Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cambodia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cambodia Property Pack
If you're thinking about running an Airbnb in Cambodia, you're probably wondering whether it's actually profitable and what the rules look like for short-term rentals in 2026.
This guide breaks down everything from legal requirements to realistic earnings, using fresh data from Cambodia's major markets like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the coastal areas.
We update this blog post regularly to keep the numbers and regulations current, so you'll always find the latest information on Cambodia Airbnb hosting.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cambodia.
Insights
- Cambodia attracted 4.8 million foreign visitors in the first ten months of 2025, with the government targeting 7 million for the full year, which creates strong demand for short-term rentals in tourist hotspots like Siem Reap.
- The typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cambodia hovers around 30%, but top hosts in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can push this to 45-60% with proper optimization and pricing strategies.
- Average monthly revenue for an active Cambodia Airbnb listing sits around $2,300, but seasonal swings can drop this to $1,400 in the rainy months and spike to $3,200 during peak tourist season.
- Phnom Penh's business traveler demand creates year-round stability with about 35% occupancy, while Siem Reap's temple tourism drives a 24% average but much sharper seasonal peaks during dry season.
- Chinese tourists increased 45.7% year-over-year in 2025, and the upcoming visa-free pilot program for Chinese citizens in 2026 could further boost short-term rental demand in Angkor-area properties.
- The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023, can handle 7 million passengers annually and is adding routes from Qatar Airways, IndiGo, and other carriers in 2026.
- Rental income tax in Cambodia stands at 10% for locals and 14% for foreigners, calculated on gross rental income with no expense deductions allowed under current tax rules.
- Family-sized homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms represent a clear white space opportunity in Siem Reap, where most listings cluster around budget studios and 1-bedroom apartments in the $30 to $70 per night range.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Cambodia in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through platforms like Airbnb is generally allowed in Cambodia, though hosts are expected to comply with the country's accommodation and tourism licensing framework.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Cambodia is the Tourism Law, administered by the Ministry of Tourism, which classifies short-term accommodation as a tourism service requiring appropriate licensing.
The single most important condition hosts must comply with is ensuring their rental activity aligns with Cambodia's accommodation service regulations, which typically means registering with local tourism authorities if you operate in a guesthouse-like manner.
Unlike many Western countries, Cambodia does not have specific "Airbnb bans" at the national level, but your condo bylaws or borey community rules can absolutely restrict or prohibit short-term hosting.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Cambodia.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Cambodia.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cambodia does not impose nationwide minimum-stay requirements or maximum nights-per-year caps specifically targeting Airbnb-style rentals, unlike cities such as London or Paris.
These rules do not differ based on property type or host residency status at the national level, meaning there are no restrictions on any property type or location across Cambodia from the government side.
However, individual condominiums, borey developments, and building management companies in places like BKK1 in Phnom Penh or Sala Kamreuk in Siem Reap may impose their own restrictions on minimum stays or ban short-term rentals entirely.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Cambodia right now?
Cambodia does not require you to be an owner-occupier to operate an Airbnb, meaning you can legally host a secondary home or investment property as long as you meet the other requirements.
Yes, owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Cambodia, provided they comply with tourism licensing and tax obligations.
There are no specific additional permits required for non-primary residence short-term rentals at the national level, though you should verify your condo or borey rules allow this activity.
The main difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home is largely administrative, as both are treated similarly under Cambodia's accommodation tax framework.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Cambodia right now?
Yes, you can run multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Cambodia, though operating several properties increases the likelihood that authorities will view you as a commercial accommodation operator.
There is no published maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Cambodia, unlike some European cities with strict caps.
If you manage multiple listings, you may need formal tourism licensing as an accommodation operator, proper tax registration with Cambodia's General Department of Taxation, and potentially staff for guest services.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, if you operate short-term rentals in Cambodia in a manner resembling accommodation services, you are generally expected to obtain a tourism or accommodation license through the Ministry of Tourism or provincial tourism departments.
The process typically involves registering with local authorities, submitting property documentation, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, though timelines vary by province.
Required documents usually include property ownership or lease documentation, identification, and potentially a business registration certificate if operating at scale.
License fees in Cambodia are relatively modest compared to Western countries, but the exact cost depends on your province and the size of your operation.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cambodia does not have city-wide "Airbnb banned zones" or neighborhood-level restrictions published by the government in the way some global cities maintain.
The restrictions you are most likely to encounter are at the micro level, specifically within individual condominiums in areas like Tonle Bassac in Phnom Penh or certain borey communities that prohibit short-term guests.
