Cambodia fully restores centuries-old West Mebon Temple in famed Angkor park

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have successfully restored the centuries-old West Mebon Temple within Cambodia's UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, according to an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Friday.

Photo taken on April 5, 2022 shows the Bayon Temple in the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (Photo: Xinhua)

Situated on an island in the middle of the West Baray -- the Angkor area's largest reservoir -- the temple is surrounded by vast expanses of water, creating a distinctive and captivating landscape.

While the ANA prepares the site for its official opening in November by cleaning the area, organizing the surroundings, and enhancing the environment, eager tourists have already begun visiting the temple to take photographs and admire its remarkable architecture.

Through a joint effort between the ANA and the French government, the temple underwent extensive restoration to recover its former appearance after suffering significant structural damage and stone loss over the centuries.

"The completion of this work marks an important achievement in the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore Angkor's cultural heritage," the news release said.

Built in the middle of the 11th century as a Hindu sanctuary, the West Mebon Temple was constructed using laterite and sandstone. A short boat trip takes visitors to the monument, which marks the exact center of the massive 8 km by 2.2 km reservoir, the ANA said, adding that the site offers a uniquely serene atmosphere, especially at sunset.

The West Mebon Temple stands as one of the major cultural monuments within the Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia's most popular tourist destination, located in northwestern Siem Reap province.