Angkor Wat Visitors Statistics 2025 Trends and Insights

Angkor Wat continues to stand as one of the world’s most visited heritage sites, and 2025 has brought a mix of growth and challenges to its tourism numbers. From January to mid-August 2025, more than 646,000 international visitors purchased Angkor passes according to official figures, showing a strong recovery compared to previous years. At the same time, monthly shifts reveal how global events and regional dynamics shape who comes and when.

Tourism surged in the early months of the year, with nearly 400,000 visitors recorded in the first quarter alone. Reports highlighted that rising interest from markets like the United States contributed to this early boost. 

However, June saw a notable dip, with international arrivals dropping by 19 percent compared to the same month in 2024, reflecting how external factors can quickly affect travel trends.

These shifts in visitor numbers not only reveal the pace of recovery but also point to deeper insights about where tourists come from and how they experience the site. Understanding these patterns helps explain both the economic impact on Cambodia and the changing face of tourism at Angkor Wat in 2025.

Angkor Wat Visitor Numbers in 2025

Visitor patterns at Angkor Wat in 2025 showed both growth and decline depending on the time of year. Tourist arrivals rose strongly in the first half of the year, but numbers dipped in June, reflecting broader regional and global factors.

Monthly Attendance Breakdown

Tourist arrivals at Angkor Wat fluctuated across 2025. In January and February alone, the site welcomed 279,604 international visitors, marking an 18.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (Xinhua).

By the first quarter, attendance climbed to nearly 400,000 visitors, a rise of 14.6% year-on-year (The Star). The momentum continued through May, with 527,577 visitors recorded in the first five months, an 11.7% increase compared to 2024 (TTW Africa).

However, June marked a turning point. International arrivals fell by 19%, and revenue dropped nearly 18.8% to about $1.7 million, with analysts pointing to geopolitical challenges as a factor (Kiripost).

Year-on-Year Comparison

The first half of 2025 reflected a strong rebound compared to 2024. Between January and June, Angkor Wat welcomed nearly 570,000 visitors, generating over $26 million in revenue (Travel and Tour World).

This represented a significant recovery from the pandemic years and highlighted the renewed appeal of cultural tourism in Cambodia. Growth was especially notable in early 2025, with double-digit increases in nearly all reported months.

Still, the June decline underscored the sensitivity of tourism to external pressures. While the first half of the year outperformed 2024, the mid-year drop showed that gains were not evenly distributed across all months.

Peak and Off-Peak Trends

The busiest months of 2025 were concentrated in the first quarter, when visitor growth exceeded 14% year-on-year. This surge aligned with favorable travel conditions and the official designation of 2025 as the Cambodia-China Tourism Year, which encouraged higher arrivals from China (Xinhua).

By contrast, June represented a clear off-peak period. The sharp drop in arrivals highlighted how seasonal travel patterns intersect with external issues such as regional tensions.

Peak tourism periods also tended to coincide with cooler weather and major cultural events, while off-peak months showed vulnerability to both climate and global travel conditions. This pattern suggests that Angkor Wat’s visitor flow remains highly seasonal, with strong starts to the year followed by mid-year slowdowns.

Demographics and Tourism Insights

Angkor Wat continues to draw millions of travelers each year, with most visitors arriving from within Asia. The site attracts a mix of international tourists and Cambodians, each group contributing differently to the cultural and economic value of the temple complex.

International vs. Domestic Visitors

Cambodia welcomed about 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, generating $3.6 billion in revenue, with most arrivals concentrated in Siem Reap for Angkor Wat and nearby temples. Visitors from Asia and the Pacific represented 85% of all arrivals, showing the strong regional pull of the site (Cambodianess).

Domestic tourism also plays a role, especially during national holidays when Cambodians travel to cultural landmarks. However, spending patterns differ. International visitors usually stay longer, book guided tours, and purchase multi-day passes, while local visitors often make shorter, single-day trips.

Ticket sales reflect this divide. Foreign tourists purchase standard entry passes ranging from one to seven days, while Cambodian citizens receive free or discounted access, ensuring the site remains accessible for cultural and religious purposes.

Visitor Age Groups

The age profile of Angkor Wat visitors shows a wide range. Young travelers, especially those in their 20s and 30s, make up a large share of international arrivals. They often seek budget-friendly accommodations, group tours, and experiences like sunrise photography at the temple’s reflecting pool.

Middle-aged visitors, typically aged 40–60, tend to spend more per trip. They often book private tours, mid-range hotels, and cultural experiences such as traditional dance shows. Many in this group travel as families, combining temple visits with leisure activities in Siem Reap.

Older travelers, including retirees, represent a smaller but steady segment. They usually prefer organized tours with structured itineraries and reliable transport. Accessibility improvements around the temple grounds have made visits easier for this group in recent years.

Top Countries of Origin

Regional markets dominate Angkor Wat’s international tourism. China, Vietnam, and Thailand consistently rank among the top source countries, reflecting geographic proximity and strong travel links. Many visitors from these countries arrive on short-haul flights or cross-border trips.

Beyond Asia, European travelers—especially from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—form a significant share. These visitors often stay longer and combine Angkor Wat with other Cambodian destinations.

The United States and Australia also contribute steady numbers, though at smaller volumes compared to Asia. These long-haul travelers typically plan extended itineraries, often pairing Cambodia with neighboring countries like Thailand or Vietnam.