Despite escalating tensions along the Cambodia-Thai border, Cambodian tourism players say its main tourist hubs remain safe; however, fears have been raised about the future impact on the nation’s tourism sector if the conflict continues.
Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, said: “The longer things continue, future bookers might decide to go elsewhere for their trip. The same can be said for people planning a trip to Thailand.”
Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that flights between the two countries are currently operational. However, land borders have been closed since June, when tensions simmered ahead of July’s five-day war.
“Backpackers, adventure tours, slow travellers etc have long liked the overland routes from Saigon to Bangkok, which are not currently possible,” Lidgey noted.
Various countries, including the US, France and the UK, have issued warnings against travel within 50km of the border. This does not impact Cambodia’s tourist hubs of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, south coast and the islands. The exception is the Koh Kong area, which borders Thailand.
“Therefore, we are emphasising it’s safe to travel to the majority of Cambodia, and there’s no need to go near the Thai border,” Lidgey said, adding, however, that the tourist Thai islands of Koh Chang, Koh Muk and Koh Kood sit within this radius.
Sinan Thourn, chairman of PATA Cambodia and IMCT Co., said he has not observed any cancellations linked to the situation, or any major impact on tourism operations.
“Travellers can continue to move freely and safely throughout the country, and tourism services are operating as normal. Based on the current situation, Cambodia remains a safe destination to visit, and there are no restrictions affecting travellers in any tourism zones,” he confirmed.
