Cambodia’s Tourism Soars: Q1 2025 Marks a Remarkable Revival

Cambodia’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong resurgence, with a vibrant beginning to 2025. In the first quarter, the Kingdom welcomed 1.83 million international visitors—a solid 16% rise compared to the same period in 2024. According to the Ministry of Tourism, this growth reflects renewed confidence and strategic momentum across the nation’s hospitality industry. Note: These figures were recorded prior to the escalation of border tensions.

Where They’re Coming From: Shifting Top Market Dynamics

Thailand maintained its position as the largest source of tourists, with 501,666 arrivals—up 19.5% from last year. Vietnam contributed 304,634 visitors (up 1.8%), while China made headlines with 286,156 arrivals, a dramatic rise of 50.6% year-on-year. Together, these three countries accounted for nearly 60% of all foreign visitors, underscoring Cambodia’s growing importance as a regional tourism hub.

Top Six Sources of Tourists, Q1 2025

• Thailand

• Vietnam

• China

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• South Korea

Notably, the United States, Laos, the UK, France, Indonesia, and Japan also made significant contributions to the influx of visitors.

How They Arrived: Air, Land, and Water

The majority of international tourists entered Cambodia via land borders, accounting for 55.3% of total arrivals. Air travel saw 42.9% of visitors, with the remainder (1.8%) arriving by waterways. The bustling airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk recorded over 22,000 inbound and outbound flights, a 17% increase from last year.

Total passenger numbers reached a staggering 2,525,208, up 18% compared to Q1 2024, and air cargo also rose by 8% to 22,350 tons—a clear indicator of tourism and trade synergy.

Destination Highlights: Cultural Heritage Remains A Magnet

The Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia’s UNESCO-listed marvel, continued to dazzle global travelers. Between January and March 2025, Angkor saw 400,000 foreign tourists, marking a 15% jump from the first quarter of 2024.

These visitors generated over $7 million in ticket revenue from Angkor Wat alone in January, reflecting a 25.56% increase year-on-year. However, these figures are still low compared to 2019.

Other sites such as Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, and Phnom Kbal Spean are drawing keen attention, while boat tours and eco-tourism venues are thriving.

Economic Impact

The tourism boom injected over $23 million into the Cambodian economy in Q1 2025. This came not only from ticket sales to temples and attractions but also through spending across hotels, transport, and local businesses. For perspective, in the first five months of 2025, total ticket revenues from major tourist hotspots surpassed $25 million.

Tourism continues to serve as one of the four mainstays of Cambodia’s GDP, alongside garments, agriculture, and construction/real estate. The sector’s growth supports thousands of jobs—directly and indirectly—in urban hubs and rural communities.

Sector Innovations & Government Initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism rolled out the “Green Season” campaign in early 2025 to encourage visitors during the traditional low season. Enhanced eVisa discounts and newly streamlined ticketing procedures—especially for Angkor Wat—aim to make travel even more convenient for global guests.

Additionally, 2025 was designated the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year,” further solidifying the Kingdom’s partnership with China and driving renewed investment in both infrastructure and marketing efforts. Upgrades at heritage sites and airport facilities are already paying dividends, as both tourist volumes and satisfaction rise.

Outlook: On Track for Record-Breaking Year

With an estimated 7.2 to 7.5 million international arrivals forecast for the full year, Cambodia’s tourism sector is set for a transformative 2025. The momentum built in Q1—underscored by spectacular site attendance, vibrant flight activity, and record revenues—suggests the Kingdom’s travel industry is poised not just for a rebound, but for a renaissance.

Table: Q1 2025 Cambodia International Tourist Arrivals, Top Three Countries

Source: Ministry of Tourism Cambodia

Country	Arrivals (Q1 2025)	Change From Q1 2024
Thailand	501,666	+19.5%
Vietnam	304,634	+1.8%
China	286,156	+50.6%

From resurgent gateway cities to thriving heritage marvels, Cambodia’s tourism sector is proving resilient, innovative, and inclusive in 2025. With compelling growth rates, robust government support, and a steady influx of visitors from both near and far, the Kingdom is reaffirming its place as one of Asia’s must-visit cultural destinations.

This report draws on the latest government statistics, tourism authority commentaries, and news from the first quarter of 2025.