Table of Contents

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1
2. Methodology........................................................................................................ 1
3. Findings: ............................................................................................................. 1
4. Analysis: ............................................................................................................ 2
5. Conclusion: ......................................................................................................... 2
6. Recommendations ............................................................................................... 2
7. Reference ........................................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction
Cambodia is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia and includes a lot of tourist
attractions related to the old amazing historical temples, old traditional civilization, and local popular
festivals, which makes the tourists who come to visit Cambodia make them really enjoyable, get to
know new things, and be very interested in the scenery and the various national festivals, but there
are also a few small points to make it better.

2. Methodology
Most local and foreign tourists come to Cambodia to see the cultural place that Khmer ancestors
built for their descendants in the past. Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) is a magnificent ancient architectural
structure that shows the strong Khmer national identity of the 12th century, especially the inscriptions
of the temples that Khmer ancestors carved to show the greatness of culture, civilization, traditions,
customs, living traditions, religions, and movements. The intense war of that time attracted the
attention of both national and international tourists. The second most visited cultural attraction is
called the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is located in Phnom Penh. These
locations act as monuments to the Khmer Rouge regime's victims. The Khmer Rouge used Tuol Sleng
as a jail for torture and executions, and the Killing Fields provide a sobering glimpse at Cambodia's
sad past. In addition, Cambodia also has many national festivals, including the three-day Khmer New
Year, which is held to smoke good luck, good health, business, and get a new year. This festival mostly
attracts both national and international tourists, most of whom like to go to the pagoda to give food
to the monks. And play many popular games, including Chaol Chhoung, Leak Kan seng, Bos Angkunh,
and other popular games. In addition, the most famous festival in the country and abroad is the
Water Festival, which is held with a boat race once a year. The festival also adheres to cultural
traditions, in which they celebrate with good luck to the moon at night.

3. Findings:
Most tourists interested in the culture and civilization of Cambodia visit Angkor Wat and other
great temples.
Table 1: Domestic and foreign visitors' arrivals to the regions in January - May 2024

Source: Tourism Statistics Department, MOT.

The table above shows that the data of tourists who visited Angkor Wat between January 2023
in January to May with the increase of January 2024 to January increased by 52.2%. International
visitors increased by 37%.

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4. Analysis:
Cambodia represents a good opportunity for investment in cultural tourism due to UNESCO World
Heritage Sites such as Angkor Wat. The Royal Government has helped to promote and support the
Royal Government around the world, making this magnificent temple a delight for national and
international tourists. Enjoy getting to know Khmer culture and be safe too. Moreover, Cambodia has
been investing in cultural tours, Khmer cultural entertainment places, and cultural architecture
buildings of hotels and cafés. While the popular areas in Cambodia are in Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh. Sihanoukville is in southwestern Cambodia and has developed cultural tourism, such as
infrastructure structure in the city, including bridges, expressways, and airports. It's easy to take a
short trip from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. In addition, the government renovated and built a lot of
resorts and hotels. Therefore, it has been interesting for local and foreign tourists to visit to sightsee
the beautiful blue ocean and explore the new culture of the population that lives in this area.

Cultural tourism in Cambodia can be developed by building infrastructure in the country, such as
roads and bridges, to make it easier to travel and spend less time. Furthermore, it is necessary to
organize various resort areas and temples to be hygienic and attractive, which will attract national
and international interest. Moreover, it is necessary to promote the culture and civilization at home
and abroad in the international arena, especially with the tourism with neighboring countries such as
Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, with all kinds of means of transportation, both land, air, and sea. It will
be increasing the duplication time to suit the needs of the tourist.

5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Cambodia has significantly advanced its cultural and tourism sector, as evidenced
by the designation of Angkor Wat as a World Heritage Site and the backing of the Royal Government
for national recognition and sustainability. Moreover, Cambodia must continue to develop the
country's infrastructure sector and increasingly praise and organize recreational facilities to be
aesthetically pleasing and hygienic, receive and use information technology to let people around the
world know the wonders of Cambodia to attract tourists as much as possible.

6. Recommendations
The Government of Cambodia must pay attention to and reform the infrastructure, maintain
hygiene and aesthetics in resorts and increase relations with national and international guests.

7. Reference
▪ https://www.tourismcambodia.org/
▪ https://www.unesco.org/countries/cambodia
▪ https://www.nagacorp.com/eng/ir/tourism/tourism_statistics_202405.pdf

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