Cambodia’s Thriving Tourism Industry

Cambodia offers a captivating blend of enchanting landscapes, rich history and culture, and unsurpassed hospitality from its people. There are numerous reasons why a large number of international tourists visit this rich and complex country, including:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap

A remarkable marvel located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat stands as Cambodia’s most revered attraction and the world’s largest religious monument. Its architecture comprises awe-inspiring structures and religious monuments dating back to the 12th century, serving as a testament to the magnificence of the ancient Angkor Empire.

Remote islands

Koh Rong Samloem, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Hidden gems scattered off the southwest coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand remain untouched to this day. Unspoilt and authentic, these pristine havens such as Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Totang boast secluded beaches adorned with exotic tropical flora. You can delight in both the vibrant party atmosphere of Koh Rong and the serene beauty of the surrounding islands.

Siem Reap

Riverside, Siem Reap City

A captivating city that serves as the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap has captured the hearts of visitors from across the globe. Beyond the iconic temple, Siem Reap offers a plethora of ancient ruins and temples to explore, along with opportunities for hiking, biking and river rafting.

Phnom Penh

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

The streets of the bustling capital of Cambodia are adorned with elegant French colonial buildings that contrast with the poignant reminders of the Khmer Rouge era, such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The city’s vibrant energy and deep-rooted history create a compelling story that captivates the senses.

Hospitality

Local scene, Pub Street, Siem Reap

Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the Khmer people welcome visitors with open arms and radiant smiles, imbuing every interaction with kindness and generosity.

Authentic travel

Elephant Adventure, Ratanikiri, Cambodia

In an era where authenticity is a treasure, Cambodia offers an abundance of genuine experiences. Immerse yourself in a community homestay, embark on a thrilling jungle trek or learn to cook traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Wildlife

A monkey baby is sitting on one of the walls at Angkor Wat in Cambodia with its parents.

Cambodia’s stunning jungles are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, sun bears and gibbons. It is also home to the giant ibis, which is one of the most critically endangered animals on the planet.

Rich culture

Apsara Dancers in Angkor Wat Temples

Known as the ‘kingdom of wonder’, Cambodia exudes a deep-rooted culture and heritage. Witness mesmerising apsara dancers and savour traditional music while immersing yourself in elaborate ceremonies and stage shows.

Jungle

Tatai River, Cardamom Mountains

The untouched wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains in northwestern Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most precious and ecologically diverse habitats. The region’s largest remaining rainforest offers camping, kayaking, cycling and hiking tours, allowing adventurers to explore captivating landscapes.

Recent and key improvements made to Cambodia’s tourism industry include:

• Improved infrastructure: The Cambodian Government has invested in new airports, ports, roads and hotels, making it easier for tourists to travel around the country and improving the quality of tourist accommodation.
• Improved safety and security: Cambodia has greatly improved safety and security for tourists through police training and the introduction of tourism laws and regulations
• Diversification: Developing new tourism products, such as ecotourism and cultural tourism, appeals to a broader range of tourists.
• Marketing: Promoting Cambodia to international tourists through ever-increasing marketing campaigns and partnerships with tour operators has attracted more visitors to the country.
• Investment: Increasing the training of tourism workers in other languages, customer service, and other skills has improved the quality of service that tourists receive.
• Partnerships: Government collaboration with the private sector has led to increased investment in tourism and new tourism product development.
• Community-based tourism: Communities have benefited from government training and financial assistance, resulting in increased protection of the environment and support for community development.

Specific initiatives implemented by the Cambodian Government to promote tourism include:

• Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP): Funded by the World Bank, this project aims to promote sustainable tourism in Cambodia through new products, infrastructure improvement, and the training of tourism workers.
• Tourism Recovery Co-financing Scheme (TRCS): Launched in May 2022, TRCS provides loans of up to US$100,000 at a concessional interest rate of 2% to tourism businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Digitalisation of the tourism sector: Digitising the tourism sector will make it more accessible and efficient for tourists. The government is developing a new tourism website, promoting Cambodia through social media, and making it easier for tourists to book hotels and flights online.

The Cambodian Government is strongly committed to promoting tourism as a key driver of economic growth and development.