Tourism

Angkor Wat has claimed the top spot on Agoda’s newly released list of must-visit temples in Southeast Asia, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most breathtaking cultural and historical landmarks.

“As the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat’s grandeur and intricate carvings reflect the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire’s architectural and spiritual achievements,” Agoda stated in its announcement on Wednesday.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, highlighted the significance of visiting these sacred sites, saying:
“Exploring these temples is like stepping into a different world, where history, spirituality, and artistry come together.”

A Testament to Cambodia’s Heritage

The Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the remnants of the Khmer Empire’s capitals from the 9th to 15th centuries, continues to attract visitors with its stunning temples. Notable sites include Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Chau Say Tevoda, and Ta Keo, among others.

As the top-ranked temple on Agoda’s list, Angkor Wat leads a selection of remarkable religious sites across Southeast Asia, which also features:

• Batu Caves (Malaysia)
• Borobudur (Indonesia)
• Wat Phra Kaew (Thailand)
• Wat Xieng Thong (Laos)

Encouraging travelers to explore these cultural gems, Agoda stated:
“The beginning of the year is the perfect time to plan meaningful journeys that offer both cultural insights and personal reflections.”

Siem Reap: A Leading Destination for 2025

Further solidifying Cambodia’s rising tourism appeal, Siem Reap has been named the most sought-after destination for Australian travelers in 2025, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report. The city’s growing popularity is attributed to its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, vibrant entertainment scene, and favorable weather.

New Digital Ticketing System for Angkor Wat

To enhance visitor convenience, Cambodia has launched a new digital ticketing system for the Angkor Archaeological Park. Self-service machines have been installed across Siem Reap, making ticket purchases easier for foreign tourists and tour operators.

Chhorn Sopheap, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, emphasized the benefits of the new system:
“This initiative simplifies the ticketing process, eliminating unnecessary complexities and making it more convenient for international visitors to explore Angkor’s ancient wonders.”

The reform also streamlines ticket inspections at temple entrances, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for tourists.

With these developments, Angkor Wat continues to shine as the crown jewel of Cambodia’s heritage, drawing global travelers eager to immerse themselves in its timeless grandeur.

Source: Khmer Times

Cambodia is set to welcome a significant influx of Chinese tourists in 2025, driven by the strong bilateral relations between the two nations and the country’s diverse and attractive tourism offerings, according to Tourism Minister Huot Hak.

In a recent message extending greetings to Chinese citizens and individuals of Chinese descent during the Chinese New Year, Minister Hak announced that 2025 has been officially designated as the “Cambodia-China Year of Tourism.”

“We firmly believe that Cambodia will attract a substantial number of Chinese tourists eager to explore our nation, which boasts a diverse range of tourism experiences, including cultural and heritage tourism, natural wonders, and eco-tourism,” he stated.

Hak highlighted Cambodia’s world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park and pristine coastal areas, which are recognized by the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches Club and hailed as a “Rising Star of the Southwest.”

Visitors to Cambodia can also experience the largest mangrove forest in Southeast Asia, breathtaking landscapes along the Mekong River, the rich biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake, and the rare Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins. Additionally, the country’s vibrant cultural traditions, unique customs, and exquisite Cambodian cuisine further enhance its appeal as a travel destination.

“I warmly invite our Chinese friends to visit Cambodia, a safe and enjoyable travel destination where they will be welcomed with the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Cambodian people,” Hak said.

He emphasized that the Royal Government of Cambodia prioritizes the safety and security of all visitors and is fully prepared to welcome Chinese tourists from all regions, thereby further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Cambodia and China.

Describing China and Cambodia as “ironclad friends” and “comprehensive strategic partners,” Hak noted that increased cooperation in the tourism sector would contribute to establishing a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

Rising Chinese Tourist Arrivals

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism reported that the country welcomed a total of 848,952 Chinese visitors in 2024, marking a 55 percent increase from 547,798 in the previous year. China ranked as the third-largest source of foreign holidaymakers to Cambodia, following Thailand and Vietnam.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, predicted that Chinese tourist arrivals would continue to rise in 2025.

