Angkor Park Sees Steady Rise in Cycling Tourists

SIEM REAP, Cambodia - The APSARA National Authority (ANA) announced that the number of tourists choosing to explore the temples of Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Archaeological Park by bicycle has increased steadily since the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend highlights a growing preference for sustainable, immersive travel experiences within the UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

According to Seng Sotheara, Director of the ANA’s Department of Tourism Development and Culture, the dedicated 23-kilometer cycling route is now attracting an average of more than 100 cyclists each day, with numbers continuing to rise month-over-month, excluding periods of heavy rainfall.

“Many tourists express immense satisfaction with the cycling paths that wind through forests and rice fields in the Angkor landscape,” Sotheara said in the news release. He noted that the route, originally established by the ANA in 2019, offers a uniquely attractive alternative to vehicular travel.

“This route passes through forests, streams, rice fields, and areas near the temples, making it an ideal choice for visitors who prefer cycling over driving,” he added.

The increase in bicycle tourism supports efforts to preserve the delicate environment of the park while enhancing the quality of the visitor experience. Despite the strong positive feedback, the ANA confirmed its intention to further enhance and expand the cycling route in the future to respond to requests from dedicated bicycle enthusiasts.

Located in northwest Siem Reap province, the Angkor park is Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, home to 91 ancient temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. The park attracted a total of 765,518 international tourists in the first 10 months of 2025, generating a gross revenue of $35.5 million from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

The growth in cycling tourism signifies a healthy shift towards slower, more environmentally conscious exploration of the ancient site.