Tourism Cambodia Outshines Thailand in Race for Chinese Tourists

[Lemsta69]

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

I do appreciate there are those of you sex pats whose life revolves around a condo, beer bar with your favourite bar stool and the company of young Thai prostitutes - yuck!!

 

Sad, judgy old coot. You can do all of that in Cambodia as well and much more cheaply then in TH or so I've heard.

[Redacce]

Well, this period it's the beginning of the end for Thai tourism.  For many reasons that have already been mentioned, artificially high Baht, taxi mafia (really irritating), tuk-tuk mafia, double pricing (also irritating), increased prices for low quality product, rampant corruption, the stupid visa rules (90 days nonsense etc).

 

Even girl prices have skyrocketed, unless you frequent the Pattaya beach road, lol.

 

With the refusal of Thais to address all these issues  and the emergence of the neighboring countries its just a matter of time to lose a substantial share of the market.

 

Thailand was lucky. During the seventies when Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were suffering form the Vietnam war they had it fine. Not to mention what happened to poor Cambodia from Pol Pot. All these decades, 70s, 80s and 90s Thailand had all the time to improve. Now that the neighboring countries (with the exception of Myanmar) are catching up, the competition will become more fierce. 

 

I'm already spending half of my vacation time in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang. This summer I will visit Siem Reap to explore Cambodia. I will give a last chance to Thailand and if I'm not satisfied I will never return.

[J Branche]

9 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

 

Sad, judgy old coot. You can do all of that in Cambodia as well and much more cheaply then in TH or so I've heard.

Quote

"I do appreciate there are those of you sex pats whose life revolves around a condo, beer bar with your favourite bar stool and the company of young Thai prostitutes - yuck!!"

 

Throw in some Tennis, Massages, Traveling sounds like a pretty good life in moderation.  Condo with Seaview for cheap. Or you can go back West and be ignored pay $6 for an average quality beer, $25 for a nice meal, and $120 for your cable and internet, $1800 - $2000 no Seaview Condo.  Airlines treat you worse than cargo.

 

Living the dream in Thailand and looking forward to many more years

[Yagoda]

1 hour ago, riverhigh said:

Unfortunately as a westerner this makes us less important. 

We werent important AT ALL before Covid

[Yagoda]

19 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

Sad, judgy old coot. You can do all of that in Cambodia as well and much more cheaply then in TH or so I've heard.

Depends on your standards. I usually just go to Thailand, for Cheap Charlies, you can do it for $10

[Woke to Sounds]

Cambo is at least 25 years behind Thailand in terms of infrastructure. For some that won't matter. For others it's a dealbreaker.

 

You can't surf in Cambodia.

 

Thai food is better.

 

Vietnamese food is better than Thai.

 

Mary Jane not legal in Cambo.

 

And how long before the Cambo gov't starts changing the 'easy visa' rules?

 

Just watch.

[davb]

15 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Cambo is at least 25 years behind Thailand in terms of infrastructure. For some that won't matter. For others it's a dealbreaker.

 

Thai food is better.

 

Vietnamese food is better than Thai.

 

The Cambodian roads and sidewalks were really, really bad. And so many of the buildings dripped water inside and were falling apart.

The one thing I disagree about is the food. I don't eat high-end at all, but I found some really delicious restaurants. There seems to still be French influences in the cooking and I ate better than in Thailand.

The country stills seems to have the tragic shadow of Pol Pot over it. I hope they recover, because everyone had such a natural friendliness.

[pdc9]

the tourists will come again when the currency exchange is adjusted to the reality, cost of a trip to Thailand went up the last few years and the Baht exchange is stable and clearly overvalued by about 25% so after adjusting the rate the tourists will think again about Thailand and the Country will be able to export rice at the same price level than Vietnam and many other commodities!

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

While Thailand grapples with dwindling numbers of Chinese visitors, attributed largely to negative press surrounding tourist scams and issues, Cambodia has adeptly positioned itself as a budget-friendly, hassle-free haven. This allure arises from its transparent visa policies. Although Cambodia does not offer visa-free entries like Thailand, its US$39 e-visa is lauded for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, with overall travel expenses remaining notably lower.

Thailand is slowly pricing itself out of the market, that coupled to the images of Phuket, Pattaya and the like, with many security issues and safety concerns.

