In a remarkable turn of events, Vietnam has surpassed China and Thailand to become the second largest source of international tourists to Cambodia in 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Tourism. Only South Korea, which has maintained its top spot for several years, sent more visitors to the Kingdom last year.
The surge in Vietnamese arrivals can be attributed to several factors, such as the easing of travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the improved connectivity and infrastructure between the two countries, and the growing cultural and economic ties that have fostered mutual understanding and appreciation.
According to the ministry’s report, Vietnam accounted for 18.7% of the total 4.2 million foreign tourists who visited Cambodia in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022 and 8.9% in 2021. In contrast, China’s share dropped from 21.7% in 2021 to 16.5% in 2022 and 14.3% in 2023, while Thailand’s share declined from 15.2% in 2021 to 13.8% in 2022 and 12.6% in 2023.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 15 (Sept 9 – Dec 7, 2024) has started registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
The report also revealed that Vietnamese tourists spent an average of $1,050 per person per trip, higher than the overall average of $950 for all foreign visitors. This indicates that Vietnamese travelers are not only interested in visiting Cambodia’s famous attractions, such as Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, but also willing to explore other destinations and experiences that offer more value and diversity.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Sok Chenda, said that Vietnam’s rise as a major tourism market for Cambodia is a positive sign for the recovery and development of the sector, which has been severely affected by the global health crisis since 2020.
He added that the ministry will continue to work with its Vietnamese counterpart and other stakeholders to promote bilateral tourism cooperation and exchange, as well as to enhance the quality and safety of tourism services and products for both domestic and international visitors.
Mr. Sok also expressed his hope that Cambodia will be able to attract more tourists from other ASEAN countries and beyond, as the region gradually reopens its borders and resumes its travel activities. He said that Cambodia has a lot to offer to the world, not only in terms of its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but also its friendly people and hospitable environment.
One of the most obvious attractions of Cambodia is its cultural heritage. The country is home to the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angkor Wat is a stunning example of Khmer architecture and art, dating back to the 12th century. It is part of a complex of temples and monuments that span over 400 square kilometers, making it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
But Angkor Wat is not the only cultural treasure in Cambodia. The country also has many other ancient temples, palaces, museums, and monuments that showcase its rich history and diversity. Cambodia’s culture is also reflected in its cuisine, music, dance, and festivals, which are colorful and vibrant expressions of its identity and traditions.
Another reason why Cambodia is a wonderful country to visit or invest in is its natural beauty. The country has a variety of landscapes, from mountains and forests to rivers and lakes to beaches and islands. Cambodia has some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, hosting thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered or endemic.
Some of the natural wonders that Cambodia offers include the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a biosphere reserve; the Cardamom Mountains, one of the last remaining rainforests in Asia and a hotspot for wildlife; the Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia and a lifeline for millions of people; and the Koh Rong Archipelago, a group of pristine islands with white sand beaches and coral reefs.
But perhaps the most appealing aspect of Cambodia is its people. Cambodians are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and resilience. Despite the hardships and challenges that they have faced in their history, they have maintained their optimism, dignity, and generosity. Cambodians are always ready to welcome visitors with a smile and a warm greeting.
They are also eager to share their culture, stories, and perspectives with anyone who is interested. Cambodians are also hardworking, creative, and entrepreneurial. They have shown remarkable progress and potential in various fields, such as education, technology, agriculture, tourism, and trade. Cambodia has a young and dynamic population that is ready to contribute to the development and prosperity of their country and the world.