Cambodia expects more Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival

"I foresee that more and more Chinese tourists will come to Cambodia in coming years. The influx of Chinese tourists to Cambodia has contributed to the development of local economy and poverty reduction," he said.

He also lauded Chinese tourists for spending a lot of money buying Cambodian-made souvenirs and showing respect for Cambodian laws, culture and traditions.

"Most Chinese tourists understand and respect Cambodian culture and traditions. For instance, when visiting our worship sites, they light incense sticks and worship the statues of Buddha at some shrines at the Angkor Wat Temple," he said. "They worship at Cambodian shrines like what we Cambodians do."

Le Lyna, a Cambodian tour guide for Chinese tourists, said there is growing interest of Chinese tourists to Cambodia's temples during the Spring Festival season.

"During this period, many groups of Chinese tourists have visited Cambodia because they want to explore Cambodia's cultural and ecological sites," he said. "Most of them like shopping, eating, drinking and sightseeing."

He said Chinese tourists are now broad-minded and spend a lot of money for their leisure and souvenir items.

Another tour guide Chhean Samnang said the favorite places for Chinese tourists are the Angkor Wat Temple, capital Phnom Penh, and coastal Sihanoukville.

"Chinese tourists are as friendly as Cambodian people. They are easy to get along with."