Angkor Wat is more than a world-famous tourist destination; it is a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history, culture, and heritage. Every year, millions of national and international visitors flock to the iconic site to marvel at its architectural splendor and learn about the Khmer Empire. But what if tourists could immerse themselves even further by wearing Khmer traditional clothes during their visit?

This idea has gained momentum recently, and it’s not just about enhancing the tourist experience; it has the potential to yield cultural, social, and economic benefits. Let’s explore why offering a Khmer traditional clothes-wearing service at Angkor Wat is a good idea.

1. Immersing Tourists in Khmer Culture

One of the main attractions of Angkor Wat is its deep connection to Khmer history and culture. Allowing tourists to wear traditional Khmer clothes gives them a unique opportunity to connect more intimately with Cambodia’s cultural identity.

• Deeper Understanding of Khmer Clothing:
  Traditional Khmer clothing, such as the sampot, silk dresses, and krama scarves, holds significant historical and cultural importance. By wearing these garments, tourists gain a hands-on understanding of the craftsmanship, symbolism, and aesthetics that define Khmer fashion.
• Cultural Storytelling:
  Guides accompanying tourists could explain the history of the clothing styles, their evolution, and their significance in Khmer rituals and ceremonies. This interactive experience transforms a simple temple visit into a cultural education.

For both national and international tourists, this service fosters a sense of respect and admiration for Cambodia’s heritage, making their visit unforgettable.

2. Boosting Tourism and Cultural Promotion via Social Media

Tourists love taking photos, especially in iconic locations like Angkor Wat. Adding traditional Khmer clothing to the equation takes those photos to another level, creating a visually stunning and culturally meaningful souvenir.

• Visual Appeal on Social Networks:
  Dressed in vibrant Khmer outfits, tourists posting their pictures on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok effectively become ambassadors of Khmer culture. These images not only captivate their followers but also inspire others to visit Cambodia.
• Creating a Trend:
  Imagine if wearing Khmer traditional clothes at Angkor Wat became a must-do activity for tourists. Similar trends, like wearing kimonos in Japan or hanboks in South Korea, have already proven highly successful in drawing attention to local cultures. This approach could catapult Cambodian tourism into the global spotlight.

By turning tourists into cultural advocates, this initiative promotes Khmer heritage worldwide, creating a ripple effect of interest in Cambodia’s history and traditions.

3. Stimulating Local Businesses and Artisans

Offering Khmer traditional clothes-wearing services creates significant economic opportunities for local artisans and vendors.

• Increased Demand for Locally Made Clothes:
  Many tourists might want to buy traditional Khmer outfits as souvenirs after experiencing the service. This would boost demand for locally produced clothing, benefiting Cambodian weavers, tailors, and silk producers.
• Support for Small Businesses:
  Local vendors near Angkor Wat could provide rental services, sewing workshops, or even customization options for tourists. These businesses would see increased foot traffic and revenue.
• Preserving Traditional Crafts:
  The higher demand for Khmer clothing would incentivize younger generations to learn and continue traditional weaving and tailoring techniques, preserving these skills for the future.

This initiative becomes a win-win situation: tourists enjoy an authentic experience, and local businesses thrive.

4. Generating Additional Revenue for the Kingdom

Beyond benefiting individuals and businesses, the Khmer traditional clothes-wearing service could also provide additional income for Cambodia’s economy.

• Rental Fees Contributing to State Revenue:
  If managed through official tourism channels, a portion of the rental fees could be directed towards government programs to maintain and promote Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
• Creating Jobs:
  From rental services to guides explaining the significance of the clothing, the initiative would create numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector.

These financial benefits would not only sustain the project but also support broader cultural preservation and tourism development efforts.

Implementation Steps for Success

For this initiative to succeed, careful planning and execution are essential. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Partner with Local Artisans:
   Collaborate with Cambodian weavers, designers, and tailors to produce authentic traditional outfits for rent or sale.
2. Set Up Rental Booths Near Angkor Wat:
   Conveniently located booths could provide tourists with clothing, along with changing facilities and photographers to capture their experience.
3. Offer Customization Options:
   Allow tourists to choose from various styles, colors, and accessories that reflect their personal tastes while staying true to Khmer traditions.
4. Train Guides:
   Tour guides can explain the historical significance of each outfit and provide insights into Cambodian culture, enhancing the overall experience.
5. Leverage Marketing:
   Promote the service through social media campaigns, partnerships with travel agencies, and collaborations with influencers.

Overcoming Potential Challenges

While the idea is promising, there are some challenges to address:

• Cultural Sensitivity:
  It’s important to ensure that traditional clothing is worn respectfully and not treated as mere costumes. Clear guidelines and education for tourists can mitigate this issue.
• Quality Control:
  To maintain the authenticity of the experience, it’s essential to ensure the quality and authenticity of the clothing provided.
• Environmental Impact:
  The initiative should adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using natural dyes and materials, to align with sustainable tourism principles.

Conclusion

Introducing a Khmer traditional clothes-wearing service at Angkor Wat is a brilliant way to deepen tourists’ cultural experiences, promote Cambodia’s heritage globally, and support local businesses. It transforms a visit to Angkor Wat into an immersive journey through Khmer history, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with Cambodia’s goals of sustainable tourism development, cultural preservation, and economic growth. With proper planning, cultural sensitivity, and community involvement, this idea could become a signature aspect of the Angkor Wat experience.

