Cambodia: Angkor/Siem Reap
Score: 46

"The temples at Angkor are arguably the most fascinating in the world," but two million visitors a year put them "under tremendous strain." Also a problem: Tourism profits are not reinvested locally. The gateway city of Siem Reap is marked by "large, gaudy hotels" and growing slums.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"Angkor is one of the few places in the world that absolutely lives up to its reputation as a wonder. It does not disappoint. The huge scale of the Angkor area, which sometimes requires 20-minute-plus drives between temples, is truly astounding. The temple area is relatively well managed, although there are still too many visitors treating this sacred site as an adventure playground. The city of Siem Reap is a far more depressing spectacle. The square of boutique restaurants, expensive bottles of wine, and "chic" style in the city center, though tastefully developed in terms of aesthetics, is at stark odds with the rest of the town, which still feels poor and hopeless in many areas."

"Angkor-Siem Reap is rapidly becoming a victim of its celebrity. Even in an economic slowdown it is saturated with tourist arrivals. Efforts to preserve the environment in the monument zone are fairly successful. The Cambodian community here is at best a spectator, existing on the periphery of the sites with local crafts markets. Hotels are international, and do not reflect the culture of the country."

"World Heritage values obvious but under tension. A highly visited site with significant protection and restoration problems. International aid is given, but there are few signs of entrance fees or tourism revenue being used to protect or manage the site. There is a need for improved visitor flow between and within structures. On-site interpretation poor, with the exception of restoration projects."

"The foundation of the ground on which the temples rest is in jeopardy—the water table underground is being drained, the land is sinking, and as a result the foundation of the temples is unstable. The only time to be there is in the early morning or late afternoon at some of the less popular temples. Management is atrocious. Local people are not reaping the benefits of this resource."