the first half of 2025, signifying a major leap forward in the nation’s post-pandemic tourism resurgence.
But today’s Angkor experience differs from pre-pandemic visits. Authorities have implemented more sophisticated visitor management systems, including timed entry slots and capacity controls, to protect the ancient temples while maintaining accessibility. Sunrise at Angkor Wat remains a bucket-list experience, but tourists now encounter a more organized, sustainable approach to heritage tourism.
The revenue generated tells its own story. These visitors have pumped over twenty-six million dollars into the local economy in just six months, supporting everything from tour guides and tuk-tuk drivers to restaurants and artisan workshops in Siem Reap.
Who’s Coming Now? The Changing Face of Cambodia’s Tourists
The post-pandemic tourist demographic has evolved significantly. While backpackers and budget travelers still flock to Cambodia’s hostels and street food stalls, there’s been a notable uptick in affluent travelers seeking premium experiences.
Luxury resorts in Siem Reap and boutique hotels in Phnom Penh report strong occupancy rates from Western tourists—Americans, British, and French visitors—who are choosing Cambodia for its authentic cultural experiences and relative value compared to overtouristed destinations like Thailand and Vietnam.
Digital nomads have discovered Cambodia’s charms, particularly in Phnom Penh and coastal areas. Reliable internet, affordable long-term accommodation, and a growing cafe culture have created a new segment of extended-stay visitors who work remotely while exploring the Kingdom.
Family travelers represent another growing segment. Cambodia’s improved infrastructure, international standard hotels, and educational value of sites like the Angkor temples and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum attract parents seeking meaningful travel experiences for their children.
Infrastructure Improvements Fuel Growth
Cambodia’s tourism resurgence didn’t happen by accident. Strategic infrastructure investments have made travel within the country more accessible and comfortable. The new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has cut travel time between the capital and coast to just over two hours, making beach getaways viable for even short-stay visitors.
Airport expansions and new international routes have improved connectivity. Siem Reap’s new international airport, designed to handle increased capacity, positions the temple town for continued growth. Direct flights from major Chinese cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and regional capitals have eliminated the need for multiple connections that previously deterred some travelers.
Accommodation options have diversified dramatically. While backpacker hostels remain plentiful, the market now includes internationally branded luxury hotels, sustainable eco-lodges, and characterful boutique properties that cater to varied budgets and preferences.
Challenges Amid the Boom
Not everything is smooth sailing. The rapid growth raises legitimate concerns about sustainability and community impact. Overtourism at Angkor Wat remains a delicate balancing act between economic benefits and heritage preservation. Local communities in once-quiet areas now grapple with gentrification and rising costs driven by tourism development.
Environmental pressures mount as coastal development accelerates. The construction boom in Sihanoukville, driven largely by Chinese investment, has transformed the once-sleepy beach town into a bustling casino and resort hub that locals barely recognize.
The quality versus quantity debate intensifies. While visitor numbers climb impressively, questions arise about whether Cambodia attracts high-spending tourists or primarily budget travelers whose economic impact per capita remains modest.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth or Overcrowding?
Cambodia stands at a crossroads. The Kingdom can continue pursuing aggressive growth targets, potentially risking the authentic, uncrowded appeal that distinguishes it from neighbors. Or it can pivot toward quality tourism—fewer visitors spending more money, staying longer, and venturing beyond the Angkor-Phnom Penh-beaches triangle.
Early signs suggest a mixed approach. While mass tourism infrastructure expands in established areas, community-based tourism initiatives in provinces like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri offer sustainable alternatives. Eco-lodges and cultural immersion programs provide travelers with authentic experiences while channeling benefits directly to local communities.
The government’s tourism strategy emphasizes diversification—promoting Cambodia’s cultural festivals, Mekong River experiences, adventure tourism opportunities, and culinary heritage alongside temple visits. This broader positioning could attract different traveler types and distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country.
The Verdict: A Remarkable Comeback
By any measure, Cambodia’s tourism recovery ranks among Southeast Asia’s most impressive. From pandemic devastation to record-breaking arrivals, the Kingdom has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision. The explosive growth of Chinese visitors, sustained support from regional markets, and emerging interest from Western travelers create a diverse visitor base less vulnerable to single-market fluctuations.
The coming years will determine whether Cambodia can maintain this momentum while addressing sustainability concerns. For now, the Kingdom’s temples, beaches, and warm hospitality are drawing travelers in numbers that exceed even optimistic pre-pandemic projections.
Cambodia isn’t just bouncing back—it’s soaring to new heights, offering lessons in tourism recovery that other nations might study. For travelers, the message is clear: Cambodia is back, and it’s better than ever.