Siem Reap and Phnom Penh: Must-Visit Stars of Asia for 2025
Siem Reap, Phnom Penh,listed among best of the best destinations in Asia for 2025
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025 are making waves in tourism and real estate. Siem Reap ranks 14th worldwide on TripAdvisor, while both cities grow fast thanks to new airports and smart planning.
Key Facts About Cambodia’s Top Cities
- Global Fame: Siem Reap got TripAdvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ award for 2025. It ranks 14th in the world and 4th in Asia.
- Tourist Boom: Cambodia expects 7.2-7.5 million tourists in 2025. That’s 23% more than 2024. Tourism will make up 9.4% of the country’s money.
- Better Airports: Both cities now have world-class airports. Siem Reap‘s airport handles 1.3 million people yearly. Phnom Penh‘s new Techo Airport opens July 2025.
- Smart Plans: The “Sacred Tourism 2025-2035” plan aims to bring in wealthy tourists, home buyers, and retirees who spend more.
- Growing Property Market: Siem Reap property values may grow 8-10% in 2025. Phnom Penh offers rental income from 5-8%.
- Foreign-Friendly Rules: Cambodia ranks among the best ASEAN nations for property buying. The laws work well for non-citizens.
- Big Building Projects: $36 billion in tourism building work is changing both cities. The focus is on high-end travel and living spots.
Why Cambodia Stands Out in 2025’s Travel Scene
Cambodia sits at a turning point in 2025. The country bounced back strong from past troubles. Now, it’s ready to shine as a key player in Asian tourism.
Cambodia’s Amazing Comeback
Tourism in Cambodia has seen a big turnaround. In 2024, the country drew 6.7 million foreign guests. For 2025, the goal is 7.2-7.5 million visitors.
Australian interest in Siem Reap shot up by 529% according to Skyscanner’s 2025 report. That’s huge! These numbers show this isn’t just small growth but a real change in how tourists see Cambodia.
What Makes These Cities Special?
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025 offer very different but equally great trips.
Siem Reap stands out with:
- The world-famous Angkor Wat temples (91 ancient sites built between 9th-13th centuries)
- A #14 rank on TripAdvisor’s global list (only 1% of 8 million places get this honor)
- The lively Angkor Night Market
- Khmer culture shows and classes
- Phare Cambodian Circus performances that mix art and acrobatics
- Boat trips on Tonlé Sap Lake
- Amazing Cambodian cuisine cooking classes
Phnom Penh brings its own charm:
- The stunning Royal Palace Phnom Penh
- Moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- A mix of French buildings and Khmer culture
- Mekong River cruises at sunset
- Exciting Phnom Penh nightlife
- Rich Cambodian history museums
- Great Cambodian cuisine food tours
Real Numbers That Show Why These Cities Matter
Let’s look at the facts that back up why Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025 isn’t just talk.
Tourist Numbers Tell the Story
Siem Reap’s Tourism Stats:
- 774,203 foreign tourists from January to October 2024
- Angkor Archaeological Park saw 279,604 foreign visitors in January-February 2025
- This marks an 18.5% rise from the same time in 2024
- Ticket sales brought in $13.16 million in early 2025 (up 17% from 2024)
Cambodia’s Place in Southeast Asia Travel:
- Thailand: 35 million visitors
- Malaysia: 22.5 million
- Vietnam: 17.5 million
- Indonesia: 12.66 million
- Cambodia: Growing fast with Angkor Wat alone drawing 1+ million in 2024
Cambodia may have smaller numbers than its big neighbors, but its growth rate is what counts. Plus, the focus is on quality over quantity.
The Fast Track to Passive Income: Guaranteed Rental Return (GRR) in Cambodia Real Estate Market
Real Estate Numbers for Smart Buyers
For those thinking about property, the outlook is bright:
Siem Reap Property Market:
- Expected 8-10% value growth in 2025
- Short-term rentals hit 85% occupancy in 2024
- Housing near the new airport shows strong price jumps
Phnom Penh Property Market:
- Rental yields range from 5-8% (better than many other Asian cities)
- BKK1 district: Property sells for around $3,000 per square meter
- The Russian Market area shows yearly rental income of 3.52% pre-tax
7 Reasons Why Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Top Asia’s 2025 List
1. New Airports Make Travel Easy
Both cities now have great airports that make trips simple.
