Vietnam topped the list of foreign arrivals to Cambodia in the first quarter of this year, edging out last year’s number one source country, South Korea, Vietnam News Agency reported.

More than 79,700 Vietnamese visited Cambodia in the first three months of this year, an increase of 49 percent over the same period last year, according to Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon.

The number of South Korean visitors to Cambodia fell 35.8 percent to 62,600 arrivals in the quarter, according to Cambodia’s tourism ministry.

Overall, the number of international arrivals to Cambodia declined by 3.4 percent in the in the first quarter.

In reaction to slowing visitor numbers, Cambodia has been trying to stimulate new markets, especially in neighboring countries, and concentrating on developing its eco-tourism sector.

Since March this year, the country has simplified entry and exit procedures for tourists from Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, allowing visitors to enter the three Cambodian border provinces on week-long visas rather than the previously-issued three-day passes.

Cambodia is also offering discounts of up to 30 percent on hotel accommodation and other services, including entrance fees to the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Minister Thong Khon announced during a visit to the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang last month.

Last year, Cambodia received 2.3 million Vietnamese tourists.