Despite a drop in overall
tourist arrivals, new travel data reveals that Siem Reap continues to attract
travelers who are staying longer and engaging more deeply with the destination.
According to Booking.com,
tourist arrivals in Siem Reap have declined by 18% over the past two weeks.
This decline is a result of several factors, including the rising diplomatic
tension between Cambodia and Thailand and the onset of the green season, which
traditionally sees fewer tourists due to seasonal weather patterns. The ongoing
dispute, particularly concerning historical and cultural heritage, has created
uncertainty for some regional travelers and may have affected cross-border
tourism flow.
However, while fewer people are visiting, those who do are staying longer. More than 40% of visitors chose to stay up to seven days, topping the platform’s chart, suggesting a shift toward longer, slower and more immersive travel experiences. There are several reasons for this increasing stay including:
- Affordability: Siem Reap remains one of Southeast Asia’s most cost-effective destinations. Local meals are typically priced between $1–$1.50, and quality accommodations start as low as $10 per night, as listed on Booking.com.
- Shift Toward Slow Travel: Global travel behavior is shifting from checklist tourism to more intentional, immersive experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking cultural depth and meaningful local interactions. Given its heritage sites, tradition arts, and community focused tourism, Siem Reap is well-positioned to accommodate this new travel trend.
- Regional Over-tourism: With Thailand and Vietnam experiencing oversaturation in key tourist areas, visitors are actively looking for less commercialized and more authentic destinations. Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap, is emerging as an attractive alternative, offering a quieter yet enriching travel experience without the congestion.
International tourists accounted for nearly 90% of total visitors during this period, highlighting Siem Reap’s strong appeal to the global market. The top five countries of origin were Cambodia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, showing a broad and diverse interest in the city.
In terms of traveler demographics, couples represent the vast majority, with nearly 75% of bookings, while solo travelers account for nearly 20%, highlighting that romantic getaways and independent exploration remain important motivators for visiting.
Although the short-term decline in arrivals may raise concerns for some businesses and stakeholders, the increase in length of stay could offer an opportunity for higher-value tourism. Longer stay often means deeper cultural engagement, more local spending, and greater appreciation of what Siem Reap has to offer beyond the usual highlights.
As tensions between Cambodia and Thailand continue to evolve, Siem Reap appears to be quietly transitioning towards a tourism model focused on quality over quantity. This shift could position Siem Reap to attract more intentional travelers who value meaningful experiences and extended stays.
By Kem Sreyneth
Project Marketing & Communication