Race Across the World films at Angkor’s Ta Prohm

Cambodia is turning the filming of the BAFTA‑winning Race Across the World series at Ta Prohm temple into a showcase for its growing film‑tourism ambitions. Tourism Minister Huot Hak visited the set in Siem Reap on 20 August, underscoring the government’s push to attract international productions as a way of promoting the country’s heritage and destinations.

The ministry said Cambodia’s inclusion in the adventure reality programme offers a chance to highlight its culture, hospitality and landscapes to overseas audiences. Forty‑two production staff and participants are involved, led by programme head Javier Llanos Sanchez. Hak noted that Ta Prohm’s blend of ancient architecture and natural surroundings makes it a powerful symbol of Cambodia’s appeal as both a tourist site and a filming location.

The government has introduced incentives to lure foreign crews, with Prime Minister Hun Manet proposing special packages for shoots at Angkor and other scenic areas. Officials are also working to identify suitable sites, from temples to islands, and improve security and efficiency for productions. The strategy builds on the precedent set by Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which filmed at Angkor in 2000 and helped put Cambodia on the global tourism map.

Unlike scripted blockbusters, Race Across the World is a reality competition in which contestants travel across countries on tight budgets, relying on local transport and communities. The current race spans China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia, with the Cambodian leg scheduled for broadcast in Spain. The original BBC version has already won a BAFTA and built a strong following.

For Cambodia, the significance lies less in immediate visitor numbers than in long‑term recognition. Officials hope the exposure will replicate the enduring association between Ta Prohm and Tomb Raider, proving once again that screen productions can shape global perceptions of the Kingdom’s heritage. The arrival of Race Across the World at Angkor comes at a timely moment, as Cambodia seeks to position film tourism as a pillar of its wider economic and cultural strategy.

-2026-08-24