Cambodia is preparing a pilot programme for nighttime visits at Angkor, with one or two temples in Siem Reap province expected to be selected for trial operations. Tourism Minister Huot Hak said the project is being prepared as part of a wider effort to develop new tourism products, according to reporting published on July 31.
The proposal does not yet change the rules for ordinary visitors. Authorities have not named the temples involved, announced a launch date, set evening opening hours or explained whether a separate reservation, guide, transport arrangement or ticket would be required.
A limited pilot, not park-wide night access
The plan follows the establishment of an inter-ministerial working group in June to coordinate film tourism and nighttime temple visits. Earlier reporting said the group was conducting preliminary studies and that a decision on introducing regular night tours had not yet been made.
The latest update points to a small-scale trial rather than the opening of the entire Angkor Archaeological Park after dark. Conservation, visitor safety, security, lighting and demand will need to be assessed before a broader scheme could be considered. Tourism stakeholders have also raised concerns about protecting the historic stone structures and managing artificial lighting responsibly.
Current visiting hours remain in place
For now, travellers should plan Angkor visits around the published daytime schedule. Angkor Enterprise, the official ticket authority, currently lists Angkor Temples Park entry from 5:00am, with closing at 6:30pm. Individual temples, access routes and last-entry arrangements can vary, so visitors should confirm details shortly before visiting.
There is no indication that an existing Angkor Pass will automatically cover any future night-tour pilot. Travellers visiting Siem Reap in the coming months should avoid relying on tour advertisements for after-dark temple access until Angkor Enterprise, the Ministry of Tourism or the APSARA National Authority publishes the selected sites, operating dates and booking rules.
Planning an Angkor itinerary
- Keep sunrise, daytime and sunset plans within the current official schedule.
- Do not assume Angkor Wat or another specific temple will be part of the pilot; no sites have been announced.
- Check official Angkor Enterprise updates for ticket and access information before committing to a late-evening itinerary.
- Continue to follow the APSARA visitor code of conduct: Angkor is a sacred and protected heritage site, and access rules are designed around preservation as well as visitor experience.
If the pilot goes ahead, it could add a new option to a Siem Reap stay, particularly outside the busiest daytime hours. Until operational details are released, it remains a proposed, limited trial rather than a new standard visiting option.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cambodia is preparing a pilot, but no regular nighttime opening has been announced. The participating temples, dates, hours and access conditions have not been published.
Authorities have said that one or two temples in Siem Reap province may be selected, but they have not identified them.
That is not yet known. Angkor Enterprise has not announced whether a night-tour pilot would use the normal Angkor Pass, require a separate ticket, or operate by reservation.
Angkor Enterprise currently lists entry to Angkor Temples Park from 5:00am and closing at 6:30pm. Check the official site for temple-specific access details before visiting.