Some buildings near sensitive government or heritage sites may face stricter enforcement, but this is not systematically mapped or published.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cambodia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Cambodia in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Cambodia is approximately $55 USD (around 225,000 KHR or 51 EUR), while the median sits closer to $45 USD (184,000 KHR or 42 EUR) because budget listings pull the midpoint down.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Cambodia Airbnb listings falls between $25 and $120 USD (102,000 to 490,000 KHR or 23 to 111 EUR), depending on location and property type.
The single biggest factor impacting nightly pricing in Cambodia is location proximity to tourist demand centers, with properties in BKK1 Phnom Penh or near Pub Street in Siem Reap commanding premiums of 50% or more.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambodia.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Cambodia vary significantly from as low as $25 USD (102,000 KHR or 23 EUR) in areas like Chroy Changvar in Phnom Penh to over $160 USD (655,000 KHR or 148 EUR) for pool villas in Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Cambodia are Sala Kamreuk in Siem Reap averaging $70 to $160 USD (287,000 to 655,000 KHR or 65 to 148 EUR), BKK1 in Phnom Penh at $45 to $120 USD (184,000 to 490,000 KHR or 42 to 111 EUR), and Otres Beach in Preah Sihanouk at $50 to $140 USD (205,000 to 573,000 KHR or 46 to 129 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Chroy Changvar in Phnom Penh at $25 to $60 USD (102,000 to 245,000 KHR or 23 to 55 EUR), Tuol Kork at $30 to $70 USD (123,000 to 287,000 KHR or 28 to 65 EUR), and outer Siem Reap at similar ranges, though guests still book these areas for their better value and quieter atmosphere.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cambodia averages around 30%, though this varies significantly between markets and property quality.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Cambodia Airbnb listings falls between 24% and 35%, with Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk trending higher and Siem Reap and Kampot sitting at the lower end due to stronger seasonality.
Cambodia's occupancy rates are generally lower than regional competitors like Thailand or Vietnam, reflecting both the country's smaller tourism base and its concentrated seasonality around the dry months.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Cambodia is a combination of competitive pricing, strong guest reviews, and location within walking or easy tuk-tuk distance of major attractions.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per active Airbnb listing in Cambodia is approximately $2,300 USD (9.4 million KHR or 2,130 EUR), though performance varies widely between markets.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Cambodia Airbnb listings falls between $1,900 and $2,900 USD (7.8 to 11.9 million KHR or 1,760 to 2,680 EUR), with Kampot's boutique villas and Siem Reap's temple-proximate properties at the higher end.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Cambodia can achieve monthly revenues of $4,000 to $6,000 USD (16.4 to 24.5 million KHR or 3,700 to 5,550 EUR) during peak season, which works out to roughly $130 to $200 per night with strong occupancy.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Cambodia.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue during low season in Cambodia drops to around $1,400 USD (5.7 million KHR or 1,290 EUR), while high season can push revenues to approximately $3,200 USD (13.1 million KHR or 2,960 EUR) for well-positioned listings.
Low season in Cambodia runs from May through October during the rainy months, while high season spans November through April when dry weather coincides with Western holidays and Chinese New Year, making these months prime time for Siem Reap temple visits and beach trips to Sihanoukville.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Cambodia is approximately $750 to $1,450 USD (3.1 to 5.9 million KHR or 690 to 1,340 EUR) excluding mortgage payments.
The single expense category that typically represents the largest share of monthly costs in Cambodia is cleaning and laundry, running $180 to $450 USD (735,000 to 1.84 million KHR or 167 to 417 EUR) per month depending on turnover frequency.
Hosts in Cambodia should typically expect to spend 35% to 50% of gross revenue on operating expenses, including utilities, supplies, platform fees, and optional management services.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Cambodia.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Cambodia ranges from $700 to $1,400 USD (2.9 to 5.7 million KHR or 650 to 1,290 EUR), with profit per available night falling between $23 and $46 USD (94,000 to 188,000 KHR or 21 to 43 EUR).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Cambodia Airbnb listings is $500 to $1,600 USD (2.0 to 6.5 million KHR or 460 to 1,480 EUR), depending on location, property quality, and operational efficiency.
