China’s Surge in Tourism to Cambodia: What’s Driving the 43.5% Boom in 2025?

Published on December 26, 2025

Cambodia has experienced a notable surge in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country, recording a total of 1.1 million arrivals in the first 11 months of 2025. This marks an impressive year-on-year increase of 43.5 percent, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism. This growth highlights the rising appeal of Cambodia as a travel destination among Chinese nationals and underscores the country’s growing position in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape.

Chinese Tourists Make Up a Significant Portion of Cambodia’s Visitor Arrivals

Chinese tourists now account for a substantial 21 percent of the total 5.17 million international tourist arrivals in Cambodia from January to November 2025. This figure places China as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to Cambodia, following Vietnam. The report from the Ministry of Tourism reveals that the influx of Chinese visitors has become an essential part of Cambodia’s overall tourism growth, with China continuing to be a critical market for the Southeast Asian nation.

A Growing Interest in Cambodia’s Attractions

Thourn Sinan, the chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, pointed out that the rise in Chinese tourists to Cambodia reflects a growing interest in the country’s tourist attractions. Sinan attributes this increase to several factors, including Cambodia’s unique cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural beauty. The country’s efforts to attract Chinese tourists are evident in the targeted marketing campaigns and strategic tourism initiatives aimed at appealing to this key demographic.

Sinan further explained that the growth in Chinese tourism is being driven by the expanding middle class in China, who are increasingly seeking international travel experiences. As more Chinese travelers have the financial means to explore new destinations, Cambodia has positioned itself as an attractive choice for short-haul tourism within Southeast Asia. With the continued improvement in flight routes and accessibility, it is expected that the number of Chinese visitors to Cambodia will continue to rise.

The Economic Importance of Tourism to Cambodia

Tourism plays a vital role in supporting Cambodia’s economy, contributing significantly to both GDP and employment. The increase in international tourist arrivals, especially from China, is viewed as a crucial factor in sustaining and expanding the sector. As one of the country’s primary economic pillars, the tourism industry generates significant revenue, provides jobs, and supports local businesses, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic such as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville.

The Cambodian government has recognized the importance of tourism in its economic development plans and has taken various steps to boost the sector. These include efforts to diversify Cambodia’s tourism markets, improve infrastructure, and promote the country’s cultural and natural assets to international visitors. As a result, Cambodia has become increasingly competitive as a tourism destination in the region, drawing not only Chinese tourists but also visitors from other parts of the world.

China’s Outbound Tourism Recovery Fuels Growth in Cambodian Arrivals

Thong Mengdavid, a deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, has shared insights on the long-term prospects for Chinese tourism to Cambodia. According to Mengdavid, Chinese tourist arrivals are expected to continue rising steadily in the coming years. This positive outlook is driven by several factors, including the gradual recovery of China’s outbound tourism sector, which has been bolstered by the easing of travel restrictions and increasing confidence among Chinese travelers.

Mengdavid also highlighted the importance of improved flight connectivity between China and Cambodia. The expansion of direct flights and the addition of new routes have made travel between the two countries more convenient and accessible. With more Chinese airlines offering services to Cambodia’s major cities, the ease of travel has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in Chinese tourist arrivals.

Furthermore, Cambodia’s strategic focus on diversifying its tourism markets is expected to provide additional momentum for growth. By broadening its appeal to various international markets, Cambodia is less reliant on any single source of tourists, which helps safeguard the sector’s stability and long-term growth potential.

Cambodia’s Efforts to Diversify Its Tourism Appeal

In response to the growing interest from Chinese tourists, Cambodia has undertaken several initiatives to enhance its tourism offerings. The government has focused on promoting the country’s cultural heritage, particularly the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, which continues to attract visitors from around the world. In addition, Cambodia has sought to diversify its tourism portfolio by highlighting other attractions such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and coastal destinations.

The push to diversify Cambodia’s tourism markets has been supported by various initiatives aimed at improving the overall visitor experience. These include the development of infrastructure, enhancement of hospitality services, and promotion of sustainable tourism practices. As part of its efforts to appeal to a broader range of tourists, Cambodia is also focusing on expanding its tourism offerings to cater to different tastes and preferences.

The Role of Marketing and Targeted Campaigns

Targeted marketing has played a significant role in attracting Chinese tourists to Cambodia. The country has implemented a variety of strategies to engage Chinese travelers, including digital advertising campaigns, collaborations with Chinese travel agencies, and the promotion of Cambodia’s tourism assets through social media platforms popular in China. These efforts have been instrumental in increasing awareness of Cambodia as a desirable travel destination.

Additionally, Cambodia has worked to align its offerings with the preferences of Chinese tourists. For example, the government has worked with local tourism operators to provide services that cater specifically to Chinese travelers, including Mandarin-speaking guides, Chinese-language signage, and culturally tailored experiences. These measures help ensure that Chinese visitors feel welcome and comfortable while exploring the country.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth for Cambodian Tourism

With the continued rise in Chinese tourist arrivals, Cambodia’s tourism sector is poised for further growth in the coming years. The combination of improving flight connections, a recovering Chinese tourism market, and Cambodia’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings will likely result in a steady stream of visitors from China and other international markets. As tourism continues to grow, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, providing opportunities for businesses, local communities, and the broader tourism sector.

In conclusion, Cambodia’s tourism sector is benefiting greatly from the increase in Chinese visitors, with a 43.5 percent growth in arrivals during the first 11 months of 2025. With continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and diversification of offerings, Cambodia is well-positioned to attract even more international tourists in the years ahead.