Chines came, saw and no need to return.

You have nothing extra to offer except the same old worn out venues.

[Woke to Sounds]

7 minutes ago, davb said:

The country stills seems to have the tragic shadow of Pol Pot over it. I hope they recover, because everyone had such a natural friendliness.

 

Ain't getting over that kind of trauma. They just have to manage it somehow.

 

Agree about the natural friendliness. That's been my experience.  👍

[BexMan]

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

Thailand has a mixed economy with the major economic sectors being agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, service and natural resources. In 2022, the tourism sector directly contributed around 2.78% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Thailand. 

In 2021 the economy of Thailand was dependent on exports, which accounted for about 58% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021.

Tourism is a low-value sector while exports (manufacturing, agriculture) are higher value sectors of the economy.

Thailand might better advance its economy by shifting part of its tourism industry through training, mechanization and industrialization aimed towards higher value sectors. But a decade of post-2013 Thai governments have seemed too often incapable of making such a commitment.

 

 

Not sure where you got your tourism figures from, but the one’s Perplexity threw up are vastly different. 18-20% Pre Covid 2019, 7.24% in 2022  & 8.9% in 2024.  A big ask, but if they could get back to Pre Covid levels, 18-20% is significant.

[spidermike007]

3 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

With the greatest respect, casinos were never outlawed, only Cambodian citizens from playing in them.  There has only been one Government in Cambodia - Hun Sen's Cambodian Peoples Party.

There are many such unfinished buildings in Sihanoukville, the result of the original Covid restrictions.

Incorrect. The party changed it's mind. So, it was largely politics in the long term and covid in the short term. 

 

The gambling ban enacted by the Cambodian government was certainly a primary factor behind the exodus of Chinese investors from Sihanoukville, but it was not the sole reason.

On August 18, 2019, the government implemented a ban on online and arcade gambling to prioritise public safety and order. This decision led to the departure of hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals involved in the gambling industry.

 

More than 200,000 Chinese citizens left Cambodia, taking a significant toll on the local economy. The ban also triggered the halting of many construction projects tied to the gambling boom, leaving behind a landscape of unfinished buildings and stalled developments.

However, another contributing factor was the outbreak of Covid-19 in China, which further exacerbated the situation. Many Chinese nationals who had left Sihanoukville to return home during the exodus could not return due to travel restrictions and the global pandemic.

 

https://kiripost.com/stories/the-fallout-of-abandoned-chinese-investments-in-sihanoukville

[lapamita]

9 hours ago, norsurin said:

Thailand still don't got it.The article says it costs 39$ to get a e-visa to Cambodia.That dollars u get back already when u enter a hotel or a bar because its much cheaper then the overpriced Thailand with the sick high thai baht.

And what about tourists safety?What about dual pricing?What about the street fighting in Phuket and Pattaya?

What about the scams?Taximafia all over Thailand.I took a taxi from BKK to hua-hin and the driver used his private car because of the taxi mafia in hua-hin.What about all the property foreigner loosing in Thailand?What about the frozen accounts that just happened in Bangkok bank.. the rest banks will follow soon.I had a account in Thailand years ago and when i arrived Bangkok it was closed.I only lost about 1500 baht but it irritated me.I had a prepaid thai number on AIS.I had about 1800 baht in balance.Now its gone because they cancelled my number last month and i want get the money back.Of course there is positive things about Thailand but they pricing themselves out compared to neighbor countries.

hmmm,nothing  is cheaper  in cambodia except BEER + Cigarettes !, Visa easy!! i go there since nearly 25 years , yearly 2-3 times

dont tell the bull<deleted> from cheaper  , from streetfood average 8000 riel for a friedrice in thai 50 thb, Mangoshake restaurant 2,75-3 usd o thai 90 , supermarkets are far more expensive than in thaialnd , living expenses  like electric 50% more , 

 

and scammers , like taxi and double pricing you have there  too

 

ok today i like more PP than bangkok, bcs more relaxing , but dont say cheaper

[Falang2026]

9 hours ago, norsurin said:

.I had a account in Thailand years ago and when i arrived Bangkok it was closed.I only lost about 1500 baht but it irritated me.I had a prepaid thai number on AIS.I had about 1800 baht in balance.Now its gone

yes terrible situation for many people,35yrs ago i said Vietnam/Cambodia are the future spots for toerism.

