Cambodian tourism will be the “new Thailand”

[buksida]

Cambodian-tourism-will-be-the-new-Thailand-pic-2_w.jpg (124.85 KiB) Viewed 2817 times

While Thai authorities seek to diversify foreign tourism beyond sexpots and seriously ponder 10 year visas for super-rich investors and retirees, neighboring Cambodia is preparing for a mass international influx starting soon. Cambodian premier and strongman Hun Sen has already liberalized immigration rules by abolishing compulsory medical insurance, pre-flight medical checks and even on-arrival health tests for fully-vaccinated foreign visitors. But that’s only the start.

More than 100 kilometers of new roads have been constructed in and around Siem Reap which is the gateway to the Unesco-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. An investment of US$150 million has seen the thoroughfares equipped with modern street lighting, traffic lights and security cameras. Much of the old town will be totally unfamiliar to the 2022 visitor although the internationally-famous Pub Street remains. Hun Sen has described Siem Reap province as the rising star of the kingdom, especially the ancient temples which attracted 2.2 million foreigners in 2019 and produced US$100 million from ticket sales alone.

Meanwhile, a brand new 700-hectares international airport is under construction, funded by the Chinese investment company Yunnan Holdings, which is scheduled to open late next year about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap. Press releases say it is designed to protect the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site – the current airport produces too much environmental damage and attacks temple foundations – and to double tourist numbers becoming the “new Thailand”.

A new US$1.5 billion airport to serve the capital Phnom Penh is also under construction and is scheduled to be completed by 2025. It will be the ninth largest airport by area in the entire world. Plans are also afoot to improve Sihanoukville international airport which serves a beach resort and is the casino hub for the entire country. Cambodia’s tourism ministry predicts that international passengers to the country as a whole will be 12 million by the mid-decade, double the 2019 total.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-395715

Add to that the fraction of the cost of living/travelling there, the fraction of the hassle for visas, and the fraction of the restrictions on alcohol/bars/nightlife/entertainment, it is becoming what Thailand was 20 years ago - which is what gave it those massive tourist numbers to begin with.

[Big Boy]

I have a couple of friends who have spent at least 3 months a year for the previous 10 years in Thailand who have just finished this year's break in Cambodia.

They phoned me several times telling me that almost everybody they were speaking to in bars, around the swimming pool, etc. were long time Thailand regulars, but just couldn't face the hassle of visiting Thailand any longer.

[sateeb]

I've booked a 3 dayer to Siem Reap in October and will post a report.

[buksida]

Looking forward to the trip report. I haven't been since 2014, and found the same - many many expats just sick of the BS over the border.

Here is the TR from back then, I would imagine things have changed a lot in 8 years, though lockdowns would have put things back a bit. Should be a good time to go.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=28511

[Motyduke]

Some places are ok in Cambodia. But they need to improve a lot infrastructures. Many areas have no roads, no hospitals, very few hotels. The only place which is developped is Sihanoukville and is owned by Chinese companies. I think they will get an increase or a boost in tourism but they cannot compete with Thailand or the same figures.

[Jack_Batty]

I haven’t been to Cambodia since a three-week stay back in 2016. Spent the majority of my time in Phnom Penh, with some trips to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Had a really good time, and it sounds like I definitely need to get back and check it out. I bet, even in that short time, it has changed immensely.

[caller]

I visited Siam Reap in December 2018 on the way back from spending Christmas in Khon Kaen. I loved the fact you could just drive to the border, in our case, near Prasat, cross over and then grab a cab to the town. Then pick up the car on the way back and continue the journey home. Planned to go back and explore more, but that was obviously put on hold. Will do so when borders are functioning normally.

