Koh Ker Temple Outshines Preah Vihear in Tourist Visits

via various source, 02-03 January 2024: Cambodia’s Koh Ker temple has witnessed a remarkable 71.2% increase in visitor numbers, contrasting with a 16.7% decline at Preah Vihear temple. In 2023, over 200,000 tourists visited these historical sites, with Koh Ker attracting 105,464 and Preah Vihear drawing 92,966 visitors. Kong Puthika, the director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, cites the emergence of new tourist hotspots and Preah Vihear’s remote location as reasons for the differing trends. Both temples, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, offer unique historical and cultural experiences. Future plans include sports tourism events to further promote these heritage sites.

Kong Puthika, the director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, attributes the decline in visits to Preah Vihear temple to the emergence of new tourist hotspots across Cambodia. Destinations in the coastal and northeastern provinces are particularly enticing to domestic travelers. The remoteness of Preah Vihear province and the lack of ample accommodation options also play a role in the temple’s lower revisit rates.

Source: Surge in Visitors at Koh Ker Temple, Cambodia