P Bakheng site hits 50% mark, six more years work to finish

THE Apsara National Authority announced on January 25 that a project to restore the northern corner of Phnom Bakheng, implemented by theWorld Monuments Fund (WMF), has reached the halfway mark.

Ginevra Boatto, leader of the WMF conservation team, said the renovation project, which began in 2019, may take another six years to complete.

“As with all of the ancient temples of Angkor, it has been damaged and eroded by time, weather and water. The structure of the temple has taken on a lean, and in some places collapsed entirely, predominantly from erosion by groundwater,” she added.

She said work was being done to protect the foundations of the temple from future erosion of this kind. A drainage system was being designed which would eliminate water seepage and ensure the long-term validity of the temple. The four towers which graced the corners of the structure were also being rebuilt.

Nhoem Sidet, a tour guide in the Angkor area, supported the renovations. He was pleased that so many local and international specialists had lent their expertise to return the beautiful temple to its former glory and make sure it will remain strong in the future.

“Phnom Bakheng has five terraces and many towers. Tourists are only allowed on the fifth floor, as the lower floors are under renovation and the authorities want to make sure that visitors are safe,” he said.

He added that Phnom Bakheng is the oldest temple of the Angkorian period and one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world. It was built in the late ninth century, when King Yasovarman moved the capital from Hariharalay to Phnom Bakheng.

“This is one of the temples that tourists should not miss. In addition to its own charms, it provides some of the best views in the whole park. Photographers love the way the light looks from here at sunset, and the views of Angkor Wat are exceptional. Some people also use it for exercise,” he concluded.

Boatto said that in more than thirty years of work in Siem Reap, WMF has worked on the preservation of Preah Khan, Ta Som, Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng temples, and WMF restoration project would not be possible without the cooperation of the Apsara National Authority.