SIEM REAP — Cambodia’s crown jewel, the Angkor Archaeological Park, recorded a significant downturn in international visits to start the 2026 calendar year. According to AKP and official data from Angkor Enterprise, the park welcomed 93,491 foreign tourists in January, representing a sharp 36% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
Revenue from ticket sales mirrored this trend, falling 34.5% to US$4.52 million. Despite the decline, the United States remains a resilient pillar of the market, with 14,200 American visitors topping the arrivals list, followed by France (9,800) and the United Kingdom (9,300).
Identifying the Headwinds Industry experts and the Ministry of Tourism are closely analyzing the “Jan-26 Slump.” According to AKP, several external and internal factors are converging to create these headwinds:
- Border Infrastructure: Continued land-border tensions with Thailand have disrupted the popular “overland” tourist circuit, traditionally a major source of European and American backpackers.
- Cyber-Security Perception: Concerns over online scams in the region have weighed on travel confidence. The Royal Government is currently intensifying raids to root out these operations and restore the Kingdom’s image as a safe destination.
- Economic Pressures: Global inflation in the US and UK has led travelers to become more price-sensitive, emphasizing the need for Cambodia to offer higher “value-added” experiences.
The Path to Recovery in 2026 Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the government is not standing still. To counter the January numbers, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) is launching the “Safe & Secure Cambodia” global campaign.
Quick Facts
- Total Visitors (Jan 2026): 93,491 (-36% YoY)
- Revenue Generated: $4.52 Million (-34.5% YoY)
- Top Source Markets: USA, France, UK, Germany, and Australia.
- Government Response: Trialing visa exemptions for key markets and strengthening border cooperation with ASEAN neighbors.
The current “manageable crowds” at Angkor Wat actually offer a premium photography and exploration opportunity. While the numbers are down, the site recently ranked in the top 1% of global travel destinations by TripAdvisor (2026), proving that its cultural prestige remains untouched by temporary economic shifts.
FAQ: Angkor Wat international tourists January 2026
Yes. According to AKP, the Ministry of Tourism is working “whole-of-system” with the Ministry of Interior to ensure all major tourist hubs remain secure. Recent crackdowns on cybercrime centers further demonstrate the government’s commitment to visitor safety.
The decline is largely attributed to the temporary closure of certain land-based border gates with Thailand and global economic pressures affecting “long-haul” travel from the West.
Prices remain stable: $37 for a one-day pass, $62 for three days, and $72 for a seven-day pass. A portion of every ticket is still donated to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.