The Siem Reap airport has:
- Handled 14,556 flights since opening
- Welcomed over 1.3 million travelers
- Boosted tourism to Angkor Archaeological Park by 18.5%
- Plans to reach 2 million passengers in 2025
Meanwhile, Phnom Penh‘s Techo Airport will:
- Open in July 2025
- Cost $1.5 billion to build
- Handle up to 13 million passengers yearly at first
- Grow to serve 50 million travelers by 2050
- Make nearby towns grow fast
2. Smart Tourism Plans for Both Cities
Cambodia has clear goals for its tourism future. The “Sacred Tourism 2025-2035” policy aims to:
- Turn key areas into high-end travel spots
- Draw business tourists, retirees, and second-home buyers
- Add eco-tourism Cambodia trips to temple tours
- Add wellness trips and farm visits
- Bring in 2 million “special tourists” by 2035
This fresh approach helps Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025 stand out from other Asian cities that only want large crowds.
3. Better Roads Connect Everything
New roads make it much easier to visit both cities in one trip:
- Phnom Penh to the beach town of Sihanoukville: now just 2 hours (was 5-6)
- A second road linking Phnom Penh to Vietnam opens June 2025
- Plans for a highway connecting Phnom Penh with Siem Reap and Thailand
- Better city roads in both places
These changes mean you can base yourself in either city and easily take day trips or stay a few nights in each place.
4. Great Value for Money
Both cities offer great deals compared to other Asian hotspots:
For Travelers:
- Luxury hotels at half the price of Bangkok or Singapore
- World-class food for much less
- Amazing Cambodian temples with lower entry fees
For Property Buyers:
- Prices well below Thailand or Vietnam
- Rental income of 5-8% in Phnom Penh (higher than Bangkok’s 3.5-5%)
- Strong laws that protect foreign investors
- Low property taxes
Live in Style – Own a Piece of UC88 Wyndham Garden BKK1 – Phnom Penh’s Premier New Condo!
5. Perfect for Digital Nomads and Expats
With remote work now normal, both cities welcome long-term foreign guests:
Siem Reap’s Appeal:
- The Sla Kram area has become a digital nomad hub
- Strong internet and work spaces
- Lower living costs than Bali or Chiang Mai
- Easy visa options for longer stays
- Close to Angkor Wat for weekend trips
Phnom Penh’s Expat Life:
- The BKK1 and Russian Market areas draw foreign workers
- Growing number of international schools
- Western comforts with Asian charm
- Active expat groups and events
- Great base for Mekong River cruises
6. Perfect Mix of Old and New
Unlike some Asian cities that lost their soul to growth, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025 keep their charm while adding modern touches:
Siem Reap Balances:
- Ancient Angkor Wat temples with new art spaces
- Traditional markets with modern shops
- Age-old crafts with fresh design
- Khmer culture shows with global entertainment
- Cambodian cuisine from street food to fine dining
Phnom Penh Blends:
- French colonial buildings with new high-rises
- Royal Palace Phnom Penh grandeur with modern city life
- River life with urban comforts
- Cambodian history with forward-looking business
- Street food alongside fancy restaurants
7. Great Investment Future
For those looking past travel to investment, both cities show real promise:
Growth Areas in Siem Reap:
- Properties near the new airport
- Boutique hotels and guesthouses
- Areas close to Angkor Archaeological Park
- Eco-tourism Cambodia resorts as green travel grows
- Properties that can host Cambodian festivals
Hot Spots in Phnom Penh:
- Areas near the new Techo Airport
- The Russian Market for steady rental income
- Properties near the Mekong River
- BKK1 for luxury condos
How to Make the Most of These Top Asian Cities
For Travelers: When to Visit
To truly enjoy Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025, timing matters:
Best Times for Siem Reap:
- November to February: Cool, dry days perfect for Angkor Wat tours
- March: Amazing sunset views over the temples
- August: Fewer crowds but some rain (bring an umbrella!)