“Looking towards 2025, I believe that through collaborative efforts between the governments, the private sector, and the Chinese embassy in Cambodia, we can anticipate a gradual increase in Chinese tourist arrivals,” he remarked.

“This partnership will be vital in reigniting interest and encouraging more visitors to our beautiful country,” he added.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Tourism is a vital pillar of Cambodia’s economy, alongside the garment, agriculture, construction, and real estate sectors.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, noted that the rise in Chinese tourist arrivals would be supported by improved flight connectivity, China’s economic recovery, and growing interest in Cambodia’s cultural and natural attractions.

He also pointed out that the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, the primary gateway for international visitors to the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park, would play a crucial role in attracting more Chinese travelers.

“An increase in Chinese tourists is essential for Cambodia’s tourism industry, as it will provide significant benefits to the Cambodian people, particularly in hospitality, retail, and local businesses, generating more jobs and income opportunities,” he said.

“Increased tourism spending will also enhance infrastructure development and cultural preservation,” Mengdavid added.

With a strategic focus on promoting Cambodia as a premier travel destination, the government and private sector are working together to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for the expected surge of Chinese visitors in 2025.

Source: Khmer Times

Siem Reap, Cambodia – H.E. Santepundit Neth Savoeun, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, presided over the official launch of self-service ticketing machines for visitors to Angkor Archaeological Park this morning in Siem Reap. The initiative aims to enhance convenience and efficiency for tourists exploring the iconic heritage site in the Kingdom of Wonder.

The Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, has underscored the promising tourism prospects of Preah Sihanouk province, urging local authorities, businesses, and residents to seize the opportunity while actively promoting its potential.

He delivered this message while co-chairing the opening ceremony of the province’s five-day Cultural, Tourism, and Trade Fair alongside Provincial Governor Mang Sineth on January 27.

H.E. Huot Hak highlighted that tourism is regarded as “green gold” by the Cambodian government, contributing approximately three percent to the country’s GDP. He emphasized its crucial role in improving livelihoods while fostering the conservation of cultural and natural resources.

Looking ahead to 2025, Cambodia’s coastal areas are projected to welcome 800,000 international tourists and eight million domestic visitors. Preah Sihanouk province alone is expected to attract 450,000 international visitors and four million domestic tourists.

The minister stressed the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism, which requires the collective effort of stakeholders, including the public, private sector, national and sub-national authorities, the media, and international partners. He emphasized that such collaboration ensures mutual benefits for all involved.

H.E. Huot Hak also commended Preah Sihanouk province for its accomplishments, including its recognition as a Clean City and Tourism City Award winner and its excellence in organizing major events, such as the International New Year 2023 celebrations. He congratulated the province for successfully hosting the Cultural, Tourism, and Trade Fair, reinforcing its status as a premier tourism and trade hub in Cambodia.

Source: Ministry of Information

Cambodia proudly claimed 20 awards across four categories at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from January 17 to 21.

The Kingdom received recognition for its excellence in tourism standards, securing five ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, five ASEAN Homestay Awards, five ASEAN Public Toilet Awards, and five ASEAN Spa Service Standard Awards. The accolades were presented during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards Ceremony, attended by Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, his ASEAN counterparts, and representatives from the tourism and private sectors, according to a press release from the ministry.

Minister Huot Hak led a delegation from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism to the event, which was themed “Unity in Motion – Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow.” The ATF 2025 brought together tourism ministers and leaders from ASEAN member states, ASEAN Plus Three countries (China, Japan, and South Korea), India, Russia, and observer nations such as Timor-Leste. Several partner organizations were also present at the forum.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the Ministry of Tourism facilitated the participation of Cambodian private sector representatives and tourism operators at the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), an international tourism exhibition held as part of the forum. The exhibition showcased 176 exposition booths, with 221 sellers, 332 buyers, and 106 media representatives from 41 countries.

Cambodia’s strong performance at ATF 2025 highlights its ongoing commitment to sustainable and high-quality tourism, solidifying its position as a key player in the ASEAN tourism industry.

Source: Khmer Times

Yesterday, the “Crystal Symphony” cruise ship, carrying 427 tourists from 28 different nationalities, including 212 women, made a day-long stop in Cambodia.

