Vietnam-Cambodia Cooperation Boosts Tourism and Cross-Border Solidarity, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 22, 2025

A recent trip took by delegation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilization to Cambodia has grown this relationship even further Vietnam Communist Party (CPV) and Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) of Cambodia. This trip took place between 19-21 November 2025, and the purpose of the visit was to increase political trust and improve the relations of the two countries on the layer of the people. This initiative is designed to increase the political and public confidence of the stakeholders in the policies of both countries, and public trust in the policies of both countries at the same time, and also increase tourism and cultural exchange relations.

Strengthening Political Trust Through Collaborative Dialogue

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Trieu Tai Vinh, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation, engaged in a working session with the CPP Central Committee’s Propaganda and Education Commission in Phnom Penh on November 20. Both sides discussed the importance of deepening ideological cooperation and counteracting misinformation that could undermine the longstanding relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Pov Sotheara, the deputy head of the CPP’s Propaganda and Education Commission, emphasized the significance of preserving the historical friendship and fostering stronger ties through enhanced communication and education efforts. Both parties agreed on the necessity of ideological work and the continuous exchange of ideas to strengthen solidarity, especially in the face of modern challenges such as digital misinformation and external political pressures.

Vinh highlighted the importance of tackling hostile narratives and ensuring public opinion remains aligned with the Party’s goals. He also stressed the significance of political training for officials and mass mobilisation efforts to sustain national unity and bolster public confidence in both countries’ governance. This exchange of experience is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and support future cooperation on various fronts, particularly in areas like border-area development and community engagement.

Promoting People-to-People Solidarity and Tourism Cooperation

The visit also focused on enhancing people-to-people connections, a critical element of Vietnam-Cambodia relations. On the same day, the Vietnamese delegation met with representatives from the CPP Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission. In this session, led by Deputy Head Ith Samheng, both parties discussed practical mechanisms for mass mobilisation, with a particular focus on building bridges between current and future leaders.

This collaboration holds significant potential for strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Cambodia, particularly in border provinces. By promoting greater solidarity and understanding between the peoples of both nations, the two countries can work together to boost cross-border tourism, enhance cultural awareness, and create more opportunities for visitors to experience the rich traditions and histories shared by both countries.

Tourism, particularly in border regions such as Siem Reap in Cambodia and various parts of Vietnam, stands to benefit from this deeper cooperation. With shared history, cultural ties, and a growing interest in Southeast Asian heritage tourism, the increased people-to-people interaction could lead to more tourist visits to key cultural sites in both nations. Additionally, educational exchanges between the two countries can further elevate awareness of each other’s cultures, traditions, and hospitality industries, drawing more visitors who wish to explore the region’s history and natural beauty.

Enhancing Ethnic and Religious Affairs Cooperation

An important aspect of the bilateral talks was the sharing of experiences in handling ethnic and religious affairs. Both Vietnam and Cambodia have diverse populations, and maintaining peace and unity among different ethnic and religious groups is crucial to their stability and development. The Vietnamese delegation and Cambodian counterparts exchanged ideas on community outreach, engagement with religious leaders, and the promotion of inter-ethnic solidarity.

In particular, the conversation focused on the importance of involving respected local figures and religious dignitaries in promoting national unity, which is a key component of mass mobilisation. The delegation also highlighted the role that these leaders play in fostering understanding and cooperation between different groups in both countries, which has a direct impact on community cohesion and social harmony.

This focus on ethnic and religious affairs also ties into the broader aim of enhancing cross-border collaboration, especially in areas where both countries share cultural and historical ties. By creating an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect, the two nations aim to encourage more tourists to explore not only the well-known tourist hotspots but also lesser-visited areas that may offer a deeper cultural and spiritual experience.

Fostering Cooperation in Border Regions

The cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia extends to border areas where both countries share close cultural, economic, and historical links. During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation engaged in discussions with Cambodian officials about improving infrastructure, security, and community engagement in these shared regions.

Special emphasis was placed on promoting sustainable tourism in border areas. By collaborating on infrastructure projects, such as improving transportation routes and facilities for visitors, both countries hope to create more seamless and accessible travel experiences. This would not only benefit the local communities economically but also enhance the overall tourist experience, making it easier for travelers to visit both Cambodia and Vietnam while experiencing the rich, interconnected cultural heritage of both nations.

Reflecting on Achievements and Looking Toward the Future

During the visit, the delegation laid flowers at the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument in Phnom Penh, symbolising the enduring bond between the two nations. Additionally, the delegation met with leaders of the Khmer-Vietnam Association (KVA) and visited the Vietnamese Embassy, further solidifying the ties between the two countries. These efforts are seen as part of a larger vision for strengthening the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, not only in terms of political collaboration but also in fostering deeper people-to-people exchanges.

Samdech Men Sam An, Vice President of the CPP and Head of the Mass Mobilisation Commission, expressed confidence that the visit would help educate younger generations about the shared history of Vietnam and Cambodia. This is particularly significant as both countries continue to develop their economies and work toward greater social cohesion.

A Bright Future for Vietnam-Cambodia Relations

The dialogue between Vietnam and Cambodia, coupled with the focus on cross-border solidarity, people-to-people relations, and tourism partnership, is strengthening the bilateral ties. Vietnam’s recent delegation is one of the many instances of the two countries working together to build mutual understanding, and promote the sustainable development and the preservation of the shared cultural heritage.

The commitment of the two countries to enhancing cooperation, in particular in the tourism and the mass mobilisation, leaves the future of Vietnam-Cambodia relations very bright. That is even more so for the tourists who will have the chance to discover the deep, intertwined, and historical relations between the two countries in the heart of Southeast Asia.