Angkor Wat Sees Tourism Surge with Cambodia’s New Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Tourists

Published on December 10, 2025

A new policy in Cambodia allows visa-free entry to Chinese tourists visiting the country which is expected to boost tourism to Angkor Wat and other sites in the area. The visa-free entry to Cambodia will run from June 15 to Oct 15, 2026, and is expected to positively impact more people visiting the country. Culturally, the country has a rich cultural heritage that is not too often visited and open. China is a country that has a has been a good source for tourists and is expected to help more tourists visit Cambodia.

The Angkor Wat complex is located in the town of Siem Reap which is a part of the Angkor Archaeological Park. During the first 11 months of 2025, 74,492 Chinese tourists visited the Park which is 4.6% more than the 71,177 that visited during the same time in 2024. The increase in tourism has been growing more rapidly due to the end of travel restrictions and the resuming of tourists traveling outside of China.

The Role of China in Angkor Wat’s Tourism Growth
According to a recent report by the state-owned Angkor Enterprise, China ranked as the fourth largest source of international tourist arrivals to Angkor Wat after the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This significant contribution underlines the growing demand for travel to Cambodia, with Chinese tourists showing an increasing interest in Southeast Asia’s cultural and historical treasures.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, highlighted the continued growth in Chinese arrivals. He emphasized that this rise would likely continue in the coming years due to several key factors: China’s gradual recovery of outbound tourism, improved flight connections between China and Cambodia, and Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism markets. These elements combined are expected to provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth in Chinese visitors to Cambodia, especially at Angkor Wat, which remains one of Asia’s most renowned and culturally significant tourist destinations.

Visa-Free Policy: A Game Changer for Tourism
The Cambodian government’s decision to implement a visa-free policy for Chinese nationals is poised to be a game-changer for tourism. Starting in mid-2026, Chinese travelers will be able to visit Cambodia without the hassle of securing a visa. This move is expected to reduce travel barriers significantly, making it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most famous ancient wonders.

Mengdavid pointed out that the visa-free policy would likely serve as a catalyst for long-term growth in Chinese tourism. He also noted that this development would encourage both first-time visitors and repeat travelers to visit Cambodia, boosting the number of tourists to Angkor Wat. By simplifying the entry process and offering a hassle-free travel experience, Cambodia can attract a larger and more diverse range of visitors from China.

Supporting Growth with Targeted Promotions and Improved Infrastructure
To maximize the benefits of the visa-free policy, it is crucial for Cambodia to couple this with targeted promotional campaigns and improved tourism infrastructure. Mengdavid suggested that alongside the visa policy, the Cambodian government should focus on creating smoother digital services and enhancing the overall tourism experience, both in terms of accessibility and comfort.

Strengthening tourism infrastructure will also be essential to manage the growing number of visitors and maintain the integrity of Angkor Wat as a cultural site. Developing transport systems, upgrading facilities, and ensuring high standards of service in tourism hubs like Siem Reap will create a welcoming environment for tourists. Additionally, as Cambodia expands its tourism offerings, it must continue to preserve and protect the ancient temples and surrounding areas of Angkor, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not compromise the site’s long-term sustainability.

The Economic Impact of Tourism Growth
The surge in tourism to Angkor Wat is not just about cultural exchange—it also has significant economic implications for Cambodia. The Angkor Archaeological Park’s revenue generation from tourism is a major contributor to the local economy. According to the report, the park attracted 867,195 foreign visitors during the first 11 months of 2025, generating a gross revenue of US$40.48 million (approximately RM 166.41 million) from ticket sales alone.

This influx of tourists has far-reaching effects on the economy, benefiting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Siem Reap and beyond. As more tourists visit the region, demand for goods and services will increase, leading to job creation and further economic development. The rise in tourism also strengthens Cambodia’s position in the competitive Southeast Asian tourism market, helping the country build a reputation as a premier cultural and historical destination.

Angkor Wat: A Timeless Destination with Global Appeal
Angkor Wat, located in the northwest Siem Reap province, is Cambodia’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. With 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Angkor Archaeological Park offers visitors a chance to explore centuries of history and culture. The stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance of the temples draw millions of tourists each year, making Angkor Wat a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic cultural destinations in the world.

As global interest in cultural heritage tourism continues to rise, Angkor Wat’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site ensures that it remains a top destination for travelers seeking to experience the grandeur and history of ancient civilizations. The Cambodian government’s efforts to promote the site, particularly through initiatives like the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, will help maintain its status as a must-see destination on the world tourism map.

The Future of Cambodian Tourism: A Promising Outlook
Looking ahead, Cambodia’s tourism industry holds a bright future. The introduction of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals is just one of the steps Cambodia is taking to enhance its tourism offerings and attract more international visitors. The growing number of tourists to Angkor Wat and other cultural sites in Cambodia signifies the country’s growing prominence as a travel destination.

By continuing to focus on strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and sustainable tourism practices, Cambodia has the potential to build on the momentum of recent growth and establish itself as a leading tourism hub in Southeast Asia. With the right mix of cultural preservation and modern innovation, Cambodia can ensure that its rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

A New Chapter for Cambodia’s Tourism Industry

Dispensing with the requirement of visas definitely helps Cambodia leapfrog over other East Asian destination already using the same strategies. The combination of affordable airfares, travel facilitation, and lack of other travel documents (visas), makes mass travel from the Asian powerhouse and most populous country, a dynamic shift. Cambodia’s marketing of the South East Asian country will profit as Chinese tourists travel to the famous Angkor Wat ancient monument. Cambodia’s tourism will profit and certainly make it one of the most loved Asian travel destination’s.