Angkor Wat sells itself—800,000 annual visitors prove that. But Cambodia's tourism evolution now offers agents diversification beyond Siem Reap's temples. Coastal development in Sihanoukville, eco-lodges in Cardamom Mountains, and Phnom Penh's urban renaissance create 10+ day itineraries with stronger margins than temple-only packages.
Siem Reap: Still the Anchor
Angkor Wat remains non-negotiable for 95% of clients. The 3-day temple pass ($62) covers 100+ sites across Angkor Archaeological Park. Sunrise at Angkor Wat, faces of Bayon Temple, and jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm fulfill every Tomb Raider fantasy. Agents should allocate 3-4 days minimum: temples require 2 days, plus Tonle Sap floating villages and old market exploration.
Hotels range from $15 hostels to $400 Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Mid-range sweet spot is $60-100 for properties with pools near Pub Street. November-February offers ideal weather; April heat exceeds 100°F but delivers 40% hotel discounts. Browse Siem Reap hotels with agent rates.
Phnom Penh: The Cultural Add-On
Cambodia's capital deserves 2 days in any serious itinerary. Royal Palace's golden spires and Silver Pagoda provide regal context. The sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields outside city offer important historical perspective on Khmer Rouge era. Riverside dining along Sisowath Quay and Central Market shopping balance heavy history.
Phnom Penh's boutique hotel scene explodes with French colonial buildings converted to 20-room properties ($80-150). The Raffles Le Royal anchors luxury tier at $250+. Street food tours and cyclo rides through old quarters create authentic experiences beyond temples.
Coastal & Nature Escapes
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem islands (45-minute ferry from Sihanoukville) offer white-sand beaches without Phuket's commercialization—yet. Bungalows run $30-80; development accelerates but remains manageable. Position as "undiscovered Thai islands" for beach extension after temples.
Cardamom Mountains eco-lodges appeal to active travelers. Multi-day jungle treks, wildlife spotting (Asian elephants, sun bears), and community-based tourism create differentiation. Kampot's pepper plantations and riverside French architecture suit slow-travel demographics.
Agent Logistics
Visa on arrival ($30, 30 days) covers most nationalities at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. E-visas simplify pre-arrival process. Internal flights (Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville) cost $40-80; buses offer budget alternative. English widely spoken in tourist areas; U.S. dollars accepted everywhere alongside riels.
Tour commissions range 15-20% for temple guides (English-speaking guides are crucial for historical context), 20-25% for specialized experiences like cooking classes or village homestays. Explore Cambodia tour packages beyond standard temple circuits.
Selling Cambodia's Depth
Package Cambodia as "Temples, Beaches & Boulevards" for 10-day itineraries combining Angkor, Phnom Penh culture, and island relaxation. Or position "Eco-Adventure Cambodia" for active clients seeking jungle treks and wildlife. The country's affordability (daily budgets from $50) and improved infrastructure now support sophisticated multi-region tours.
Register as an agent to access Cambodia DMC connections offering emerging destinations beyond the Angkor Wat default, capturing higher per-booking revenue from this maturing market.