- April: Cambodian festivals like New Year
Ideal Times for Phnom Penh:
- December to January: Pleasant temps and low humidity
- April: Water Festival brings the city to life
- September: Fewer tourists and lower hotel rates
- November: Boat racing on the river
For Property Buyers: Where to Look Now
Smart investors should focus on these growing areas:
Siem Reap Hot Zones:
- Sla Kram: Popular with digital nomads
- Areas within 10 minutes of the new airport
- Locations near Angkor Archaeological Park
- Properties that work well for short-term rentals
Phnom Penh Prime Spots:
- BKK1: The top district with steady returns
- Russian Market: Good value with strong rental demand
- Southern areas near the new airport
- Riverside areas for Mekong River views
Cambodia Property Buying Tips
Before you buy in these best destinations in Asia for 2025, know the rules:
- Ownership Structure: Foreigners can own condos but not land. Options include:
- Buy condos with proper titles
- Use long leases (up to 50 years)
- Form a local company (needs 51% Cambodian ownership)
- Title Types Matter:
- Hard title: Most secure but usually for citizens only
- Strata title: Best for foreign condo buyers
- Soft title: Less secure but common
- Tax Basics:
- 4% transfer tax on purchase
- Low yearly property taxes
- Possible capital gains tax in the future
- Due Diligence Steps:
- Check the developer’s track record
- Get proper legal help
- Visit the property in person
- Check nearby development plans
Real Estate You Can Own Today
Premium Properties in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh offers several stand-out properties for sale:
- Modern luxury condos near Royal Palace Phnom Penh
- Riverside apartments with Mekong River views
- New developments that put you close to Phnom Penh nightlife
Take a video tour of amazing Phnom Penh properties here: City Property Tour
Exciting Options in Siem Reap
Siem Reap‘s property market also offers great choices for buyers:
- New condos near the airport with rental potential
- Boutique hotel investments in the tourist zone near Angkor Wat
- Villas that work as both homes and rental properties
- Investment options near Tonlé Sap Lake
Check out this video overview of Siem Reap‘s growing real estate market: Siem Reap Property Guide
What’s Next for Cambodia’s Top Cities
The future looks bright for Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025. Here’s what’s coming:
Siem Reap’s Future Plans
Siem Reap is growing beyond just Angkor Wat:
- Focus on eco-tourism Cambodia and nature trips
- New Siem Reap attractions beyond temples
- New nightlife and dining districts
- Tech improvements for easier temple visits
- Better roads throughout the city
- More Cambodian festivals to attract year-round visits
Experts predict Siem Reap will see 2 million visitors in 2025, with property values rising 8-10%. The city aims to keep its unique feel while adding new reasons to visit.
Phnom Penh’s Growth Continues
The capital has big plans:
- Techo Airport opening in July 2025
- New riverside areas along the Mekong River
- More luxury housing options
- Growing business districts
- Better Phnom Penh nightlife zones
- New museums showcasing Cambodian history
Take a virtual tour of Phnom Penh‘s changing skyline here: Phnom Penh 2025
What to Do Next
Ready to make the most of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025? Here’s what to do:
For travelers:
- Plan a trip to see both cities
- Book during shoulder seasons for better rates
- Allow at least 3 days in each city
- Consider a river trip between the two
- Don’t miss Angkor Wat and Royal Palace Phnom Penh
For investors:
- Visit both cities to see growth areas firsthand
- Look at condos in prime areas
- Check areas near both new airports
- Get proper legal advice before buying
- Consider properties near main tourist spots like Angkor Archaeological Park
Last Thoughts on Cambodia’s Rising Stars
I’ve watched Siem Reap and Phnom Penh change over the years. These cities now offer the perfect mix of culture, comfort, and value. In 2025, they’ll shine even brighter. For travelers, now’s the time to visit before crowds grow. For investors, prices will only go up as more people catch on. Don’t wait – see these amazing places now, or grab a property while values are still rising. The next step is simple: visit DaBest Properties to start your Cambodia journey right.
Helpful Resources
Find more info on Cambodia’s top 2025 destinations:
These links will help you plan your trip or investment in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh best destinations in Asia for 2025.
