The iconic summit of Angkor Wat, known as Bakan, remains subject to strict visitor limits as Cambodian authorities balance tourism demand with safety and preservation. Each day, thousands of travellers flock to the temple complex, yet only 100 people are permitted to climb to the top at any one time, and for no longer than 15 minutes.

Officials from the Apsara National Authority, which oversees the site, say the restrictions are essential. The summit rises 65 metres above ground and is reached by steep stairways, making crowd control a matter of both safety and respect. Seng Sotheara, Director of the Department of Tourism and Culture, explained that between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors arrive daily, but the narrow space at the peak cannot safely accommodate more than the capped number.

The rules extend beyond numbers. Tourists must adhere to the Angkor Code of Conduct, which bans short or inappropriate clothing, requires silence, and insists on orderly behaviour. Children under 12, pregnant women, and those with heart conditions are prohibited from climbing due to the physical strain of the ascent.

Sundays bring a complete pause to summit visits, allowing staff time to clean and maintain the site while also resting from the week’s heavy flow of tourists. The measure reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, ensuring that Angkor Wat’s most sacred spaces are preserved for future generations.

Bakan is not the only high vantage point drawing crowds. Visitors also seek out Bakheng Temple and Baphuon Temple, both offering elevated views of the ancient city. Yet it is Angkor Wat’s central peak that remains the most coveted destination, a place where national and international tourists alike gather to marvel at Cambodia’s cultural jewel.

The restrictions may frustrate some, but they underline the delicate balance between welcoming the world and safeguarding one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements. For those fortunate enough to ascend, the brief 15 minutes at the summit offer a rare glimpse into history, spirituality, and the enduring grandeur of Angkor Wat.

-2026-01-12

They shouldn't allow tourists to scramble over the top at all.

On 1/12/2026 at 9:12 AM, geovalin said:

Each day, thousands of travellers flock to the temple complex,

Contary to certain misinformation reports from the Thai media regarding a big decrease in visitor numbers, as a UK Citizen living in Siem Reap, I can confirm the large numbers of national and international visitors to the Angor Wat Archaeological Park when I visited last Thursday (8/1/2026), using my free annual pass. Scaffolding has been erected in places where essential maintenance and renovation work is being performed on the sacred temple.