A new trend on social media, where tourists mimic the popular “Temple Run” video game at Cambodia’s ancient Angkor Wat temple, is causing concern among conservationists and historians. Angkor Wat, a nearly 900-year-old Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Siem Reap and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has seen an influx of visitors filming themselves running, jumping, and performing stunts within its sacred grounds. These videos are styled to replicate the experience of playing “Temple Run,” a mobile game that gained popularity in 2011.
According to reports, these videos have become widespread on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, with some garnering over 2 million views. Set against fun sound effects and designed to entertain, these clips often show tourists crashing through the historic site and its surrounding temple ruins, mimicking the fast-paced, adventurous gameplay.
When History Meets TikTok: Angkor Wat Edition #NoCoinsCollected #TempleRunners #CambodiaGoneWild pic.twitter.com/dntL8U7PvZ
— Ottster Gaming (@OttsterG) August 29, 2024
However, experts warn that these stunts pose a significant threat to the preservation of the ancient structures. Simon Warrack, a conservation consultant, highlighted the potential physical damage tourists could cause to the temple stones, not only by bumping into them or knocking things over but also by diminishing the spiritual and cultural significance of these historic sites. The trend reflects a growing disregard for the sacredness of Angkor Wat and its cultural heritage, as the quest for viral social media content continues to overshadow respect for ancient cultural treasures.