[StayinThailand2much]

Maybe the tourists like to travel to the (real) land of smiles, Cambodia... 😆 

[BarraMarra]

Wait for TAT's come back . Lets not kid ourselves Thai Tourism don't care as long as Planes keep flying in that's all they see. One leaves another one arrives. Comments on any platforms will be ignored. There attitude remains the same. One thing is certain, we the tourist have had enough of all the scams from Visa problems to our safety and are turning away from Thailand. Not so long ago questions were asked why are numbers declining, you would of thought this would be listened to and prompted to look into it. What did the Government do ? they introduced an online digital arrival card that everyone needs to complete prior to arrival. Another nail being driven in to force potential tourists away in my opinion. 

[Reddavy]

Keep up the good work Cambodia. Thailand is a lot better off (and cleaner) without these disgusting dogs. 👍

[Lemsta69]

3 hours ago, J Branche said:

Quote

"I do appreciate there are those of you sex pats whose life revolves around a condo, beer bar with your favourite bar stool and the company of young Thai prostitutes - yuck!!"

 

Throw in some Tennis, Massages, Traveling sounds like a pretty good life in moderation.  Condo with Seaview for cheap. Or you can go back West and be ignored pay $6 for an average quality beer, $25 for a nice meal, and $120 for your cable and internet, $1800 - $2000 no Seaview Condo.  Airlines treat you worse than cargo.

 

Living the dream in Thailand and looking forward to many more years

 

Phew, there are still people out there that get it! Keep on truckin' 😄

[Lemsta69]

3 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Depends on your standards. I usually just go to Thailand, for Cheap Charlies, you can do it for $10

 

I've only been to Cambodia a couple of times and for less than a week each time (1998 and 2018) so I don't know it that well. I'm just going by what a few of my friends have told me.  I'm not into the P4P scene anymore so I don't care to keep up with changes. I just think it's sad that so many Western man get on their high horse about other guys who indulge. Especially when you find out that they're on very limited budgets and therefore aren't contributing very much to the local economy but think they're knights in shining armour.

[Burma Bill]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Incorrect. The party changed it's mind. So, it was largely politics in the long term and covid in the short term. 

 

The gambling ban enacted by the Cambodian government was certainly a primary factor behind the exodus of Chinese investors from Sihanoukville, but it was not the sole reason.

On August 18, 2019, the government implemented a ban on online and arcade gambling to prioritise public safety and order. This decision led to the departure of hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals involved in the gambling industry.

 

More than 200,000 Chinese citizens left Cambodia, taking a significant toll on the local economy. The ban also triggered the halting of many construction projects tied to the gambling boom, leaving behind a landscape of unfinished buildings and stalled developments.

However, another contributing factor was the outbreak of Covid-19 in China, which further exacerbated the situation. Many Chinese nationals who had left Sihanoukville to return home during the exodus could not return due to travel restrictions and the global pandemic.

 

https://kiripost.com/stories/the-fallout-of-abandoned-chinese-investments-in-sihanoukville

 

Thank you for the much appreciated in-depth explanations. I should have done more research myself. Have an enjoyable day.

[jingjai9]

I Think stories like this will really boost the incentive for Thailand to push through a casino bill. 

Also, I wonder if Cambodia is any safer nowadays? I recall when I went there years ago the tourist literature said, to be held up or robbed in Cambodia was not unusual. I also remember the manager of my hotel in Phenom Penh warning me that if I wanted a Tuk Tuk type vehicle to take me to bars, I should hire one that sits in front of the hotel and not flag one down at random. I think I stayed at the Outback if memory serves.There were stories that drivers would set you up so their friends could rob you.

There was also a bar named Heart of Darkness where a handful of  local, more wealthy young Cambodians whose fathers were government workers would frequent. They would wait for the foreigners to get good and drunk and then toy with them with guns. This was the feeling traveling in Cambodia in 2004- 2005. Would like to hear if things have changed. 

I also recall the bars staying open 24 hours a day.

[Burma Bill]

6 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Its not much cheaper in Cambodia.

 

Well the dodgier ones are. Gratuities are cheaper here and always available

 

A few road repairs and there is your next Eco tourism hotspot.

 

Apocryphal, but at the stoners table here in Siem (location provided by PM), at least half of the backpackers I hung with this last season were heading out there.

