Published on January 5, 2026
The Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, continues to be a prime travel destination, drawing tourists from across the globe. In 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage site attracted 80,144 Chinese visitors, maintaining its place as one of the top locations for travelers from China. Despite this impressive figure, the number of Chinese tourists decreased slightly by 3 percent compared to the previous year. This drop, however, reflects broader trends impacting the Cambodian tourism sector, which has faced several challenges in recent times.
The report from Angkor Enterprise, the state-owned body overseeing tourism at Angkor, highlights that China remains the fourth-largest source of international visitors to the park, after the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples are famous worldwide for their historical significance and stunning architecture, making the site a key attraction for cultural tourism.

Overall Visitor Numbers and Revenue Decline in 2025
In 2025, the park welcomed a total of 955,131 foreign visitors from 197 countries and regions, marking a 6.7 percent decrease compared to 2024. While the total number of visitors declined, revenue also saw a 6.5 percent drop, with the park generating $44.7 million in gross income. Despite the downturn, Angkor Wat remains a vital component of Cambodia’s economy, with tourism contributing significantly to the local industry.

However, the decrease in visitors highlights some of the ongoing challenges faced by Cambodia’s tourism sector. The impact of online scams, particularly targeting Chinese tourists, and border disputes with neighboring Thailand have played a part in the struggles faced by Cambodia’s travel industry.
The Role of Online Scams in Cambodia’s Tourism Woes

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Thourn Sinan, the chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in Cambodia, remarked that online scams have caused significant harm to the country’s tourism efforts, particularly for Chinese travelers. Sinan noted that 2025 had been a “difficult year” for Cambodia’s tourism sector, and these challenges could persist into 2026 unless online fraud is addressed. These scams often involve misleading advertisements and fraudulent tour packages, leaving many travelers feeling dissatisfied or disillusioned with their travel experiences in Cambodia.
Sinan emphasized the importance of combating these scams to ensure that Cambodia’s tourism reputation is restored and that future travelers feel confident in their trip planning. With increasing travel fraud concerns, Cambodia’s tourism bodies are working diligently to improve tourism safety measures and increase trust with international visitors.
Visa-Free Policy and Strong Air Connectivity: A New Hope for Chinese Tourists
Despite these setbacks, there is hope for a recovery in Chinese tourist arrivals. Thong Mengdavid, a deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, pointed to Cambodia’s pilot visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, which was implemented from June 15 to October 15, 2025. This initiative is expected to generate an increase in arrivals from China, especially as air connectivity between the two regions remains strong.
Mengdavid believes that with continued promotion of Cambodia as a destination, coupled with improvements in tourism infrastructure, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the park will rise in 2026. Strategic marketing efforts targeting Chinese travelers, especially those interested in cultural and heritage tourism, will play a significant role in attracting more visitors.
Angkor Wat’s Enduring Global Appeal
The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses 91 temples, dating back to the 9th century, and the allure of the Angkor Wat temple complex has remained a draw for global travelers. The combination of history, architecture, and cultural significance makes the site a unique destination.
As the most visited tourist site in Cambodia, Angkor Wat holds a special place in the hearts of many travelers, particularly from China, where the growing interest in heritage travel and UNESCO sites is undeniable. However, Cambodia’s tourism sector must continue to adapt to new challenges, ensuring that the visitor experience is enhanced while combating issues like fraud and political instability.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Cambodia’s Tourism in 2026
As Cambodia enters 2026, there are strong indicators that the tourism sector could experience a recovery, especially with the visa-free policy for Chinese citizens set to continue. Cultural tourism and heritage sites such as Angkor Wat will likely continue to dominate the sector, with Cambodia positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking rich historical experiences.
At the same time, improvements in digital infrastructure, security measures, and marketing campaigns will be essential for combating online scams and maintaining trust among international visitors. By focusing on local experiences, sustainable tourism practices, and addressing key challenges, Cambodia has the opportunity to bounce back stronger in the years ahead.
Final Thoughts: Angkor Wat’s Resilient Charm Amid Challenges
Despite the challenges faced by the Cambodian tourism industry, Angkor Wat and the broader Angkor Archaeological Park continue to be some of the world’s most iconic and cherished travel destinations. With ongoing efforts to improve safety, infrastructure, and tourism services, Cambodia remains a top destination for global travelers, especially those from China.
The coming years offer immense potential for growth in Cambodian tourism, with the country’s rich cultural offerings and historical treasures at the forefront. As Cambodia works to restore confidence in its tourism sector, Angkor Wat will undoubtedly continue to captivate travelers from around the world, creating unforgettable experiences for generations to come.

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Tags: angkor wat, Cambodia, china, Siem Reap, southeast asia

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