Angkor Tourism Sees Strong Rebound with Over 700,000 Foreign Visitors in 2025

October 3, 2025 admin

Siem Reap, Cambodia — October 3, 2025

Cambodia’s flagship heritage site, the Angkor Archaeological Park, drew over 705,000 foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2025, according to a report released this week by Angkor Enterprise, the official body overseeing ticket sales to the park.

The figure represents a 0.77% increase year-on-year, reflecting cautious but steady growth in Cambodia’s tourism recovery following pandemic disruptions and regional tensions.

Revenue from entrance pass sales climbed to nearly $33 million, a 0.57% increase compared to the same period last year.

Government-Led Promotion Paying Off

According to Hun Dany, Secretary of State and Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Tourism, the rise in international arrivals is the result of deliberate and coordinated efforts to make Cambodia more accessible and attractive to global travelers.

“The increase is a good result of cooperation among the relevant parties between the government and the private sector in promoting potential tourism,” she said in an interview with Khmer Times.

Industry leaders agree that Cambodia’s resurgence as a cultural tourism destination can be credited to collaborative campaigns, improved services, and expanding air links that have significantly enhanced travel ease, especially to Siem Reap, home of the ancient Angkor site.

Infrastructure & Air Connectivity Driving Growth

Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said the increase in tourism to Angkor reflects broader efforts to diversify and modernize the tourism experience.

“This is a result of the government’s efforts, along with the Ministry of Tourism and private sector partners, to create new tourism products and improve travel convenience,” she explained.

Recent developments in air connectivity have also contributed to the uptick. In July, national flag carrier Air Cambodia inaugurated its first direct route between Shenzhen, China, and Siem Reap, adding to its expanding network of direct flights from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

In June, Emirates Airline launched its much-anticipated direct flights from Dubai to Siem Reap, marking a historic moment for Cambodia’s aviation and tourism sector. These new connections are critical for increasing accessibility and attracting high-spending travelers from the Middle East and beyond.

Tourism Faces Regional Headwinds

Despite the encouraging figures, regional geopolitical challenges remain a concern. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has noted that while Cambodia’s tourism sector is poised for continued recovery into early 2025, border tensions with Thailand could dampen momentum in the second half of the year.

Still, the ADB maintains an optimistic outlook, forecasting continued growth in tourist arrivals from China, one of Cambodia’s most crucial inbound markets.

A Priceless World Heritage Experience

The Angkor Archaeological Park, located in northwestern Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, spans 401 square kilometers and is home to 91 ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries. In 1992, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its status as one of the most culturally significant and visually breathtaking landmarks in Southeast Asia.

Ticket prices remain relatively stable:

$37 for a one-day pass
$62 for a three-day pass
$72 for a seven-day pass

Visitors can now take advantage of automatic ticket machines, a recent addition aimed at streamlining the tourist experience and reducing queue times.

Looking Ahead

Cambodia’s tourism ministry continues to focus on improving visitor services, marketing campaigns, and partnerships with global carriers. While uncertainties remain due to regional politics and global economic fluctuations, the latest numbers from Angkor signal a resilient and rebounding tourism sector poised for a stronger 2026.

With cultural heritage at its core, Angkor remains not only Cambodia’s most visited site but also a cornerstone in the country’s broader economic development strategy.