Cambodia recorded more than 21 million visitors during the three-day Khmer New Year holiday from April 14–16, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Official data released on Thursday showed that the total included roughly 1.14 million domestic overnight tourists, 19.9 million day-trippers and more than 71,000 international travellers. The figures reflect a significant surge in festive travel across the kingdom.
The ministry identified five primary destinations that drew the largest crowds, with the capital, Phnom Penh, hosting 4.40 million people. This was closely followed by Kampong Cham with 4.17 million visitors, Prey Veng with 2.32 million, Siem Reap with 1.79 million, and Kampong Speu with 1.71 million.
In the capital, municipal spokesman Dao Samphors noted that residents and tourists gathered at six major event sites and at the former Phnom Penh International Airport to participate in traditional games. Additionally, “Sankranta” events were held across all 14 districts and at local pagodas to provide accessible celebrations for all residents.
Samphors described the “Nokor Sangkranta” celebrations as joyful and well-organised, emphasising that public order and security remained stable throughout the three-day period.
This allowed the public to celebrate peacefully, with no major incidents reported. The surge in travel reflects a robust recovery in the kingdom’s tourism sector, driven by a mix of high-profile urban events and traditional rural gatherings. Authorities credited the smooth operation to coordinated efforts between local administrations and the ministry to manage the record-breaking influx of holidaymakers.
