The number of tourists visiting Koh Ker temple increased by 71.2% last year compared to the previous year, while there is a decline of 16.7% in visits to Preah Vihear temple.

A statement issued yesterday by the National Authority for Preah Vihear said that a total of more than 200,000 tourists had visited both the temples last year.

It said Preah Vihear temple received 92,966 tourists during the 12 months, and Koh Ker Temple received 105,464 tourists.

Kong Puthika, director-general of National Authority for Preah Vihear, said that the drop in tourists visiting Preah Vihear temple was due to the popularity of new tourist destinations.

He said, “Cambodia is opening many new tourist destinations every year, especially in the coastal provinces and in the northeast, which attract more domestic tourists.”

He noted that tourists seldom return to Preah Vihear temple as Preah Vihear province is remote, and accommodations are limited.

Located in Kulen district of Preah Vihear province, the 35-metre-high Koh Ker temple features seven levels. The temple was built during the reign of Jayavarman IV in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on September 17, 2023 at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Puthika said that the National Authority for Preah Vihear is planning to organise sports tourism events in Koh Ker, Preah Vihear province this year to attract more tourists and to celebrate the UN heritage status of both national treasures.

The Preah Vihear temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List in Quebec City, Canada on July 7, 2008. It is located on the Dangrek mountain range in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province.