PHNOM PENH: Global economic fragility, rising fuel prices, armed conflict in the Middle East and tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have all been cited as contributing to a sharp decline in ticket sales to the Angkor Archaeological Park in the first quarter of 2026.
The number of visitors reached just over 270,000 — down nearly one-third compared to the same period in 2025.
An April 1 press release from Angkor Enterprise stated that from January to the end of March 2026, a total of 270,911 international tourists purchased Angkor tickets, a 32.02% decrease compared to Q1 2025. Revenue from ticket sales amounted to US$13.1 million, down by 30%.
The statement noted that Angkor Enterprise also generated $448,236 from tickets sold to tourists visiting Koh Ker, Beng Mealea and Kbal Spean, as well as boat tickets at Chong Khneas port in Siem Reap province.
Angkor Enterprise, a public administrative body, was established in 2016. It operates under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and the financial supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Ticket prices for the park are $37 per person for one day, $62 for three days and $72 for seven days, although entry is free for Cambodian citizens and some long-term expats.
Khiev Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association in Siem Reap, told The Post that armed conflicts in the Middle East and incursions by Thai forces into Cambodian territory appear to be the key factors contributing to the current decline in foreign visitors to the temples in Siem Reap. He added that the recent increase in air ticket prices has also contributed to reduced travel.
“Based on the current situation, the tourism sector may perform worse this year than in 2025, even though the sector recovered well in 2024,” he said.
According to Thy, most international guests visiting Cambodia come from the US, Canada and Europe.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said that as of March 31, half of the 36 airlines (including 4 domestic and 32 international carriers) operating in Cambodia have announced fare increases. On average, ticket prices have risen by about $24.
In 2025, a total of 955,131 international tourists purchased Angkor tickets, generating $44.71 million in revenue. Compared to 2024, this represented a decline of 6.7% in visitor numbers and 6.51% in ticket revenue. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
