In 2025, the Water Festival was canceled in the Cambodian capital. This decision was made in the context of border tensions with Thailand and a humanitarian crisis that required the government’s attention. The political choice to abandon most of the festivities in Phnom Penh aimed to concentrate resources on managing displaced populations and ensuring internal stability, at the cost of a significant tourism sacrifice.​

As the hot season approaches, it is time to think about discovering or rediscovering the Cambodian coastline which shelters some magical places. Cambodge Mag offers a selection of exclusive resorts — which we have tested — where authenticity, comfort, and gastronomy intertwine to offer unique experiences. Here is a non-exhaustive guide of some beautiful addresses to combine dreams, rest, and discoveries.

At the heart of Siem Reap, the Le Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, an emblematic establishment steeped in history for nearly 93 years, has been awarded for the second consecutive year the prestigious Green Globe Certification, an internationally recognized label that rewards excellence in sustainable management in the tourism sector.

Bayon Education and Development (BED), in partnership with the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), officially launched on October 3, 2025, in Run Ta Ek, Siem Reap province, the project entitled "Promoting a Sustainable, Circular, and Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem for Youth and Women."

The Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 765,518 foreign visitors between January and October 2025, according to figures published by Angkor Enterprise. This attendance volume, with a very slight decrease of 1.12% compared to the same period last year, may illustrate the consolidation of the sector's recovery after several years marked by the health crisis and regional economic fluctuations.

The K.E.P Lighthouse project—presented last Friday to the press in the premises of Raffles Hotel Le Royal—stands as an ambitious and masterful ode to the future of Cambodia's coastline. More than just a real estate development, the project embodies a contemporary vision that blends exceptional design, sustainability, art, gastronomy, and community.​

During the honorary gala held on October 29, 2025, Cambodia's name proudly resonated throughout the Asian golf world. Vattanac Golf Resort, an architectural and sporting gem nestled on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, was awarded the prestigious "Distinguished Contribution to Growing the Game" prize at the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Golf Industry Awards.

The island of Koh Rong, pearl of the Cambodian coastline, confirms its growing appeal among local and international tourists at the beginning of 2025. With more than 100,400 visitors welcomed during the first quarter of 2025, including nearly 38,000 foreigners, Koh Rong establishes itself as a flagship destination, a catalyst for a sustained and promising regional economic dynamic.

For our last activity with the Kep West team, we travelled to Koh Ach Seh, an island located just a few dozen minutes by boat from Kep. It is here that Marine Conservation Cambodia has set up one of its bases.

From October 22 to 24, Phnom Penh hosts the most awaited event of the year in the sectors of hôtellerie, restauration, and beverages with the official opening of CAMFOOD CAMHOTEL at the Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Centre (DIECC), Koh Pich.

A major milestone for Cambodia’s development, establishing a new commercial and tourism gateway in Southeast Asia, powered by Franco-Cambodian and international expertise.

A new chapter opens for Cambodian hospitality. The renowned Michelin guide, synonymous with gastronomic excellence and prestigious accommodations, has unveiled its first ever selection of hotels in Cambodia, awarding ten “Michelin keys” to exceptional establishments in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and along the coast.

From November 14 to 16, 2025, the picturesque city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, will vibrate to the sound of the French language and the richness of the global francophonie. The Village de la Francophonie 2025 will brilliantly take over the banks of the Siem Reap river, transforming the city into an open-air festival dedicated to art, culture, gastronomy, and intercultural dialogue.

The iconic Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap have received distinguished recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, awarded the prestigious MICHELIN Keys during the guide’s inaugural edition for Southeast Asia. These two landmark hotels rank among only ten in the kingdom to earn this esteemed distinction, celebrating their excellence in hospitality.

In search of adventure and eager to experience a different weekend in Phnom Penh, I decided, with my husband, to spend a night in one of the newest and most original accommodations: The Water Tower – Château d’eau, located in lush greenery at the heart of Treellion Park, on the island of Koh Pich.

Les 18 et 19 octobre 2025, Bamboo Street à Siem Reap accueillera le Wat Bo Village Festival, une expérience immersive où la tradition khmère rencontrera l’innovation écologique et l’esprit communautaire.

The Cambodia Pavilion has won international acclaim, receiving the prestigious Bronze Award in the Exhibition Design - Module Pavilions (Type B + X) category at the official BIE Day ceremony at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This distinction, announced by the Ministry of Commerce, is the crowning achievement of a participation marked by a remarkable balance between cultural heritage and innovation.

From 9 to 11 October 2025, Phnom Penh will be alive with a unique celebration of cultural diversity and inclusive tourism at the Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum and Fair, held at the Alserkal Mosque.

Cambodia has been voted the fifth friendliest country in the world in the prestigious Readers' Choice Awards 2025 published by British magazine Condé Nast Traveller. With a remarkable score of 97.33 points, the Khmer kingdom beat out major tourist nations such as Vietnam (97.27) and Thailand (96.36), testifying to the unique charm of its people and the warmth of its welcome.

Chef Sao Sopheak captured all the attention during the recent kickoff evening of the France-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This “star chef’s” journey to France and his victory at the International Gastronomy Village boosted his confidence and proved that Khmer cuisine can indeed charm the French—a significant feat considering the global reputation of French cuisine.

The evidence is clear: competitor markets manage to monetise each visitor up to 3.5 times more than Cambodia, regardless of the size of the influx. So the key issue for Cambodian decision-makers is not quantity, but the value generated by each visitor.

In Siem Reap, a stone's throw from the legends of Angkor, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort has achieved yet another feat, coming fourth in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025 ranking of Asia's top twenty resorts.

For the very first time, Cambodia marked its presence at the prestigious European tourism trade show IFTM Top Resa, held in Paris from 23 to 25 September 2025. This major event represents a historic step in the Kingdom's tourism promotion strategy, which is now opening up directly to the French and European markets.

Emmanuel Pezard and artist Vannak Khun have become key figures in the authentic discovery of Phnom Penh and its hidden treasures.