The vessel, measuring 238.01 meters in length, 30.20 meters in width, and 7.6 meters in depth, sails under the flag of the Bahamas. It docked in the morning at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, as confirmed by an immigration officer.

Among the passengers, 274 were Americans. Of these, 26 continued their journey to Siem Reap province to visit the iconic Angkor temples, while the remaining tourists explored cultural resorts, picturesque beaches, and other attractions in the Preah Sihanouk coastal province.

The cruise ship, arriving from Thailand with 487 crew members representing 48 nationalities, including 120 women, departed for Vietnam later that evening.

Cambodia continues to attract an increasing number of tourism vessels, bringing thousands of international tourists and crew through the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. Tourism remains a vital sector for Cambodia’s macroeconomic growth and social development, and it is expected to become a major contributor to the country’s GDP in the near future.

Source: Ministry of Information

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has unveiled the BAKONG Tourists App with VISA, a groundbreaking solution that links VISA cards to enable seamless fund transfers and cashless payments through KHQR codes. This initiative is set to enhance the digital payment landscape for international tourists and local businesses in Cambodia.

The launch event, held at the NBC headquarters in Sen Sok, was graced by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of NBC, and Mr. Dith Sochal, CEO of the Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia. The ceremony also welcomed key officials from both institutions, underscoring the collaboration behind this innovative platform.

In her remarks, H.E. Dr. Chea Serey highlighted the app’s alignment with Cambodia’s broader goals of fostering a digital economy and creating an inclusive society.

“This strengthens Cambodia’s position as a forward-thinking nation while offering international tourists a safer, more efficient way to explore our country,” she said. She emphasized that the app improves efficiency, reduces reliance on cash, and enhances the overall travel experience across Cambodia.

The BAKONG Tourists App, first introduced in August 2024, is designed to simplify digital payments, providing users with quick account top-ups, hassle-free transactions, and an intuitive interface. By showcasing local businesses, cultural landmarks, and authentic experiences, the app promotes deeper engagement with Cambodia’s rich heritage and hospitality.

The integration of cross-border payment technology further enhances the app’s capabilities, allowing businesses and consumers to conduct transactions across borders and currencies with ease. This advancement fosters greater financial inclusion, empowering individuals and small enterprises to actively participate in the global economy.

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey reaffirmed NBC’s commitment to modernizing Cambodia’s payment systems while ensuring interoperability and security. “Our aim is to meet the needs of local citizens, businesses, and international travelers exploring our vibrant country,” she stated.

The BAKONG Tourists App with VISA is a testament to Cambodia’s dedication to adopting innovative technologies and creating a digitally inclusive society, paving the way for a more connected and accessible future.

Source: Ministry of Information

The enchanting city of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor temple complex, has earned a prestigious spot on Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best Destinations’ list for 2025. Ranked #14 globally and 4th in Asia, Siem Reap’s timeless charm and rich heritage continue to captivate travelers from around the world.

Tripadvisor describes the ‘Best of the Best’ list as a celebration of destinations that offer exceptional experiences. According to the platform, “These destinations are our top spots for good reason—they’ve got everything travelers are looking for and more.”

The coveted Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title is a mark of distinction, awarded to places that consistently receive outstanding reviews from the Tripadvisor community. Out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone, making Siem Reap’s inclusion even more remarkable.

Why does Siem Reap deserve this honor? Tripadvisor highlights the unforgettable spectacle of a sunrise over Angkor Wat, where ancient temples glow in the soft morning light, transforming a simple dawn into a spiritual experience. As part of one of the largest religious complexes in the world, Angkor Wat, along with the 12th-century royal city of Angkor Thom, stands as the heart of Siem Reap’s allure.

But the city offers more than just history. Dive into Cambodia’s cultural tapestry at the Cambodian Cultural Village or test your bargaining skills at the vibrant Angkor Night Market, a lively hub of shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars.

For those seeking a blend of ancient wonders and modern vibrance, Siem Reap continues to stand tall—now with Tripadvisor’s global recognition to match its timeless charm.

Source: Khmer Times, Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Destinations

Also, read Siem Reap, Where Heritage Meets Opportunity