Are the Angkor temples safe to visit due to border clashes?

While local authorities assure visitors of safety in Siem Reap, recent border clashes have created fear and deterred tourists.

How have Cambodia's border conflicts affected tourism?

The conflicts have led to widespread travel cancellations and a significant drop in visitor numbers at the Angkor archaeological park.

What is the economic impact of declining tourism at Angkor Wat?

Tourism, a key part of Cambodia's economy, has suffered substantially, with businesses reporting drastic income reductions.

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Angkor Temples Fall Silent Amid Border Clashes

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Tourists are avoiding Cambodia's Angkor ruins due to border clashes.
Businesses report an 80% drop in income, with tours cancelled.
Despite safety assurances, fear of conflict deters many visitors.

Angkor Temples Fall Silent Amid Border Clashes

Recent military clashes along Cambodia's border with Thailand have severely impacted tourism at the Angkor temple ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel cancellations have surged, leaving popular attractions like Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple unusually deserted, even during high season. Local businesses, from tour guides to vendors, report significant income losses, with some seeing an 80% decrease compared to the previous year.

These border disputes, rooted in colonial-era disagreements, have led to the closure of overland crossings, disrupting regional travel. This has caused a notable decline in ticket sales to Angkor, with a 17% year-on-year drop recorded between June and November. Despite assurances of safety in Siem Reap, widespread media reports and concerns about regional crime have heightened tourist apprehension.