As of May 2023, Cambodia’s tourism industry is slowly recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of tourists, such as requiring vaccination certificates and negative COVID-19 test results upon entry, and enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing in public places.
In recent years, Cambodia has been working to diversify its tourism offerings beyond the temples of Angkor Wat. The country has been promoting its beaches, national parks, and cultural attractions in an effort to attract more tourists.
In 2022, Cambodia welcomed approximately 2 million international tourists, which is still well below pre-pandemic levels. However, this represents a significant increase from the previous year, when the country only received around 1 million visitors due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
The government has also been investing in infrastructure and tourism development projects, such as the construction of new airports and the expansion of existing ones, as well as the development of ecotourism initiatives and community-based tourism programs.
Overall, while the tourism industry in Cambodia still faces challenges due to the pandemic and other factors, there is optimism that the country’s diverse attractions and ongoing development efforts will continue to attract more visitors in the coming years.
Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Its capital and largest city is Phnom Penh.
Cambodia has a population of over 15 million people and is known for its rich history, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty. The official language is Khmer, and the predominant religion is Buddhism.
In the past, Cambodia was the center of the Khmer Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The most famous symbol of this period is the temple complex of Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
However, Cambodia also has a tragic recent history, including the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people, or about a quarter of the country’s population at the time. Cambodia has since made significant progress in rebuilding and developing its economy, but it still faces challenges related to poverty, corruption, and political stability.
10 Places to visit Cambodia
Visiting Cambodia right now. You could consider including the following places and information:
1. Angkor Wat – a colossal Buddhist temple complex and the largest religious structure in the world. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
2. The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh – a huge complex of buildings and is the residence of the King of Cambodia. The palace is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture and is open to visitors.
3. Prasat Preah Vihear – a beautiful temple complex perched 550 m above Cambodia’s lowlands atop the Dangrek Mountains. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a museum in Phnom Penh that chronicles the Cambodian genocide. The museum is housed in a former high school that was used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge regime.
5. Central Market – a busy art market in Phnom Penh. The market is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building and is a great place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
6. Sihanoukville – a coastal city known for its beaches. The city has several beautiful beaches, including Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach.
7. Tonle Sap Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is home to many floating villages and is an important source of fish for the local population.
8. Battambang – a city known for its French colonial architecture and bamboo train. The city has several beautiful colonial buildings and is also home to the famous bamboo train, which is a unique way to see the countryside.
9. Kampot – a riverside town known for its pepper plantations and colonial architecture. Kampot pepper is considered some of the best in the world and visitors can tour local pepper plantations to learn more about this important crop.
10. Koh Rong – an island off the coast of Sihanoukville known for its beaches and coral reefs. The island has several beautiful beaches and is also home to several coral reefs that are popular with snorkelers and divers.
