Angkor Wat is more than Cambodia’s most iconic landmark—it is one of the most powerful cultural symbols on Earth. Rising majestically from the forests of Siem Reap, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated emperors, explorers, scholars, artists, and modern celebrities for centuries. From early 20th-century icons like Charlie Chaplin to global leaders, royals, Hollywood stars, tech billionaires, and sports legends, Angkor Wat has drawn some of the most influential figures in world history.
This article presents a carefully curated list of 36 world-famous people who visited Angkor Wat and the Angkor temple complex, spanning politics, entertainment, royalty, business, sports, and culture. More than a list, this guide explores why Angkor Wat attracts global icons, how these visits shaped Cambodia’s international image, and what their presence means for tourism and cultural diplomacy today.
Why Angkor Wat Attracts Global Icons
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, originally built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Dedicated first to the Hindu god Vishnu and later transformed into a Buddhist temple, it represents the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture.
Several factors explain why Angkor Wat consistently attracts world-famous visitors:
- UNESCO World Heritage Status – Recognized globally for its outstanding universal value
- Spiritual Significance – A living religious site with deep Buddhist and Hindu roots
- Architectural Mastery – Considered one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements
- Cultural Diplomacy – A symbolic destination for state visits and international relations
- Global Media Appeal – A powerful visual icon often shared by celebrities and leaders
For global figures, visiting Angkor Wat is not merely tourism—it is participation in a shared human heritage.
Early Historic & Influential Visitors
1. Charlie Chaplin (1936)
One of the earliest internationally famous figures to visit Angkor Wat, British comedian and silent-film legend Charlie Chaplin traveled to Cambodia in 1936. At a time when international travel was rare and challenging, his visit helped introduce Angkor Wat to Western audiences and reinforced its mystique as a lost civilization rediscovered.
2. Jacqueline Kennedy (1967)
Former First Lady of the United States Jacqueline Kennedy visited Angkor Wat in 1967 at the invitation of Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Her visit was a landmark moment in cultural diplomacy during a tense Cold War era. As a global style and cultural icon, her presence drew international attention to Cambodia’s heritage and reinforced Angkor Wat’s status as a site of global significance.
Royals Who Visited Angkor Wat
3. Prince Akishino of Japan (2001)
Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko visited Angkor Wat in 2001, symbolizing Japan’s longstanding commitment to Cambodia’s cultural preservation. Japan has been one of the most active international partners in Angkor’s restoration.
4. Prince Naruhito of Japan (2012)
Before ascending the throne as Emperor of Japan, Prince Naruhito visited Angkor Wat in 2012. His visit highlighted the deep historical connections between Japan and Cambodia and reinforced Angkor Wat’s importance as a site of global cultural cooperation.
Royal visits are particularly significant because they reflect respect for Cambodian civilization and strengthen soft-power relationships.
Presidents, Prime Ministers & World Leaders
Angkor Wat has frequently appeared on the itineraries of heads of state, symbolizing respect for Cambodia’s history and role in regional diplomacy.
5. Roh Moo-hyun – President of South Korea (2006)
6. Bill Clinton – President of the United States (2006)
Bill Clinton’s visit to Angkor Wat occurred during a period of Cambodia’s post-conflict recovery. His presence helped draw international attention to heritage preservation and tourism development.
7. Lee Myung-bak – President of South Korea (2009)
8. Thaksin Shinawatra – Prime Minister of Thailand (2009)
9. Hillary Clinton – U.S. Secretary of State (2010)
Hillary Clinton visited Angkor Wat while serving as U.S. Secretary of State, reinforcing cultural diplomacy and U.S.–Cambodia relations.
10. Hu Jintao – President of China (2012)
11. Mohammad Hamid Ansari – Vice President of India (2015)
12. Dmitry Medvedev – Prime Minister of Russia (2015)
13. Michelle Obama – First Lady of the United States (2015)
Michelle Obama’s visit highlighted education, culture, and women’s empowerment. Her presence generated extensive global media coverage.
14. Moon Jae-in – President of South Korea (2019)
President Moon famously mingled with tourists at Angkor Wat, delighting visitors and reinforcing the temple’s role as a shared global heritage site.
15. Aung San Suu Kyi – State Counsellor of Myanmar (2019)
World leaders often choose Angkor Wat to symbolize peace, resilience, and shared cultural values.
