Tourism at Angkor Archaeological Park Declines Slightly, Still Remains a Major Attraction in Cambodia, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on January 1, 2026

One of the world’s most iconic UNESCO-listed heritage sites, Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park, received a total of 955,131 international visitors in 2025. Despite such a number, representing a year-on-year decrease of 6.7%, the park continues to be one of the globe’s major attractions. The site in Siem Reap province is one of the major drivers of Cambodia’s tourism sector, attracting millions of visitors every year to traverse ancient temples and historical mysteries.

Visitor Numbers and Revenue Decline in 2025

According to Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned operator of the park, the total revenue generated from ticket sales in 2025 was 44.7 million US dollars, a decrease of 6.5% compared to the previous year. This decline reflects the global tourism challenges faced by many heritage sites, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to affect international travel patterns and tourism spending.

Despite the decrease in numbers and revenue, Angkor Archaeological Park remains one of Southeast Asia’s most visited cultural destinations. The park’s remarkable temples, such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, attract millions of tourists annually, who come to experience Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.

Key Tourist Markets for Angkor Archaeological Park

The primary sources of international visitors to Angkor in 2025 were the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and South Korea. These countries have long been key markets for Cambodian tourism, contributing significantly to the park’s visitor numbers. Visitors from these nations are particularly drawn to Angkor’s vast array of historical and religious monuments, as well as its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In December 2025, the park saw 87,936 foreign tourists, generating a revenue of 4.23 million US dollars. However, both the number of visitors and revenue were down by 30% and 28.5%, respectively, compared to December 2024. This drop in December’s figures is reflective of broader tourism trends and may also point to seasonal fluctuations and ongoing uncertainties in global travel.

Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s Role in Global Heritage Preservation

Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the temples in the Angkor complex, remains a key draw for visitors to Cambodia. Known for its intricate bas-reliefs and impressive architecture, Angkor Wat is not only a significant religious site for Cambodians but also a symbol of the country’s shared civilizational heritage with India. This connection is particularly highlighted by India’s long-standing involvement in the restoration and preservation of Angkor Wat and other key temples in the complex.

India was the first country to provide assistance for the restoration of Angkor Wat in 1980, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI carried out restoration work between 1986 and 1993, and their ongoing involvement has been crucial in preserving the temple complex. In addition to Angkor Wat, India has also contributed to the restoration of the Ta Prohm temple, another iconic site within the Angkor Archaeological Park. This collaboration between Cambodia and India continues to strengthen their cultural ties and underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving world heritage.

Potential Boost from Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Tourists

Looking ahead, there is optimism that the introduction of a new visa-free policy for Chinese tourists will play a pivotal role in boosting visitor numbers to Angkor Archaeological Park in the coming years. From June 15 to October 15, 2026, Chinese citizens will be eligible for visa-free entry into Cambodia, a move that experts believe will significantly increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting the park.

China has long been a major source of tourists for Cambodia, and this new policy is expected to lower travel barriers and make it easier for Chinese travelers to visit. According to Thong Mengdavid, Deputy Director at the China-ASEAN Studies Centre in Phnom Penh, this visa exemption could serve as a long-term catalyst for Cambodia’s tourism growth. If coupled with targeted promotional campaigns, improved digital services, and enhanced tourism infrastructure, the influx of Chinese tourists could surpass pre-pandemic levels and further cement Angkor Archaeological Park’s status as one of Asia’s most iconic cultural destinations.

Tourism Infrastructure and Sustainability Challenges

While the new visa policy for Chinese tourists holds promise, there are also challenges related to sustainable tourism management. As the number of visitors continues to grow, Cambodia must focus on balancing the benefits of tourism with the need to preserve the integrity of its heritage sites. Over-tourism remains a concern at Angkor, as increased foot traffic can lead to wear and tear on the ancient temples and surrounding infrastructure.

To address these concerns, the Cambodian government and local tourism authorities are working to improve the park’s infrastructure, including better transport links, visitor services, and conservation efforts. The goal is to ensure that Angkor Archaeological Park remains accessible to future generations of tourists while also protecting its invaluable cultural and historical significance.

Impact on Local Economy and Job Creation

Tourism at Angkor Archaeological Park continues to be a vital contributor to Cambodia’s economy, particularly in Siem Reap, where the park is a primary source of employment and revenue. From local guides and artisans to hospitality workers, the tourism sector supports a wide range of jobs in the region. The growth in international visitors is expected to help strengthen the local economy, create new business opportunities, and support sustainable development in Siem Reap.

Moreover, tourism revenue is crucial for funding the ongoing preservation of Angkor and other historical sites across Cambodia. The revenue from ticket sales, which reached 44.7 million USD in 2025, helps finance the conservation efforts required to protect these ancient monuments. The government has emphasized the importance of reinvesting tourism income into cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that Angkor’s beauty and historical value are maintained for years to come.

Looking to the Future: Angkor’s Role in Global Tourism

Despite a slight decrease in visitor numbers in 2025, Angkor Archaeological Park remains one of the world’s premier heritage sites. As Cambodia continues to enhance its tourism offerings, improve infrastructure, and engage in global partnerships, the future looks bright for both the tourism sector and the preservation of Angkor. With ongoing international collaborations, the introduction of policies to attract new tourists, and a strong focus on sustainability, Angkor will likely continue to draw visitors from around the world, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of global cultural tourism.

A Year of Challenges and Opportunities for Angkor Tourism

Despite a slight drop in the figures for 2025, there is hope for the future of the tourist industry in the wake of visionary decisions, including the visa-free regime for visitors from China, to resurrect the industry in the years ahead. As a potential beacon of hope for the industry in the wake of efforts to conserve this cultural resource, the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia stands poised to remain a favorite for tourists worldwide.