As Khmer New Year approaches, a divergence in accommodation pricing is evident across Cambodia. While Siem Reap experiences a surge in demand leading to higher rates, other provinces like Phnom Penh, Kep, and Kampot witness a decrease in business, prompting lower prices to attract guests.

In Siem Reap, a favored destination during the festivities, hotels and guesthouses have raised prices by approximately $5 per night. This increase is attributed to higher operational costs, including electricity and water usage, exacerbated by the scorching hot season. Additionally, bonuses are offered to staff working during the holidays. Despite the price hike, many accommodations expect full bookings, with local tourists constituting a significant portion of reservations.

Conversely, in provinces like Phnom Penh, Kep, and Kampot, reduced demand during Khmer New Year prompts establishments to lower their rates. Occupancy rates in Phnom Penh hover around 30 percent, with most guests being foreigners. In Kep and Kampot, hotels see an average of 50 percent occupancy, with a balanced mix of Khmer and foreign visitors.

While some properties, like Saravoan Kep Hotel, enjoy high occupancy during specific dates, overall bookings remain slow and uncertain, reflecting the broader economic conditions.

The contrasting trends in accommodation pricing underscore the diverse tourism landscape across Cambodia during the Khmer New Year holiday.