Chinese Tourism to Cambodia Surges by Over 50% in Early 2025

KT Sokhuntea

Cambodia has recorded a sharp 50.6% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025, marking a strong recovery in one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.

According to a report from the Ministry of Tourism released on Friday, 286,156 Chinese visitors travelled to Cambodia between January and March this year, up from 189,961 during the same period in 2024. China now ranks as the third-largest source of international tourists to the Kingdom, trailing only Thailand and Vietnam.

Chinese travellers accounted for 15.6% of Cambodia’s total 1.83 million international tourist arrivals in Q1, underlining their growing importance to the sector.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, called the growth “encouraging” and credited closer bilateral ties and ongoing tourism initiatives for the boost. “The current cooperation between Cambodia and China in tourism is promising,” he said, adding that increased travel is “contributing significantly to our economy.”

He also highlighted the 2025 Cambodia-China Year of Tourism as a key factor in the rising numbers, describing it as a “crucial step” in reviving people-to-people exchanges and tourism-driven growth.

The Cambodian government sees tourism as one of four central pillars of the national economy, alongside manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. As the country rebounds from pandemic-era disruptions, a resurgence in tourism offers much-needed revenue and employment.

Home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the famed Angkor Wat complex—Cambodia remains a top draw for international visitors. Its coastline, stretching 450 kilometres through four southern provinces, is also gaining traction among Chinese holidaymakers seeking sun and sand.

With regional travel rebounding and China reopening to outbound tourism, Cambodian officials are betting on sustained growth throughout 2025.

-2025-05-12