Hollywood & Western Celebrities at Angkor Wat
16. Angelina Jolie (First visit: 2000)
No celebrity is more closely associated with Cambodia than Angelina Jolie. After first visiting Angkor Wat in 2000, she returned many times, later becoming a Cambodian citizen and humanitarian advocate. Her connection brought unprecedented global attention to Cambodia and inspired countless travelers.
17. Jackie Chan (2004)
The international action star visited Angkor Wat in 2004, contributing to the site’s appeal among Asian and global film audiences.
18. Beyoncé (2015)
One of the world’s most influential musicians, Beyoncé’s visit helped amplify Angkor Wat’s visibility among younger global audiences through pop culture and social media.
19. Eva Longoria (2016)
The actress and activist visited Angkor Wat as part of a humanitarian and cultural trip, highlighting responsible tourism.
20. Douglas Booth (2016)
Hollywood visits often generate powerful visual storytelling that spreads Angkor Wat’s image worldwide.
Music, K-Pop & Global Pop Culture Icons
21. Jeong Ji-hoon (Rain) – South Korean Singer (2008)
22. SHINee – K-Pop Group (2010)
23. Jeanette Aw – Singaporean Actress (2014)
24. PSY – South Korean Singer (Date unspecified)
K-pop and Asian entertainment figures have played a major role in introducing Angkor Wat to younger generations across Asia and beyond.
Sports Legends Who Visited Angkor Wat
25. David Beckham (2015)
One of the most recognizable athletes in history, David Beckham’s visit connected Angkor Wat with global sports culture.
26. Ruud van Nistelrooy (2018)
27. Tony Jaa – Martial Arts Star (2019)
Sports icons often inspire fans to explore destinations beyond traditional tourist circuits.
Tech Leaders & Business Icons
28. Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook CEO (2007)
Mark Zuckerberg’s early visit to Angkor Wat demonstrated Cambodia’s appeal even to Silicon Valley leaders.
29. Jack Ma – Alibaba Founder (2019)
Jack Ma’s visit symbolized the growing connection between Southeast Asia, global entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage.
Regional & Asian Film and TV Stars
30. Marian Rivera & Dingdong Dantes (2012)
31. Lee Bum Soo, Im Soo Hyang & IRIS 2 Cast (2012)
32. Yu Rongguang – Hong Kong Actor (2017)
33. Elvin Ng, Paige Chua, Zoe Tay & Romeo Tan (2016)
34. Eric Tsang – Hong Kong Comedian (Date unspecified)
Regional stars significantly influence travel trends across Southeast and East Asia.
The Cultural & Tourism Impact of Celebrity Visits
Celebrity and leader visits to Angkor Wat have had measurable impacts:
- Increased Global Awareness – Media coverage introduces Angkor Wat to new audiences
- Tourism Growth – High-profile visits often coincide with spikes in visitor interest
- Soft Power & Diplomacy – Cultural sites serve as neutral, unifying spaces
- Heritage Protection Awareness – Famous advocates highlight preservation needs
Angelina Jolie’s long-term engagement alone reshaped global perceptions of Cambodia—from war-scarred nation to cultural and humanitarian destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which celebrities have visited Angkor Wat?
Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, and many others.
What world leaders visited Angkor Wat?
Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Moon Jae-in, Hu Jintao, and several Asian and European leaders.
Why do famous people visit Angkor Wat?
For its spiritual meaning, architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and global symbolic value.
Is Angkor Wat popular with celebrities today?
Yes. It remains one of Asia’s most photographed and visited cultural landmarks.
Conclusion: Angkor Wat’s Enduring Global Appeal
From silent-film legends and royalty to modern presidents, pop stars, and tech billionaires, Angkor Wat continues to transcend borders, politics, and generations. Each visit—whether private or public—reinforces the temple’s role as a shared inheritance of humanity.
As Cambodia balances tourism growth with preservation, Angkor Wat stands as a reminder that cultural heritage is not just about the past—it shapes the future.
Call to Action
If you’re inspired by the footsteps of world leaders and global icons:
- 🌏 Plan a responsible visit to Angkor Wat
- 📸 Share Cambodia’s heritage with respect
- 📚 Explore more stories about Cambodia’s history and culture
Have you visited Angkor Wat, or is it on your bucket list? Share your thoughts and experiences below.