New Ministry of Tourism data shows that more than 871,000 Cambodians travelled outside the country in 2013, up 10 per cent on 2012 outbound figures.

Vietnam and Thailand remain the most popular destinations for Cambodian tourists, according to the data.

Kong Sophearak, director of statistics for the ministry, said that as tickets get cheaper, Cambodians are travelling more than ever on cross-border bus services.

“They are traveling abroad for holidays, business and even just for the odd health check-up,” he said, adding that the outbound traveler increase is evidence that Cambodia’s standard of living is improving each year.

Ho Vandy, co-chairman of the government-private sector working group on tourism, said he expects the figure to increase annually as the region nears the Asean Economic Community deadline in 2015.

“The less complicated the paperwork gets between countries, the more people will be able to travel,” he said.