Angkor Archaeological Park Sees Strong Chinese Visitor Numbers Despite Overall Dip
Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 80,144 Chinese tourists in 2025, reflecting a modest decline of three percent compared to the previous year, according to an official report released by the state owned Angkor Enterprise. Despite the slight drop, China remained the fourth largest source market for international visitors to the UNESCO listed heritage site, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The figures underline the continued importance of the Chinese market to Cambodia’s cultural tourism economy, even as broader global and regional challenges influence travel patterns to Siem Reap and the wider country.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Revenue Show Yearly Contraction
The report revealed that Angkor Archaeological Park attracted a total of 955,131 foreign visitors from 197 countries and regions in 2025, representing a decline of 6.7 percent compared to the previous year. This reduction in arrivals was mirrored in revenue performance, with gross earnings reaching 44.7 million US dollars, down 6.5 percent from 2024. These numbers highlight the sensitivity of heritage tourism to external factors such as traveler confidence, regional stability, and perceptions of safety, all of which play a decisive role in destination choice.
Industry Concerns Over Scams and Regional Tensions
Tourism industry leaders have pointed to ongoing structural challenges that weighed on visitor numbers throughout the year. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said persistent online scams and recent border conflict with Thailand have adversely affected Cambodia’s tourism industry. “2025 was a difficult year for Cambodia’s tourism sector,” he told Xinhua. “It will remain a challenge for the tourism sector in 2026 if we do not root out online scams.” His remarks reflect wider industry concerns that reputational risks in the digital space can quickly undermine recovery efforts, particularly in key long haul markets.
Visa Free Policy and Air Connectivity Offer Hope for Recovery
Looking ahead, policy measures aimed at revitalizing Chinese arrivals are generating cautious optimism. Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science in Phnom Penh, said Cambodia’s pilot visa free policy for Chinese citizens from June 15 to Oct. 15 is likely to generate a significant rise in arrivals from China. “Supported by strong air connectivity and effective promotion, I believe that the number of Chinese tourists to the Angkor park will be on the rise this year,” he told Xinhua. These initiatives, combined with targeted marketing, are expected to strengthen Cambodia’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
Angkor Park Remains Cambodia’s Flagship Cultural Destination
Located in northwest Siem Reap province, Angkor Archaeological Park remains the country’s most visited tourist attraction and a cornerstone of its cultural identity. The vast complex is home to 91 ancient temples constructed between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, drawing history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and spiritual visitors from around the world. Despite short term fluctuations in visitor numbers, Angkor continues to symbolize Cambodia’s enduring appeal as a destination rooted in heritage, resilience, and global significance.
Conclusion
While 2025 presented notable challenges for Cambodia’s tourism sector, particularly at Angkor Archaeological Park, the sustained presence of Chinese visitors underscores the market’s long term importance. Addressing online scams, strengthening regional stability, and leveraging supportive policies such as visa free travel and improved air links will be critical to restoring growth. With strategic action and effective promotion, Angkor is well positioned to regain momentum and reinforce its status as one of Southeast Asia’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
Source: Xinhua