[barrys]

I lived in Thailand for 15 years non-stop before I moved to Cambodia in 2015, and I've been here ever since. I lived in the beach resort town of Sihanoukville for the first 9 months and left just before the Chinese moved in and destroyed the soul of the place. For the last 6 years, I've lived in the Kep/Kampot area, a popular coastal area for both expat residents and domestic tourists. Although I never had any visa issues during my time in Thailand, it is much easier here. For example, you never have to enter a government office. Everything is dealt with by approved agents. A 1-year tourist, business or retirement visa costs US$300 including the agent fee for 1 year. There is no 90-day reporting, the visa is automatically multi-entry and no financial surety, proof of income or other documentation is needed. It is also cheap and easy to set up and legally work in/run your own business here, be it a bar, restaurant, construction, car mechanic or whatever.... Food prices are roughly the same, alcohol is sooo much cheaper. 0.33 draft local beer is between US$0.50 and $1.00, pint can of draft Guinness $2.75 - $3.00. Wine starts in shop at around $5/bottle upwards. Restaurant prices similar to Thailand but with a lot more niche eateries offering international cuisine due to expats being able to run their own places. My daughter goes to a private Kindergarten run by a qualified English national teacher with other European staff at a cost of $105/month (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri including lunch). Rents are currently very reasonable. We have a brand new smallish 2-bedroom single-storey detached house with small front and back garden and car port for $250/month. I work online, so need a reasonable Internet connection. I pay $15/month for roughly 20 mbps fibre optic. I do find a few disadvantages, such as the rainy season (I hate rain - otherwise I could have easily stayed in Ireland ), which I find a bit too long, excessive litter (much like when I first moved to Thailand in Jan 2001), and the state of minor roads (though this is improving quite quickly). Another one is cars - they're even more expensive here than in Thailand!!! However, road tax and insurance are cheap here.

We're planning our first trip back to Thailand next month after nearly 3 years - so will be able to make a better comparison then.

If anyone has any questions about life here in Cambodia, just fire away

[KhunLA]

I have a couple of friends who have spent at least 3 months a year for the previous 10 years in Thailand who have just finished this year's break in Cambodia.

They phoned me several times telling me that almost everybody they were speaking to in bars, around the swimming pool, etc. were long time Thailand regulars, but just couldn't face the hassle of visiting Thailand any longer.

Does that translate into 'couldn't meet the financials any more'
Or were they actual tourist ? and what part of the year, since getting to TH vs Cambo the past 2 yrs would definitely be challenging.

Better gauge will be well after all restrictions are gone, maybe 2023. I think they have a ways to go, to catch up to TH's infrastructure. A big requirement for me going anywhere

[Big Boy]

Regarding my friends.........................

Certainly finance is not a problem.

They did not travel 2020/21 to Asia.

They travel January to April as tourists.

Regarding the anonymous people they chatted to.........................

I don't have a clue.

[handdrummer]

10,140 baht a year is a lot for a visa, especially when compared with 1900 baht in Thailand. Other than that it seems cheaper to live in Cambodia, for now.

[Jack_Batty]

Kampot…brought back a few parcels of black paper from that region. Not overhyped. Very good pepper.

[barrys]

10,140 baht a year is a lot for a visa, especially when compared with 1900 baht in Thailand. Other than that it seems cheaper to live in Cambodia, for now.

If you factor in the multiple-entry element, which cost around 4k baht extra when I was in Thailand, it puts it more in perspective. Also no costs incurred for obtaining documentary proof of this, that and the other. Also no travel costs involved as you don't have to go to any government office, no requirement to tie up a large amount of money incurring possible foreign exchange losses, plus the convenience of no 90-day reporting.... All in all, it's not that much more, but definitely much, much easier.....

[barrys]

Kampot…brought back a few parcels of black paper from that region. Not overhyped. Very good pepper.

Kampot red pepper is to die for - we use it all the time

[sateeb]

Just back from my 3 day trip to Siem Reap. Contrary to what was posted by Motyduke, SR is well developed with good quality roads, light traffic and excellent driving standards. No obvious signs of trash discarded by the roadside and a distinct lack of Soi dogs. I saw a few hospitals and dentists around town and drinks way cheaper than here.

Angkor Wat sunrise tour was fantastic (8 hours), enough time to see the main temples in the vast complex.

If I was a newbie considering retirement I wouldn't hesitate to make the move there.