The bridge in question spans the moat around the 900-year old Angkor Wat Temple. The structure is made of stone but has fallen into disrepair over time. