Tourism Crisis in Cambodia: Border Clashes Affect Visitor Flow to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Published on December 24, 2025

Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples, one of Southeast Asia’s most visited tourist destinations, are facing an unexpected downturn due to renewed military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. With the conflict disrupting regional travel, local businesses dependent on tourism are struggling to stay afloat, despite it being peak season.

Tourism Decline in Siem Reap

The UNESCO World Heritage site, located in Siem Reap, typically attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to Cambodia’s tourism revenue. However, since the military conflict erupted in May 2025, travel has drastically reduced. The clashes, which are part of a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, have resulted in the closure of overland border crossings, leaving the region quiet, especially around Angkor Wat, a major draw for international tourists.

In December, the cancellation of over 10 tours alone led to a dramatic reduction in business for local tour operators. Previously a busy month, December now stands out for its lack of tourists, causing major financial strain for guides, vendors, and drivers in Siem Reap. According to reports, this conflict has also led to a 17% year-on-year decline in ticket sales to the Angkor Archaeological Park from June to November 2025, with a sharper drop observed after the clashes in July.

Impact on Local Businesses and Tourists

Local businesses, from tuk-tuk drivers to souvenir vendors, are bearing the brunt of the situation. Bun Ratana, a local tour guide, shared how the ongoing unrest has caused significant changes in the local economy. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding travel to Cambodia, with tourists opting for destinations perceived to be safer. This shift is evident as the usual bustling scene at Angkor Wat remains eerily quiet. Many locals, like T-shirt vendor Run Kea, also reported a sharp decline in their earnings, which have dwindled to a fraction of what they would normally make in December.

While the Cambodian authorities and industry experts emphasize that Siem Reap remains safe, the news coverage of the conflict has left potential travelers concerned. Tour operators in Siem Reap are struggling to recover, as they face cancellations from both local and international markets. Similarly, Thai travel agencies are feeling the pressure, as they no longer have the ability to offer tours across the border to Angkor Wat due to the closure of overland routes.

Regional Tourism Disruption

The border closure has not only affected Cambodia’s tourism but also Thai tourism, which had seen a surge in the number of visitors traveling to Angkor Wat in previous years. Tour agencies in Thailand, including Lampoo Ocean Travel, report having to cancel all trips to Cambodia due to the ongoing border situation. With no indication of when these routes may reopen, uncertainty looms over the future of regional tourism. The closure of bus services and the interruption of travel logistics have led to a halt in international visitor flow, creating ripple effects in both countries’ tourism industries.

Despite this, Cambodia’s tourism experts remain optimistic. Arnaud Darc, a hospitality industry leader, emphasized that although regional tourism has been hit hard, global demand for Cambodia’s iconic temples is still intact. International visitors, particularly from China, continue to flock to the Angkor temple complex, with some foreign tourists reporting they felt safe and unfazed by the nearby conflict. Tourists like Dorothy from the United States and Kay from Germany expressed satisfaction with their visit, citing the logistical clarity provided by local authorities and the safety of their surroundings.

The Road to Recovery

The future of tourism in Siem Reap largely depends on the resolution of the conflict at the Thai-Cambodian border. Siem Reap’s provincial tourism department acknowledges the adverse effects of the border dispute on local tourism and economy. However, they remain hopeful that once the clashes end, the tourism flow will gradually return to its normal pace. The Cambodian government has been taking steps to ensure that, despite regional disruptions, international tourism remains a priority.

It is expected that tourism to Cambodia will recover over time, especially with continued promotional efforts highlighting the safety and cultural significance of the Angkor temples. As the conflict subsides, the region anticipates an influx of international visitors, eager to experience the majestic Angkor Wat and the historic Khmer Empire temples.

A Glimpse of Hope Amid Uncertainty

While the ongoing border conflict has undoubtedly created challenges for Cambodia’s tourism industry, experts remain hopeful for a swift recovery. The resilience of the Angkor Wat temples as a global tourist attraction and the safety of Siem Reap suggest that tourism to Cambodia will bounce back once the military clashes cease. Local businesses are eagerly awaiting the return of tourists, who will once again be drawn to the rich cultural heritage of this Southeast Asian gem.

As the situation stabilizes, Cambodia’s tourism sector will likely see a resurgence, providing much-needed relief to those who rely on the millions of visitors who travel to witness the awe-inspiring Angkor temples.

(Insights from Agence France Presse)