Lush Horizons: Cambodia and Vietnam Unite to Promote ‘Green Season’ Tourism

Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, &

 Nguyễn Minh Vũ, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia

A New Chapter in Regional Travel Cooperation

Cambodia and Vietnam are forging a stronger tourism alliance with a shared vision: to promote international travel during the lush and often overlooked ‘Green Season.’ Marked by rich landscapes and rejuvenating rainfall, this period offers travellers a refreshing escape—and both countries are working to make it more accessible and appealing than ever.

The renewed commitment to cross-border cooperation was spotlighted during a recent meeting between Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, and Nguyễn Minh Vũ, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Cambodia. The talks underscored the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural exchange between the two neighbours.  

The Green Season Advantage

‘Green Season’ tourism refers to the rainy season, often underappreciated despite its many advantages. During this time, Cambodia and Vietnam boast verdant rice paddies, full rivers, and lower visitor traffic. For travellers, it means fewer crowds, lush scenery, cooler temperatures, and often better travel deals.

The cooperation aims to turn this season into a peak travel window, offering international tourists a unique and immersive experience in both countries.

 

Seamless Travel Through Strengthened Infrastructure

Key areas of focus include infrastructure development to better connect tourist destinations by land, air, and water. The initiative plans to boost direct and regular flights from major Vietnamese cities to Cambodian destinations, as well as simplify travel arrangements to reduce transit times and encourage multi-country itineraries.

There are also plans to organise joint tourism events, exhibitions, and cultural festivals that showcase the distinct yet complementary charms of both countries.

 

Shared Goals for Growth and Stability

Cambodia

Both leaders highlighted tourism as a central pillar for economic development and as a tool for deepening traditional solidarity between their peoples. The consistent rise in Vietnamese visitors to Cambodia is a testament to the country’s peaceful environment, political stability, and commitment to public safety.

Cambodia welcomed 1.83 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2025, an increase from the same period last year. Of these, over 300,000 were from Vietnam, reflecting the growing interest in cross-border travel between the two nations.

Most international visitors entered Cambodia by land (55.3%), followed by air (42.9%) and waterways (1.8%), highlighting the importance of improving all modes of connectivity.

 

Digital Transformation and the Future of Travel Content

On the same day as the bilateral tourism meeting, Minister Hak presided over the launch of a new initiative in digital tourism training. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Tourism, South Korea’s Ubrain Communications Co Ltd, and Cambodia’s Thananvarman Digital 21 Co Ltd.

This programme is Cambodia’s first focused on training tourism content creators, providing aspiring students and professionals with the skills and tools to produce high-quality digital travel content. Courses will be led by experienced Korean lecturers and will cover advanced production techniques, content strategy, and international standards for tourism marketing.

Graduates of the programme will receive official certification, offering new career opportunities in the fast-growing digital tourism sector.

 

On the Ground: Showcasing the Green Season

As part of the ongoing campaign, Minister Hak has been touring key destinations across Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, and Siem Reap. These regions are especially vibrant during the Green Season, with waterfalls at full flow, forests alive with wildlife, and cultural landmarks surrounded by emerald landscapes.

Hak reiterated the campaign’s core message: tourism is not only a pillar of Cambodia’s economy, but a critical source of income for countless families. The Green Season strategy, fully endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, is central to Cambodia’s long-term vision of sustainable, inclusive, and globally attractive tourism.

To learn more about Cambodia and Vietnam’s joint tourism strategies and explore Green Season travel opportunities, visit:
www.tourismcambodia.org
www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn

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