Vietnam and Cambodia Unite: A New Era of Cross-Border Tourism Begins

Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia

Strengthening Regional Tourism Through Joint Promotion

In a significant step forward for Southeast Asian tourism, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia have joined forces to boost regional visitor exchange through collaborative tourism promotion and development. The initiative was formalized during a high-level meeting between Vietnam's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Van Hung, and Cambodia's Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, held on the sidelines of the International Travel Expo ITE HCMC 2025.

This bold move aims to capitalize on the cultural and tourism strengths of both countries, encourage greater private-sector collaboration, and establish a unified regional tourism brand to attract long-haul and regional travelers.

 

FAM Trips: A Hands-On Approach to Building Connections

At the heart of this strategic partnership are familiarization (FAM) trips, designed to give tourism operators, media, and stakeholders firsthand experience of each destination’s offerings. These immersive trips will help businesses from both nations explore opportunities for joint tour packages, cross-border itineraries, and new tourism products.

By connecting industry professionals with the rich cultural and natural landscapes of both countries, FAM trips aim to build lasting partnerships and deepen understanding of the tourism potential on both sides of the border.

 

Promoting Cultural Tourism and Shared Heritage

Vietnam and Cambodia share deep cultural and historical links, making them ideal partners in promoting heritage-based tourism. Both nations are home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and diverse ethnic communities that offer unique experiences for international visitors.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung proposed developing cross-border cultural and heritage-linked tourism products, such as caravan tours, coastal corridor routes, and packages connecting World Heritage destinations in both countries. These would not only boost regional travel but also position Vietnam and Cambodia as a combined tourism destination on the global stage.

 

Supporting the Private Sector and Expanding Market Reach

A core focus of the initiative is to foster stronger engagement between the private sectors of both countries. Meetings between Cambodian tourism delegates and major Vietnamese companies such as Vietravel and Saigontourist Group at ITE HCMC 2025 have opened doors for joint ventures, investment opportunities, and cooperative marketing efforts.

The partnership also includes plans for training programs, experience sharing, and joint participation in tourism events, with the goal of raising professional standards and aligning service quality with international expectations.

 

Tourism Growth: A Win-Win for Both Nations

The latest data underscores the growing importance of two-way tourism between Vietnam and Cambodia. In 2024, over 1.34 million Vietnamese tourists visited Cambodia, accounting for about 20% of the country's international arrivals. Meanwhile, nearly 475,000 Cambodians travelled to Vietnam, an increase of 51% from the previous year. The trend continues to accelerate, with Vietnam welcoming more than 401,000 Cambodian visitors in the first seven months of 2025, up 54% year-on-year.

Vietnam is now Cambodia’s second-largest source market, while Cambodia ranks among Vietnam’s top ten international visitor sources. These impressive numbers highlight the potential of sustained bilateral tourism cooperation to further boost regional travel, employment, and economic development.

 

Connectivity, Visa Policies, and Shared Infrastructure

Existing policies and infrastructure already make cross-border travel between Vietnam and Cambodia highly accessible. Both nations offer visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders, and the air, land, and river transport systems are well-developed, ensuring smooth travel for tourists.

The tourism authorities are also working together to support new forms of travel, such as self-drive tours, cross-border river cruises, and wellness-focused travel packages—key areas where both nations can leverage their resources and expertise.

 

A Shared Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

The Vietnamese Minister emphasized the importance of community-based and rural tourism, introducing Cambodia to Vietnam’s successful rural tourism models, some of which have received international recognition through the UN Tourism’s “World’s Best Tourism Villages” awards.

Vietnam is also promoting medical and wellness tourism, inviting Cambodian tour operators to expand their offerings into this growing sector. With both countries embracing innovation and sustainability, the partnership aims to develop tourism that benefits local communities while offering enriching experiences for travelers.

 

Looking Ahead: A United Tourism Future for Vietnam and Cambodia

The Cambodia-Vietnam tourism alliance is more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a forward-thinking strategy that reflects the strong friendship and shared vision of two dynamic nations. By working together to develop tourism infrastructure, training, and marketing, both countries are setting a model for regional tourism cooperation in Southeast Asia.

This growing partnership promises to drive tourism growth, promote cultural exchange, and create long-term economic opportunities for both countries. Travelers can look forward to seamless, multi-country itineraries that explore the best of Cambodia’s ancient wonders and Vietnam’s diverse landscapes—all in one unforgettable journey.

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