According to a report from Khmer Times, Cambodian tourists accounted for the largest growth among international visitor markets to Vietnam in the post-Covid-19 recovery period. The number of Cambodian tourists increased by 338% in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2019.
Coracle boats along Quy Nhon Beach in the central province of Binh Dinh. Photo by Shutterstock/Huy Thoai. |
The second fastest-growing tourist market in Vietnam after Cambodia is Indian tourists, with a growth rate of 236%. This is followed by Laos with 117% growth, Thailand with 108% growth, and Singapore with 107% growth.
Vietnam’s tourism services, including visa exemption for up to one month for citizens of Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos, have made Vietnam a major attraction for tourists from Southeast Asia, according to Khmer Times. Additionally, the increase in the number of direct flights between Indian cities and Vietnam has contributed to the strong growth of Indian tourists.
In the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed more than 5.5 million international visitors, reaching 69% of the target of 8 million in 2023. South Korea has the highest number of visitors to Vietnam with more than 1.6 million arrivals, accounting for 28%. China is second with 557,000 visitors, followed by the US with 374,000 visitors.
Among Cambodian tourists, the top favorite destinations in Vietnam are the coastal city of Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc Island.
Da Lat, Lam Dong province, Vietnam. Photo: Tonkinphotography / shutterstock.com |
In addition to tourism, many Cambodians also visit Vietnam for medical treatment.
An industry expert interviewed by Khmer Times stated that Cambodia has always considered Vietnam as its number one destination. The younger generation of Cambodians is a key target for tourism, and outbound tourism is recovering after the pandemic. The expert emphasized the high level of hospitality in welcoming tourists from all over the world to Cambodia.
Vietnam and Thailand remain the main tourist destinations for Cambodians, but foreign tourism is becoming more diversified with increasing air connections.