Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Cambodia experienced a robust revival in its outbound tourism sector, signaling a strong recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Cambodian passport holders now enjoy the freedom to travel to 53 destinations visa free as of August 2024, expanding their horizons like never before. With a growing interest in diverse cultures and new adventures, Cambodians are exploring top destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and Singapore.
Major airports and key airlines have played crucial roles in facilitating this surge in travel, while luxurious accommodations continue to enhance the overall experience for travelers. TTW Editor Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “As of August 2024, Cambodian passport holders can explore 53 destinations visa-free, significantly broadening their travel opportunities.
This newfound freedom allows them to experience a diverse array of cultures and landscapes with unprecedented ease, making international travel more accessible and appealing. This change marks a significant milestone for Cambodian travelers, enabling them to venture into new territories and embrace global experiences like never before.” In 2023, Cambodia saw a substantial recovery in its outbound tourism, with 1,819,504 citizens traveling abroad.
This marked an impressive 87.5% rise from 2022. This surge indicates a strong rebound from the pandemic, which had severely impacted travel numbers in earlier years.
Additionally, international departures reached 5,254,619, showing a remarkable 152.3% increase compared to the previous year. In 2023, the top outbound destinations for Cambodian citizens included Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and Singapore.
These countries were followed by Laos, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the United States. This diverse list highlights the growing interest of Cambodian travelers in exploring a wide range of cultures and experiences across Asia and beyond. Thailand and Vietnam remained the most popular choices, reflecting their geographical proximity and strong cultural ties with Cambodia.
Meanwhile, countries like Australia and the United States have attracted Cambodian tourists seeking new adventures and opportunities. In 2022, Cambodia’s international airports handled over 5.1 million passengers, marking a 115% increase compared to the previous year.
This recovery indicates a strong rebound in air travel following the pandemic’s impact on the aviation sector. As of April 2021, the passenger traffic showed a slight increase of 0.7% compared to April 2020, with 17,688 passengers recorded at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) during that month.
1. Siem Reap International Airport (REP): Located in Siem Reap, this airport is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat temples. It serves 24 airlines and offers flights to 20 destinations, making it a bustling hub for both international tourists and domestic travelers.
2. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Situated in the capital city, Phnom Penh International Airport is a key entry point to Cambodia. It caters to 22 airlines and provides connections to 15 destinations.
The airport plays a crucial role in facilitating business and government travel, as well as tourism. Cambodia has seen a significant increase in air passenger traffic in recent years. In 2021, the country welcomed over 1.
43 million passengers, which is the highest number recorded since 1970. The flights market in Cambodia is projected to grow by 5.70% from 2024-2029, resulting in a market volume of US$188.
90 million in 2029. Here are the key airlines contributing to this growth: 1. The Peninsula Phnom Penh: The Peninsula Phnom Penh offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, with stunning views of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.
This luxurious hotel is renowned for its impeccable service, world-class amenities, and a serene ambiance perfect for both business and leisure travelers. 2. Golden Temple Hotel: Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Golden Temple Hotel combines traditional Khmer architecture with contemporary luxury.
Guests can enjoy personalized service, beautifully designed rooms, and easy access to the historic Angkor Wat temples, making it an ideal choice for cultural enthusiasts. 3. Khmer Mansion Residence: Khmer Mansion Residence provides an intimate and refined stay in Siem Reap.
With its sophisticated decor, personalized service, and tranquil setting, this boutique hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat close to the city’s vibrant attractions. 4. Golden Temple Residence: Golden Temple Residence is a luxurious haven in Siem Reap, offering elegant accommodations and exceptional service.
The hotel features a lush tropical garden, a relaxing spa, and a gourmet restaurant, providing a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. 5. Palace Gate Hotel & Resort : Situated in Phnom Penh, Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is a luxurious sanctuary next to the Royal Palace.
The hotel boasts opulent rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and a range of premium amenities, ensuring a memorable stay for those seeking luxury and convenience in the heart of the city. Thailand’s landscape is adorned with gleaming temples and golden Buddhas, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploring Bangkok’s bustling noodle shacks and enjoying adventures along its luxurious coastline. Wat Pho Located in Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi, Bangkok, Wat Pho stands out as a top attraction with the city’s largest reclining Buddha, the most extensive collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the nation’s earliest center for public education.
Golden Mount Situated in Banglamphu, Bangkok, the Golden Mount offers a brisk ascent up serpentine steps through an artificial hill shaded by gnarled trees. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breezy 360-degree view of Bangkok’s most picturesque side. Grand Palace The Grand Palace, located in Ko Ratanakosin & Thonburi, Bangkok, was once a royal residence consecrated in 1782.
Today, it is used only for ceremonial purposes but remains the city’s biggest tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. Lumphini Park Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, Lumphini Park is central Bangkok’s largest and most popular park. Its 58 hectares feature an artificial lake, well-tended lawns, wooded areas, walking paths, and large resident monitor lizards, offering an outdoor escape within the city.
Wat Arun Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, rises majestically from the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Named after the Indian god of dawn, Arun, this temple is where King Taksin found a small shrine after Ayuthaya’s destruction, deeming it the auspicious site for the new capital of Siam. Wat Phra Kaew Architecturally stunning, Wat Phra Kaew is the spiritual heart of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy.
It houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image, and is attached to the Grand Palace, the former royal residence. Top Hotels in Thailand Dominica stands out in the Caribbean for its dramatic natural beauty, boasting a boiling lake, rainforest-covered volcanoes, sulfurous hot springs, and excellent diving spots. Batibou Beach Dominica’s premier beach, Batibou Beach, is a wild, coconut-palm-fringed crescent perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
An (often unmanned) beach bar offers drinks. Accessible via a 0.6-mile dirt road, it requires a 4WD or a walk.
Entry may cost US$5, and sometimes the barrier is locked, necessitating a walk to the beach. Cabrits National Park Just a mile north of Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park features Fort Shirley, a restored 18th-century British garrison. A short uphill walk from the entrance, the fort offers stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay, especially in the late afternoon.
The park’s trails pass historic sites like officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, and a powder magazine. Middleham Falls Reaching one of Dominica’s tallest waterfalls, Middleham Falls (200ft), involves a trek through lush rainforest. The trail, though well-built, is slippery and involves rock climbing, creek fording, and steep uphill sections.
The reward is a beautiful pool perfect for a refreshing swim. The round-trip hike takes about two to three hours. Ti Tou Gorge A short swim from a swimming hole through a narrow gorge to a powerful waterfall, Ti Tou Gorge is a unique experience.
The steep, vine-covered lava walls create an eerie atmosphere, but the spot can get crowded. Visit early or late in the day to avoid the cruise ship crowds. Kalinago Barana Autê This recreated traditional village near the Isukulati Falls provides insight into Kalinago history and culture.
A 30- to 45-minute tour includes demonstrations of basket-weaving, canoe-making, and cassava-baking. The highlight is the large Karbet (men’s house) where cultural presentations and dances are held. The tour also offers views of the falls and crashing waves.
Hotels in Dominica: Welcome to Kenya, where vast savannas teem with immense herds of wildlife, snow-capped equatorial mountains stand tall, and traditional cultures bring vibrant soul and color to the land. Amboseli National Park Amboseli is one of Kenya’s premier national parks, renowned for its stunning sight of hundreds of big-tusked elephants set against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro. Africa’s highest peak, at 5895m, dominates the southern boundary of the park.
Though often shrouded in clouds, Mt Kilimanjaro reveals its majestic form at dawn or dusk, providing breathtaking views. National Museum Located in Nairobi, Kenya’s National Museum is a treasure trove of cultural and natural history exhibits. Set in a grand building surrounded by lush greenery, the museum features a life-size fiberglass model of Ahmed, a famous elephant who became a symbol of Kenya during the 1980s poaching crisis.
Ahmed was placed under 24-hour guard by President Jomo Kenyatta and is now displayed in the museum’s inner courtyard. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Situated within Nairobi National Park, this nonprofit trust was established in 1977 in memory of David Sheldrick, a pioneer in raising and reintroducing orphaned black rhinos and elephants into the wild. The trust, closely linked with Tsavo National Park, continues these conservation efforts and is one of Nairobi’s most popular attractions.
Giraffe Centre The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi protects the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and offers a mix of conservation and engaging activities. Visitors can observe, hand-feed, or even kiss a giraffe from a raised wooden platform. The center also features a self-guided forest walk through the adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary, where warthogs and diverse bird species can be spotted.
Hotels in Kenya: Egypt welcomes visitors with its majestic Nile River and awe-inspiring monuments, enchanting desert landscapes, lush delta, rich history, and hospitable, story-loving people. Amun Temple Enclosure Located in Luxor, the Amun Temple Enclosure was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the local god of Karnak, who became the state god during the New Kingdom. At its peak, the temple owned vast resources, including 421,000 head of cattle, 65 cities, 83 ships, 276,400 hectares of land, and employed 81,000 people.
Despite being sacked by Assyrians and Persians, it remains one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. Temple of Horus This well-preserved Ptolemaic temple, constructed between 237 and 57 BC, is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. The desert sand preserved the temple after the pagan cult was banned, and with its intact roof, it offers a unique and atmospheric glimpse into ancient Egyptian worship.
St. Catherine’s Monastery Founded around AD 330 by Byzantine Empress Helena, St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating monastic communities.
Built beside what was believed to be the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses, the monastery remains a significant religious and historical site. Visitors can request access to the monastery museum at the Church of the Transfiguration. Temple of Isis Constructed around 690 BC, the Temple of Isis was the last built in the classical Egyptian style.
Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple remained a center of worship until at least AD 550. Visitors enter near the Kiosk of Nectanebo and are greeted by the impressive 18-meter-high first pylon adorned with reliefs of Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos. Pyramids of Giza The Pyramids of Giza, located in Giza, Cairo, are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
Built nearly 4000 years ago as massive tombs for pharaohs, these pyramids demonstrate extraordinary architectural skill and remain a testament to the organization and achievements of ancient Egypt. They continue to intrigue visitors with questions about their construction and purpose. Valley of the Kings Situated on the west bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings served as the burial site for pharaohs since around 2100 BC.
The New Kingdom pharaohs (1550–1069 BC) selected this isolated valley, dominated by the pyramid-shaped peak of Al Qurn (The Horn), for their tombs. Known as the Great Necropolis of Millions of Years of Pharaoh or the Place of Truth, it contains 63 magnificent royal tombs. Hotels in Egypt: In 2023, Cambodia saw a significant rebound in outbound tourism, reflecting a strong recovery from the pandemic.
Cambodian travelers showed a growing interest in diverse cultures, with top destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and Singapore. Major airports and key airlines supported this surge in travel, and luxurious accommodations further enhanced the experience for tourists..
