What Progress Has Been Made in the Restoration of Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower?
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Synopsis
The restoration of Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower shows remarkable progress, promising preservation of this UNESCO heritage site. With expert collaboration and meticulous efforts, visitors can safely witness the transformation. Explore how this ancient temple continues to attract global tourism amidst restoration efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration of Bakan Tower is crucial for preserving Angkor Wat.
- The project is a collaboration between ANA and the Korean Heritage Agency.
- Visitor safety measures are implemented during restoration work.
- Angkor Archaeological Park continues to attract significant international tourism.
- Expert guidance is vital for the restoration process.
Phnom Penh, July 11 (NationPress) The restoration efforts on the northeast section of Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park have shown significant advancement, according to a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) published on Friday.
Initiated in February 2025 in partnership with the Korean Heritage Agency, this project is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2026.
Khem Mony, a technical officer from the ANA overseeing the project, noted that the platform and stairs of the northeastern corner of the Bakan Tower were compromised and posed a high risk before the restoration commenced.
"Our restoration team is meticulously repositioning stones and reinforcing them layer by layer, following the guidance of experts from the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk)," he stated.
While certain sections of the Bakan Tower are temporarily off-limits to visitors for safety, the entire site remains accessible with some restrictions, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"To maintain visitor safety during the restoration, barriers have been established around work areas, and signage has been posted to keep tourists informed about ongoing repairs and changes to access routes," the ANA added.
Constructed in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is one of the principal temples located within the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province.
The expansive 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park contains 91 ancient temples built between the ninth and 13th centuries.
This ancient park, renowned as the kingdom's top tourist attraction, welcomed a total of 527,577 international tourists from January to May 2025, generating 24.5 million US dollars in ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.
The leading five source markets for this historical site included the United States, Britain, France, China, and South Korea.
Point of View
I believe that the ongoing restoration of Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower reflects a commitment to preserving our cultural heritage. This effort not only safeguards history but also supports local tourism, showcasing the importance of balancing conservation with visitor access. The collaboration with international experts enhances our ability to maintain the integrity of this iconic site.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being restored at Angkor Wat?
The restoration work is focused on the northeast corner of Angkor Wat's Bakan Tower, addressing structural issues such as cracked platforms and stairs.
Who is overseeing the restoration project?
The restoration is being carried out by the APSARA National Authority in collaboration with the Korean Heritage Agency.
When did the restoration work begin?
The restoration project commenced in February 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
How many tourists visited Angkor Archaeological Park in 2025?
The park attracted 527,577 international tourists from January to May 2025.
What measures are in place for visitor safety during restoration?
Barriers and signage have been established around work areas to inform tourists about ongoing repairs and changes to access routes.