What do you think about this idea? Would you like to wear traditional Khmer clothes at Angkor Wat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Siem Reap Records Lower Visitor Numbers Over New Year Period

Siem Reap experienced a noticeable slowdown in tourist arrivals during the recent New Year celebrations, marking a softer start to the 2025 to 2026 transition for the province’s tourism sector. According to data released by the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, total visitor numbers during the year end holiday period declined by more than 14 percent compared with the same period last year. Between December 30 and 31, 2025, approximately 286,751 tourists and local residents visited the province, reflecting a 14.06 percent decrease year on year and signaling more cautious travel behavior during what is typically a peak holiday season.

Domestic Travel Remains Dominant Despite Decline

Domestic tourists and provincial residents continued to make up the vast majority of arrivals, underscoring the ongoing importance of local travel to Siem Reap’s tourism economy. Over the two day New Year period, around 279,210 domestic visitors were recorded, although this figure represented a 13.66 percent decline compared with the previous year. The reduction suggests softer domestic travel activity during the celebrations, potentially influenced by changing spending patterns, economic considerations, or shorter holiday trips among local travelers.

International Arrivals Fall at a Sharper Rate

International tourism also saw a more pronounced contraction during the same period. Siem Reap welcomed 7,541 foreign visitors over the two days, down significantly from 10,260 international arrivals recorded during the corresponding period in 2024. This represents a year on year decrease of 26.5 percent, highlighting ongoing challenges in restoring international travel momentum despite regional recovery efforts and increased global mobility.

Siem Reap’s Enduring Role as a Tourism Anchor

Despite the overall decline, Siem Reap continues to hold a central position in Cambodia’s tourism landscape. The province remains globally recognized for the Angkor World Heritage site, particularly Angkor Wat, and has steadily expanded its cultural, culinary, and leisure offerings to appeal to a broader range of travelers. These assets continue to position Siem Reap as a cornerstone destination with long term tourism potential.

Efforts to Stabilise Tourism and Support Local Businesses

In response to fluctuating visitor numbers, authorities have intensified efforts to promote domestic tourism and diversify tourism products across the province. By encouraging local travel and expanding experiences beyond traditional temple visits, officials aim to stabilise visitor flows and help sustain tourism related businesses during peak holiday periods and beyond. These measures are expected to play a key role in strengthening resilience within Siem Reap’s tourism sector.

Conclusion

While the recent New Year holiday period saw a decline in both domestic and international visitors, Siem Reap’s fundamental strengths as a premier tourism destination remain intact. Continued promotion, product diversification, and strategic support for local businesses will be essential to rebuilding momentum and ensuring sustainable growth as Cambodia’s tourism industry adapts to evolving travel trends.

Chinese Tourist Arrivals to Angkor Rise 7.6% in First 10 Months of 2025

A Steady Growth in Chinese Visitors to Angkor

Cambodia’s world-famous Angkor Archaeological Park has seen a significant uptick in Chinese tourist arrivals, marking a 7.6 percent increase in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. According to a report released by Angkor Enterprise, a total of 68,418 Chinese visitors explored the ancient temples between January and October, up from 63,545 in 2024. This steady growth highlights the gradual rebound of Chinese outbound travel and Cambodia’s enduring appeal as a top heritage destination in Southeast Asia.

Read more: Which Countries’ Tourists Visited Cambodia the Most in 2024?

China Emerges as a Key Market for Cambodia

The report revealed that China ranked as the fourth-largest source of international tourists to the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex, trailing behind the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This ranking showcases China’s growing role in Cambodia’s tourism recovery efforts. Industry observers believe that this surge reflects both improving travel sentiment among Chinese tourists and Cambodia’s strategic focus on the Chinese market through targeted promotions and partnerships with travel agencies.

Expert Insights: Growth Driven by Connectivity and Market Strategy

According to Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, the increase can be attributed to several key factors. “The rising middle class in China, coupled with targeted marketing and expanded flight routes, should further boost Chinese arrivals to Cambodia,” he said. However, he also cautioned that long-term growth depends on key enablers such as sustained flight connectivity, visa facilitation, and the continued appeal of Cambodia’s tourism offerings.

Read more: How Did Cambodia Attract a Record 6.7 Million Tourists in 2024?

This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent accessibility and cultural relevance to attract repeat visitors from China and beyond.

Angkor Park’s Global Appeal and Revenue Impact

Located in Siem Reap province, northwest Cambodia, the Angkor Archaeological Park remains the crown jewel of the country’s tourism industry. Home to 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries, it continues to captivate travelers with its grandeur and spiritual depth. The report noted that the park attracted 765,518 foreign visitors from 171 countries and regions during the first ten months of 2025, generating $35.57 million in ticket revenue.

This achievement not only underscores Angkor’s timeless allure but also its role as a major economic driver for Cambodia’s tourism sector, supporting local businesses, hospitality, and cultural preservation efforts.

Read more: What Special Benefits Do “Sacred Tourists” Get Under Cambodia’s New Tourism Policy?

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cambodia’s Tourism

As Cambodia continues to recover from global travel disruptions, the sustained growth of Chinese tourist arrivals signals renewed confidence in the nation’s tourism potential. With ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, expand air connectivity, and promote digital marketing, Cambodia is positioning itself to welcome even more visitors in the years to come. Angkor’s magic remains a powerful draw, promising travelers a profound encounter with history, culture, and beauty. Source: Xinhua

Read more: Are Chinese Tourists the Key to Cambodia’s Tourism Boom?