Hosts in Cambodia typically achieve net profit margins of 30% to 45% of gross revenue, with well-optimized properties in Phnom Penh's business districts trending toward the higher end due to steadier year-round demand.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Cambodia Airbnb listing sits around 15% to 20%, meaning hosts only need about 5 to 6 booked nights per month to cover basic operating costs before turning a profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambodia, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cambodia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Cambodia as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cambodia has approximately 9,000 active short-term rental listings across all platforms, with the four major markets of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, and Kampot accounting for roughly 6,700 of these.
This number has grown moderately from pre-pandemic levels, with the long-term trend showing steady expansion as tourism recovers and new airport infrastructure attracts more international visitors to Cambodia.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cambodia are BKK1 and Tonle Bassac in Phnom Penh, the Old Market and Pub Street area in Siem Reap, and Serendipity and Ochheuteal beaches in Preah Sihanouk.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine the highest concentration of tourist foot traffic with dense condo stock specifically built for foreign buyers, many of whom purchased units during the 2015-2019 development boom with Airbnb income in mind.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new hosts include Chroy Changvar in Phnom Penh which is gaining infrastructure, outer Sala Kamreuk in Siem Reap with villa-appropriate plots, and the quieter sections of Kampot's riverside area.
What local events spike demand in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Cambodia are Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in April, the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November, Pchum Ben in September or October, and Chinese New Year in January or February.
During these peak events, booking rates in Cambodia can increase by 40% to 80%, while nightly rates in prime locations like central Siem Reap or Phnom Penh Riverside can jump 30% to 50% above normal levels.
Hosts should typically adjust their pricing and availability 6 to 8 weeks before these events in Cambodia, as both domestic travelers and international visitors book early for major festivals.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cambodia achieve occupancy rates of 45% to 60%, roughly 1.5 to 2 times higher than the market average.
The average host in Cambodia sees occupancy around 30%, meaning top performers book nearly twice as many nights through better photos, tighter pricing, faster response times, and amenities that match Cambodia guest expectations like reliable AC and fast Wi-Fi.
It typically takes a new host in Cambodia 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they actively optimize their listing, gather strong reviews, and learn the seasonal pricing patterns.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cambodia.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Cambodia right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of listings in Cambodia is $25 to $55 USD (102,000 to 225,000 KHR or 23 to 51 EUR), which covers most budget studios and 1-bedroom apartments in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
The "white space" opportunities for new hosts in Cambodia exist above $80 USD (327,000 KHR or 74 EUR) per night for family-sized homes and below the luxury villa segment, as well as in the $60 to $90 USD (245,000 to 368,000 KHR or 55 to 83 EUR) range for mid-upscale 1 to 2 bedroom units with excellent work-from-home setups.
Property characteristics that would allow a new host to compete successfully in Cambodia's underserved segments include 3 to 4 bedrooms with kid-friendly features for families, dedicated desk space with backup internet for digital nomads, or pool access with privacy for couples seeking boutique experiences.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Cambodia right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Cambodia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, studios and 1-bedroom units get the most total bookings in Cambodia because they match the dominant guest profile of solo business travelers, couples, and small groups visiting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Cambodia is roughly 45% for studios and 1-bedrooms, 35% for 2-bedrooms, and 20% for 3-bedrooms and larger.
Studios and 1-bedroom units perform best in Cambodia because Phnom Penh attracts significant solo business and NGO traveler traffic, while Siem Reap draws couples on temple tours who prefer central, affordable accommodations.
What property type performs best in Cambodia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-located condos and apartments in Phnom Penh perform best overall for Airbnb in Cambodia when measuring consistent, year-round net profit with manageable operational complexity.
Occupancy rates across property types in Cambodia vary notably, with condos and apartments in Phnom Penh averaging around 35%, villas in Siem Reap around 25% to 30% but with higher ADR, and coastal properties in Preah Sihanouk showing volatile weekend-heavy patterns.
