Mekong Cruises Defy Cambodia Tourism Slump

Cambodia’s tourism industry is reeling from renewed border clashes with Thailand, but river cruises along the Mekong are bucking the trend. International arrivals fell 17% last year, and Angkor Wat—Cambodia’s crown jewel—has seen ticket sales plunge during what should be peak season.

Figures from Angkor Enterprise show just 93,500 tickets sold in January, down sharply from 146,150 a year earlier. Tour operators say the fighting has dented confidence, with G Adventures reporting a drop in bookings and removing Battambang from itineraries after deadly clashes displaced residents.

Yet while land tours falter, Mekong cruises are thriving. Avalon Waterways says sales are up 15% and departures through the first quarter are nearly sold out. Scenic Group, parent of Scenic and Emerald Cruises, has reported a 10% rise in passengers for 2026. Tauck, which offers both land tours and cruises, also notes strong demand.

Industry insiders suggest the appeal lies in the relative safety of river itineraries, which glide between Cambodia and Vietnam, largely insulated from border tensions. “We are hoping that by shining a spotlight on this incredible country, we’ll help drive tourism and bring economic benefits to communities that need it most,” said Steve Lima, vice president of growth at G Adventures.

The contrast is stark: Angkor Wat, once a magnet for millions, is struggling to draw crowds, while cruise operators are enjoying some of their best sales in years. For Cambodia, the challenge will be to stabilise its borders and reassure travellers, ensuring that the country’s cultural treasures benefit from the same resilience now seen on the Mekong.

-2026-02-13