Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat temple complex is experiencing an unprecedented decline in visitors as the country’s tourism sector faces multiple challenges. Once crowded with tourists eager to capture sunrise views, the 12th-century site now sees significantly thinner crowds, industry insiders report.
Aklm Ly, founder of the Siem Reap-based company Adventures Cambodia and a member of the Cambodia Tourism Association, described the current scene at Angkor Wat as the quietest in years. Official figures reveal a steep decrease in international arrivals, with 1.54 million visitors recorded in the first five months of 2026—a nearly 48 percent drop from 2.95 million during the same period last year.
This downturn compounds broader issues confronting Cambodia’s tourism industry, which accounts for roughly 10 percent of the nation’s GDP. The sector’s decline follows a peak in 2024, when the country attracted a record 67.1 million international visitors. By comparison, neighboring nations have experienced only marginal visitor declines, despite disruptions linked to external conflicts, such as the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Thailand received over 14 million tourists, and Vietnam saw more than 10 million arrivals during the same timeframe.
Several factors contribute to Cambodia’s tourism slump. Safety concerns have been heightened by publicized incidents and a surge in scams targeting visitors, notably the so-called “scam compounds” that have drawn international scrutiny amid allegations of human trafficking and criminal activity. The Cambodian government acknowledged the reputational damage in March, with Prime Minister Hun Manet affirming the country’s safety and committing to dismantle fraudulent networks.
"The scam compounds are a genuine criminal problem," said Ly, while emphasizing that legitimate tourism operators maintain safe experiences for their guests. The government has since launched promotional campaigns to boost visitor numbers during the rainy season—typically a less busy period—and appointed champion cyclist Tiv Darair as a tourism goodwill ambassador to enhance Cambodia’s international image.
Industry experts see potential opportunities arising from the current crisis. Ly advocates shifting Cambodia’s appeal from a brief stopover in Mekong-region itineraries toward attracting long-haul travelers who plan well in advance and spend more freely during extended stays. Former Cambodia Tourism Federation vice-president Peter Brongers has also pointed to the sector’s overreliance on Angkor Wat, urging the country to diversify its tourism offerings to better showcase other attractions.
Win Zaw, managing director of Phnom Penh-based Asia Expeditions, highlights Cambodia’s prospects of positioning itself as a premium destination that offers natural beauty, wildlife, historical sites, and cuisine at more competitive prices than nearby countries. Similarly, Sokunthea Yin, owner of the Bamboo Cafe and Valley Lodge in Mondulkiri province, identified less-explored regions—such as the Ratanakiri highlands, Cardamom Mountains, and communities along the Mekong River—as promising areas that could extend tourists’ stays and distribute income more widely across rural communities.
By promoting these diverse attractions, Cambodia aims to revitalize its tourism sector and encourage visitors to explore beyond its emblematic temples, blending cultural heritage with natural and rural experiences.