Cambodia Named Top 2025 Holiday Destination for Australians

Siem Reap has been crowned the leading holiday hotspot for Australians in 2025, with interest surging by an impressive 529%, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, and mentioned in an SBS article.

For years, Australian travelers have gravitated toward Japan’s iconic cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, enjoying cherry blossoms, hot springs, and vibrant shopping districts. However, a shift in travel trends suggests that in 2025, Siem Reap, Cambodia, will take center stage.

Cambodia Welcomes Rising Australian Tourism

Tob Sopheak, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the significance of Australian visitors to the country’s tourism recovery post-COVID-19.

“In 2023, we welcomed 87,207 Australians, marking a 131% year-on-year increase,” Sopheak noted. “By the first nine months of 2024, more than 70,000 Australians had already visited, most heading to Siem Reap.”

He added, “We are ready to greet them with warm smiles and enhanced hospitality, creating experiences that will encourage more Australians to visit in the years ahead.”

Siem Reap’s Local Impact

Ly Vannak, spokesperson and Director of Administration for Siem Reap province, highlighted how this influx of visitors positively influences local tourism and helps bolster Cambodia’s image internationally.

“We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring all facilities meet the expectations of our guests,” Vannak said. “Collaborative efforts across organizations aim to promote tourism sites, host engaging events, and improve infrastructure and security to make visitors feel safe and welcomed.”

Key hubs like the new Siem Reap International Airport and Techo International Airport will play a pivotal role in delivering top-tier hospitality to arriving travelers, ensuring a seamless experience from touchdown to departure.

Why Siem Reap is a Top Pick

The Skyscanner report identified several key factors driving Australians’ travel decisions:

Weather (66%)
Attractions (65%)
Food (63%)
Culture (59%)

Siem Reap, home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat, checks all these boxes, offering an unparalleled blend of history, cuisine, and vibrant local culture.

Other Trending Destinations for Australians in 2025

Siem Reap leads the list of 2025 hotspots for Australians, with Thailand’s Krabi securing second place. Known for its stunning beaches and islands, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, Krabi is a close contender.

The Philippines’ Busuanga follows in third, offering incredible island-hopping and scuba-diving experiences. Daegu, South Korea’s cultural hub just 1.5 hours from Seoul, takes the fourth spot, while Rovaniemi, Finland, affectionately called Santa Claus’s hometown, rounds out the top five with its northern lights and arctic magic.

The top 10 destinations also include:

Cusco, Peru – gateway to Machu Picchu
Tromsø, Norway – a prime location for viewing the aurora borealis
Almaty, Kazakhstan – a blend of mountains and modernity
Labuan Bajo and Yogyakarta, Indonesia – cultural and natural wonders

Looking Ahead

As Australian travelers look to explore further afield, Siem Reap’s unique combination of heritage, hospitality, and culture positions it as an unforgettable destination. With proactive efforts from Cambodia’s tourism industry, the city is poised to shine even brighter in 2025.

Cambodia Named Top 2025 Holiday Destination for Australians