🇰🇭 Cambodia 2026: China’s tourism surge is reshaping regional business hubs

Cambodia is preparing for a significant increase in Chinese arrivals in 2026, driven by a strategic move: a pilot visa exemption exclusively for Chinese nationals (15 June – 15 October). After 1.1 million Chinese arrivals in the first 11 months of 2025 (+43.5% vs 2024), this momentum is accelerating investment across hospitality, infrastructure, and service industries in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.

Known for their strong purchasing power, Chinese travellers — often estimated at ~USD 700+ in spending per trip (depending on profile and season) — are reinforcing the role of these cities as more structured and stable economic hubs, valuable for companies operating regionally.

Economic impact & spillovers

• Chinese arrivals already reached 889,000 in the first 9 months of 2025 (+46%), supporting the service sector (expected growth of +2.6% in 2026, ADB).

• The expansion of air connectivity is improving business mobility and strengthening Cambodia’s hub potential.

• The “Cambodia–China Year” initiative aims to return to pre-COVID levels, targeting 2.3 million Chinese visitors, boosting networking, business events, and broader economic attractiveness.

• In parallel, Vietnam–Cambodia–Laos synergies are intensifying, supporting multi-country supply chain strategies.

On-the-ground attractiveness for regional operations

Expat cost of living (depending on lifestyle)

• Phnom Penh: USD 900–1,200/month (rent typically USD 290–400, meals USD 2–5)

• Siem Reap: USD 500–700/month

Labour market & HR costs

• Local wages often range around USD 200–300/month

• Expat / skilled profiles: USD 1,500–5,000/month (depending on role and package)

Visas & ease of relocation

• Long-stay extensions (E/ER-type depending on profile) typically around ~USD 290/year

• Welcoming culture, active expat communities, and generally simple processes → fast integration

Regional positioning (2026 benchmark)

Hub	2026 dynamic	Expat cost/month	Key advantage
Cambodia	Chinese tourism surge	~USD 900	Stable & cost-effective
Vietnam	FDI momentum & growth	~USD 1,100	Dynamic ecosystem
Laos	Complementary & quieter	~USD 700	Calm base

With a China-focused visa exemption and accelerating economic momentum, Cambodia is strengthening its positioning as a low-cost, stable, business-friendly hub. Rising Vietnam–Cambodia–Laos flows are enabling smoother multi-country strategies and increasingly integrated regional operations.