August 31, 2025 | 08:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - TripAdvisor has named Angkor Wat in Cambodia as the number one iconic landmark in Asia. This achievement cements its status as the most iconic and sought-after tourist attraction in the region.
Cambodian Prime Minister (PM) Hun Manet also announced this on his official social media platform. He included a list of the top 20 best tourist destinations in Asia, as released by TripAdvisor on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as cited from Antara.
Janice Lee Fang, Director of Communications for Asia Pacific, mentioned, "The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Landmarks showcases some of Asia’s most historical attractions that are highly recommended by TripAdvisor’s global travel community."
"From awe-inspiring temples and ancient forts to magnificent architectural structures, Singaporean travellers can use this list if they’re looking for a bit of awe and wonder on their trip," she said in a statement on the TripAdvisor website.
Angkor Wat has been named the number one landmark in the world for the second consecutive year. The landmark also secured the top position in Asia, while India's Taj Mahal and Thailand's Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Pho) secured the second and third positions in the region, respectively.
Popular Destination
Angkor Wat is the most visited tourist destination in Cambodia. A recent report from Angkor Enterprise, a state-owned business responsible for managing the temple complex, revealed that the Angkor Archaeological Park attracted a total of 618,771 international visitors during the first seven months of this year. This marks a 5.8 percent surge from the previous year.
In addition, the Angkor Archaeological Park has become the main source of revenue for Cambodia. During the period from January to July 2025, the site generated approximately $28.6 million in ticket sales, a 5.3% increase compared to the same period the year before. The funds collected from ticket sales are also reinvested in the conservation and preservation of the temples, as cited from Travel and Tour World.
Given the fragile nature of the temples and ancient structures, sustained conservation work is necessary to prevent further damage caused by natural deterioration, environmental factors, and the continuously increasing number of visitors.
Iconic Park
Angkor Wat is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, located within the Angkor Archaeological Park which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The temple complex, spanning over 401 square kilometers, is evidence of the grandeur and ingenuity of the Khmer Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries. It is not just a single temple, but part of a larger network comprising more than 90 ancient temples, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom.
Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple, which continues to function as a place of worship to this day. The intricate bas-reliefs, towering spires, and massive rock structures are a testament to the extraordinary skills of the ancient Khmer civilization.
These structures were built by successive kings of the Khmer Empire over several centuries, each contributing to the development and expansion of this sacred city. The park itself is a marvel of engineering, with a sophisticated system of reservoirs, canals, and irrigation supporting a large population during its heyday.
Editor’s Choice: Cambodia Launches Tourism Campaign to Reintroduce Angkor Wat
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