One of the most fabulous free city  attractions in the World. Yo Burma did you go there for the Orchid Month? Unbeleivable.

 

Sadly no, but I can imagine the beauty. I have seen similar orchid displays at the Rajapruek Royal Park in Chiang Mai. Mentioning free entry, I have my residents pass for the Angkor World Heritage site, being a full time foreign resident of Cambodia. I often take a tuk-tuk ride around the temples during opening hours. It can be so refreshing driving in the shade of the trees after a hot and humid day.

[Hunz Kittisak]

Malaysia also just claimed top spot for medical tourism hub. Thailand better up its game 

[Yagoda]

57 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

I often take a tuk-tuk ride around the temples during opening hours. It can be so refreshing driving in the shade of the trees after a hot and humid day.

Great place to get stoned. Part of the benefits of the visa

[Taboo2]

Hello Cambodia, please take the Indians also.  Thanks.

[PingRoundTheWorld]

Best news I read in a while. Win-win-win: Thailand gets rid of these pests, Chinese cheap charlies get more bang for their buck, Cambodia gets much needed cash. Let Thailand get back to attracting higher spending western tourists.

[PingRoundTheWorld]

6 minutes ago, Taboo2 said:

Hello Cambodia, please take the Indians also.  Thanks.

Please! 🙏

[PingRoundTheWorld]

2 hours ago, jingjai9 said:

There was also a bar named Heart of Darkness where a handful of  local, more wealthy young Cambodians whose fathers were government workers would frequent. They would wait for the foreigners to get good and drunk and then toy with them with guns.

I was there around 2018-2019. Did not feel threatened in any way, but Heart of Darkness seemed like a gay club. Pontoon was actually pretty good but AFAIK closed down during Covid. Not sure if/what clubs they have going now.

[baansgr]

Pussy sells...

That's one thing no other country can compare to

[zzzzz]

On 5/29/2025 at 4:43 PM, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of China Daily

 

In an intriguing twist in Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape, Cambodia is emerging as a significant contender for Chinese holidaymakers, leaving Thailand trailing in its wake. Central to this success is Cambodia's strategic designation of 2025 as the "China-Cambodia Tourism Year," a move already yielding remarkable returns. Just last week, Phnom Penh welcomed a landmark arrival of 1,000 Chinese tourists from Wuxi, marking a significant milestone in reshaping regional tourism dynamics.

 

While Thailand grapples with dwindling numbers of Chinese visitors, attributed largely to negative press surrounding tourist scams and issues, Cambodia has adeptly positioned itself as a budget-friendly, hassle-free haven. This allure arises from its transparent visa policies. Although Cambodia does not offer visa-free entries like Thailand, its US$39 e-visa is lauded for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, with overall travel expenses remaining notably lower.

 

Adding to Cambodia's appeal is the promise of enhanced infrastructure with the upcoming Techo International Airport. Slated to open in September, this US$1.5 billion mega-structure, operated by French conglomerate VINCI, is set to become one of the world's largest airports. It is designed to accommodate the largest aircraft, such as the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800, and will soon be launching direct long-haul routes from Europe and other continents, potentially reshaping the region’s connectivity.

 

Cambodia's tourism sector has already experienced a buoyant start to 2025, with 2.4 million international visitors in the first four months—marking a 14% rise from the previous year. Chinese arrivals have surged by 49%, underscoring the effectiveness of strategic efforts to cater to this high-potential market. In addition to Chinese tourists, the UK and France are leading European source markets.

 

To further bolster tourism during its traditionally quieter months, Cambodia has rebranded its rainy season (April to October) as the "Green Season." This clever marketing campaign focuses on promoting the country's natural beauty, tranquillity, and cooler climate, appealing to travellers seeking off-peak experiences.

 

With its straightforward visa process, competitive travel costs, and strategic marketing paired with significant infrastructural advancements, Cambodia is staking its claim as a new tourism darling in Southeast Asia. While Thailand strives to recover its faltering reputation, Cambodia’s effective measures and ambitious plans may see it solidify its position as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists and beyond.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-29

 

 

how will a new airport that MAYBE might open in PP in Sept draw tourists?

Its that chinese love to gamble in casinos that draws them to Cambodia
not to mention in all but name Cambodia is a chinese province