Condos outperform in Cambodia because they offer stable demand from business travelers, lower maintenance unpredictability compared to standalone houses, and building amenities like security and pools that boost guest appeal without owner management burden.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cambodia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia Ministry of Tourism | This is Cambodia's official tourism authority and the regulator for tourism businesses. | We used it to understand what tourism and accommodation licensing means in Cambodia. We also referenced it to explain why Airbnb hosting falls under accommodation service rules. |
| Cambodia Tourism Law | This is the text of Cambodia's tourism law published on an official tourism platform. | We used it to frame licensing expectations for accommodation activities. We also used it to explain why there are no specific "Airbnb bans" at the national level. |
| Cambodia Tourism Statistics Report (Jan-Sep 2025) | This is a government-published statistical report from Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism. | We used it to validate current inbound tourism momentum and seasonality patterns. We also used it to justify demand peaks tied to Cambodia's travel calendar. |
| National Institute of Statistics | This is Cambodia's official statistics agency providing economic and demographic data. | We used it to keep macro assumptions conservative and grounded in actual cost-of-living data. We also used it to validate utility and household expense estimates. |
| National Bank of Cambodia Annual Reports | This is Cambodia's central bank publishing official macro and financial system reports. | We used it to frame the January 2026 economic backdrop including inflation and growth context. We also used it to keep ROI assumptions aligned with real economic conditions. |
| World Bank Cambodia Economic Update | This is an authoritative macro assessment by a major international organization. | We used it to triangulate the tourism recovery narrative supporting Airbnb demand. We also used it to sanity-check optimistic growth assumptions. |
| Asian Development Bank Cambodia Outlook | ADB is a top-tier multilateral publisher of country outlooks in Asia. | We used it to triangulate near-term growth expectations relevant to corporate travel and domestic demand. We also validated that tourism and services are meaningful economic drivers. |
| General Department of Taxation | This is Cambodia's official tax authority responsible for all tax regulations. | We used it to anchor what taxes exist and avoid hearsay on compliance requirements. We also used it to frame how hosts should treat Airbnb income as taxable rental income. |
| Deloitte Tax@Hand Cambodia | Deloitte summarizes official tax instruments with professional rigor and clear references. | We used it to explain accommodation tax treatment in plain language. We also used it to triangulate thresholds and exemptions in Cambodia's updated tax framework. |
| Baker Tilly Cambodia Tax Update | This is a major professional services firm summarizing official Cambodian tax Prakas. | We used it to pin down accommodation tax rates and how they apply in practice. We also used it to keep tax numbers confident rather than vague. |
| KPMG Cambodia Tax Newsflash | KPMG is a top-tier professional firm that cites specific Prakas and effective dates. | We used it to support the claim that post-2025 tax guidance has tightened. We also used it to reduce risk of relying on outdated pre-2025 summaries. |
| Airbnb Help Center Local Regulations | This is Airbnb's own compliance guidance hub for hosts worldwide. | We used it to explain what Airbnb expects hosts to check including laws, taxes, and building rules. We also used it to reinforce that condo and HOA rules matter as much as national rules. |
| Airbnb Help Center Service Fees | This is Airbnb's official explanation of host fee structures. | We used it to estimate platform fees in our monthly expense calculations. We also used it to keep profit estimates realistic after accounting for platform costs. |
| AirDNA Phnom Penh Market Overview | AirDNA is a widely used STR data provider with transparent metric definitions. | We used it as a quantitative anchor for ADR, occupancy, and revenue in Cambodia's largest demand hub. We also used it to calibrate base case earnings expectations. |
| AirDNA Siem Reap Market Overview | AirDNA provides consistent methodology across all markets it covers. | We used it to anchor earnings data for Cambodia's biggest leisure market. We also used it to model strong seasonality and temple tourism dynamics. |
| AirDNA Preah Sihanouk Market Overview | This provides a consistent dataset for Cambodia's main coastal hub. | We used it to estimate coastal ADR and occupancy and compare to other markets. We also used it to understand which property types dominate coastal STR supply. |
| AirDNA Kampot Market Overview | This provides comparable metrics for a smaller but distinct lifestyle market. | We used it to understand how smaller destinations behave with often higher ADR but lower occupancy. We also used it to identify white space opportunities beyond the obvious big cities. |
| AirDNA Methodology Documentation | This is AirDNA's own transparent definition of how it calculates metrics. | We used it to explain what revenue and occupancy actually mean in our estimates. We also used it to keep our calculations internally consistent across all markets. |
| Realestate.com.kh Tax Guide | This is a leading Cambodia property portal with practical local tax guidance. | We used it to clarify rental income tax rates for both locals (10%) and foreigners (14%). We also used it to explain the straightforward gross-income calculation method. |
| GoCambo Tourism Statistics | This aggregates official Ministry of Tourism data in an accessible format. | We used it to track 2025 visitor arrival trends and validate seasonal patterns. We also used it to understand the domestic versus international tourism mix. |
| UNFPA Cambodia Population Survey 2024 | UNFPA hosts official demographic publications used by governments and development partners. | We used it to support analysis of where demand concentrates in major urban and tourism hubs. We also used it as a cross-check for city growth logic when discussing long-stay demand. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cambodia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.