Angkor Ticket Sales Drop by a Third in 2026

tourism

Updated 2026-09-01 5 min

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In short

●470,000 foreign visitors purchased Angkor tickets from January to August 2026, a third fewer than the same period in 2025.
●Revenue reached $22.54 million, compared to about $33 million the previous year.
●Authorities point to the slow post-COVID recovery and the border conflict.
●For expats in Siem Reap, this decline means fewer tourists, affecting local businesses and the overall atmosphere.

470,000

Foreign visitors

$22.54M

Revenue

Jan–Aug 2026

Period

Phnom Penh Post

Source

Drop by a third. Angkor ticket sales fell by 33% in the first eight months of 2026 compared to 2025.
470,000 visitors. Approximately 470,000 foreigners visited the Angkor Archaeological Park between January and August 2026.
$22.54 million. Revenue from these sales amounted to $22.54 million.
Identified causes. The slow post-COVID recovery and the border conflict are cited by authorities.
Local impact. Fewer tourists means increased pressure on Siem Reap businesses and the local economy.

Tourism at Angkor has seen a gradual recovery after the pandemic, but 2026 figures show a significant decline. Here are the key milestones.

2020-2022: Border closures and near-total halt of tourism due to COVID-19.
2023-2025: Gradual recovery, but slower than expected, with arrivals below pre-pandemic levels.
Early 2026: Border tensions with Vietnam intensify, deterring some travelers.
August 2026: Official data reveals a third drop in ticket sales compared to the previous year.
September 2026: Authorities call for promotional efforts to revive tourism.

The decline mainly affects international visitors, but not all segments are equal. Here is an indicative breakdown.

Segment	Figure	Detail
Foreign visitors	470,000	Total tickets sold over 8 months
Revenue	$22.54M	Income generated from sales
Decline vs 2025	-33%	Comparison over the same period
Asian tourists	~60%	Estimated share of regional visitors
Western tourists	~25%	Europe and North America
Other nationalities	~15%	Australia, Middle East, etc.

Fewer tourists means lower footfall in restaurants, bars, and hotels, affecting the income of expats working there.
Travel agencies and independent guides see bookings decline, potentially leading to reduced activity.
The overall vibe of the city is quieter, which some expats seeking tranquility may perceive positively.
Property owners renting to tourists may face longer vacancy periods.
Expats dependent on tourism for their livelihood need to diversify income sources or consider pivoting to the local market.

Step 1: Follow official announcements from the Ministry of Tourism to anticipate trends.
Step 2: Diversify your activities if you work in tourism: offer services to expats or locals.
Step 3: Adjust your prices to remain competitive amid lower demand.
Step 4: Strengthen your online presence to attract niche markets (slow travelers, digital nomads).
Step 5: Stay informed about the border conflict and travel advisories from your embassy.
Step 6: Participate in local tourism promotion initiatives to support recovery.

Why have Angkor ticket sales declined?

The decline is attributed to the slow post-COVID recovery and the border conflict, which deter some tourists.

What is the exact number of visitors in 2026?

Approximately 470,000 foreign visitors purchased tickets between January and August 2026.

What is the impact on expats in Siem Reap?

Expats working in tourism may see their income decrease, but the city is quieter, which can be an advantage for some.

What can expats do to adapt?

Diversify their activities, adjust prices, and turn to the local market or digital nomads.

Are there signs of recovery?

Authorities are calling for promotional efforts, but no significant recovery is expected in the short term.

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Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia