Top 10 Countries That Sent the Most Tourists to Cambodia in 2024
Cambodia’s Tourism Boom in 2024: A Record-Breaking Year
Cambodia’s tourism industry experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2024, attracting approximately 6.7 million international visitors and generating $3.6 billion in revenue. This marks an impressive 22.9% increase from the previous year, signaling a robust post-pandemic recovery.
Asia and the Pacific continued to dominate Cambodia’s tourism landscape, contributing 85% of the total arrivals. The Ministry of Tourism has identified the top 10 countries whose citizens visited Cambodia the most in 2024. Let’s explore these key markets and understand what drives their interest in the Kingdom of Wonder.
1. Thailand – 32% of Total Arrivals
Thailand remains the largest source of tourists to Cambodia, with over 2.1 million Thai visitors crossing the border. Many travelers from Thailand visit Cambodia for its cultural heritage, shopping, and business opportunities. The ease of travel through multiple land crossings and shared cultural ties make Cambodia a top destination for Thai tourists.
2. Vietnam – 20% of Total Arrivals
Vietnamese travelers make up the second-largest group, accounting for over 1.3 million visitors. The proximity and visa-free entry for Vietnamese passport holders facilitate frequent visits, especially to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal provinces like Sihanoukville.
3. China – 12.7% of Total Arrivals
China has made a strong comeback as a key tourism market, with more than 840,000 Chinese visitors arriving in Cambodia in 2024. A 55% increase in Chinese tourism compared to 2023 was fueled by government initiatives, including reduced e-visa fees and targeted marketing campaigns. Siem Reap and Sihanoukville remain favorite destinations for Chinese tourists.
4. Laos – 5% of Total Arrivals
With around 335,000 Laotian visitors, Cambodia remains a popular destination for travelers from Laos. Many visit for religious and cultural reasons, as well as trade and shopping. The strong historical and economic ties between the two countries also contribute to the steady flow of tourists.
5. United States – 3.2% of Total Arrivals
The United States contributed nearly 215,000 visitors in 2024. American tourists are drawn to Cambodia’s rich history, stunning temples, and growing ecotourism sector. Many also visit for volunteer work, business opportunities, and heritage tourism.
6. South Korea – 2.9% of Total Arrivals
With approximately 194,000 South Korean visitors, Cambodia remains a favored destination for Korean tourists. Many are interested in historical sites, Korean-owned businesses in Phnom Penh, and entertainment industries such as casinos in Sihanoukville.
7. Indonesia – 2.5% of Total Arrivals
Indonesia saw 167,000 travelers coming to Cambodia in 2024. Many Indonesian tourists visit for religious and cultural tourism, given Cambodia’s rich Buddhist heritage. Business and educational exchanges also contribute to this growth.
8. France – 2% of Total Arrivals
As a former colonial power, France maintains strong historical ties with Cambodia. Around 134,000 French visitors explored Cambodia in 2024, showing continued interest in the country’s culture, cuisine, and heritage sites.
9. United Kingdom – 1.7% of Total Arrivals
British travelers continue to be an important segment, with over 114,000 visitors from the UK. Many are drawn to Cambodia’s backpacking routes, luxury resorts, and adventure tourism opportunities.
10. Japan – 1.7% of Total Arrivals
Japan contributed a similar number of tourists as the UK, with around 114,000 Japanese visitors. The long-standing diplomatic and cultural relationship between Cambodia and Japan, coupled with interest in Angkor Wat and business opportunities, continues to drive Japanese tourism.
How Did Tourists Travel to Cambodia in 2024?
- Over 2 million tourists arrived in Cambodia via air, benefiting from improved international connectivity.
- More than 4 million visitors entered through land and waterways, showing the importance of regional travel.
Cambodia’s Road to Recovery: How the Government is Boosting Tourism
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia welcomed 6.6 million international visitors and generated nearly $5 billion in tourism revenue. The pandemic, however, drastically reduced these figures, with 2020 and 2021 seeing record-low arrivals of 1.3 million and 196,495 visitors, respectively.
With a strong rebound in 2022 and 2023, the Cambodian government has implemented several strategies to sustain growth in 2024 and beyond:
- E-Visa Fee Reduction: Lowering the e-visa fee from $36 to $30 for tourists and from $42 to $35 for business travelers.
- Digital Ticketing for Angkor Wat: Eliminating long queues by introducing an online ticketing system for Angkor Archaeological Park.
- Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Direct engagement with embassies and tourism boards from European and ASEAN countries to attract more visitors.
- Increased Tourism Investment: Nearly $2 million allocated to tourism development for 2025.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025
Tourism Minister Huot Hak remains optimistic about continued growth in Chinese tourism, projecting 1.1 million Chinese visitors in 2025. The recent challenges in Thailand have also positioned Cambodia as an attractive alternative for travelers.
As Cambodia continues to improve its tourism infrastructure and diversify its attractions, the country is well on its way to regaining pre-pandemic visitor levels and strengthening its reputation as a premier travel destination.
What do you think about Cambodia’s tourism growth in 2024? Have you visited recently, or are you planning a trip soon? Share your thoughts in the comments!
