Cambodia Hopes for Increased Chinese Tourism in 2025 as Cambodia-China Tourism Year Declared

Strategic Insights -

Cambodian vendors, including Srey Mao and Mui Meun, are eagerly anticipating a surge in Chinese tourists visiting the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province. 2025 has been designated as the Cambodia-China Tourism Year, and with 53,291 Chinese tourists already visiting the ancient park in the first seven months of the year, an increase of 21% from the same period last year, hopes are high for a significant boost in tourism. The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, built with Chinese investors and opened in November 2023, has made it easier for foreign tourists, including Chinese, to travel to Angkor Park.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is home to 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries and attracts millions of tourists each year.
  • In the first seven months of 2025, 53,291 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, up 21% from 44,053 in the same period last year, according to a recent report by state-owned Angkor Enterprise.
  • China became the fourth largest source of international tourist arrivals to the ancient park after the United States, Britain, and France between January and July this year.
  • The Cambodia-China Tourism Year in 2025 is expected to see a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park, driven by increased bilateral cooperation, promotional campaigns, and increased accessibility through direct flights and group tour packages.
  • Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute of International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, believes that the growth in tourism will be driven by a combination of factors, including increased accessibility, promotional campaigns, and bilateral cooperation.
  • Srey Mao and Mui Meun, vendors selling souvenirs to tourists at the Angkor Wat temple, are optimistic about the increase in Chinese tourists and believe it will have a positive impact on the local economy.

Statistics:

  • 53,291 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park in the first seven months of 2025, up 21% from 44,053 in the same period last year.
  • The Angkor Archaeological Park covers an area of 401 square kilometers and is home to 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
  • 44,053 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park in the first seven months of 2024.
  • China is expected to be the fourth largest source of international tourist arrivals to the Angkor Archaeological Park in 2025.

Sources:

  • Xinhua
  • State-owned Angkor Enterprise
  • Royal University of Phnom Penh
  • Institute of International Studies and Public Policy