After many years, when historical attractions were primarily frequented by international guests, domestic tourists are becoming increasingly captivated by the kingdom's rich past.

Kea Simon, a guide with 17 years of experience, said he has observed a newfound curiosity among Cambodians.

"Many local guests now want to understand the stories behind our temple sculptures," he said.

"They're interested in our history, culture and architectural heritage… deepening their connection to these sites."

Simon said that when he meets local tourists in front of the temple, he does not discuss prices in advance as it often depends on their interest and intent.

He said that most guides do not focus on discussing guide fees, with the opportunity to work and share knowledge with Cambodian guests more important.

The duration of each tour also depends on each temple's location at the site — larger temples need more detailed explanations, while smaller ones often require a shorter introduction. Simon said that in the past, it was rare for Cambodian visitors to hire a guide due to limited interest in history and budget constraints.

However, since 2022, following the COVID-19 challenges, domestic tourists appear to have become more interested in the history, culture, architecture, religion and art of the temples.

"They are now part of preserving our culture by wanting to learn more about the temples," he said. "If they only came to take photos, they wouldn't understand the true depth of it, no matter how much they read in books."

Simon also acknowledged that beyond sharing knowledge, the increase in local tourists also helps sustain the tour guiding profession.

"Usually, when I'm stationed at the Bayon temple, after about an hour of guiding local visitors, they give me between 50,000 riel ($12.30) to 60,000 riel," he told The Phnom Penh Post.

"Some guests even offer up to $20 or $30," he added.