Chinese tourist arrivals to Cambodia exceeded 1.2 million in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 40 percent, according to the latest data released by the country’s tourism authorities.
According to the The Cambodia Chinese Times, official data show that Cambodia welcomed 5.57 million international visitors in 2025, down 16.9 percent from 2024. Despite the overall decline, the Chinese market demonstrated strong momentum.
In total, 1,201,681 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia during the year, a sharp 41.5 percent increase compared with the previous year. China ranked as Cambodia’s second-largest source market.
Vietnam remained the top source of visitors, with 1.22 million arrivals, although this figure declined 8.8 percent year-on-year. Thailand fell to third place after arrivals dropped 52.4 percent to 1.02 million, largely due to ongoing border tensions that disrupted cross-border travel.
By mode of entry, air travel accounted for the bulk of international arrivals. Cambodia recorded 2.86 million air arrivals in 2025, up 19.2 percent year-on-year. Phnom Penh International Airport handled 2.11 million passengers, an increase of 20.6 percent, while Siem Reap International Airport recorded 672,000 arrivals, up 9.3 percent. Sihanouk International Airport posted the fastest growth, with arrivals surging 144.5 percent to 71,400.
In terms of destinations, Phnom Penh received 1.89 million foreign visitors, down 16.9 percent year-on-year. Siem Reap welcomed 955,100 visitors, a decline of 6.7 percent, while Sihanoukville recorded 415,400 arrivals, up 30.4 percent, reflecting a recovery in coastal tourism.
The rebound in Chinese visitation has also supported Cambodia’s gaming and tourism-related sectors. Casino operator NagaCorp reported solid growth in 2025, driven partly by the return of Chinese and regional visitors to its NagaWorld integrated resort in Phnom Penh.
In a related development, Cambodian authorities have announced a visa-free trial for Chinese citizens from June 15th to October 15th, 2026. Under the scheme, travelers will be able to enter Cambodia by completing an electronic arrival card, stay for up to 14 days per visit, and make multiple entries without paying visa fees—a move expected to further boost Chinese arrivals.
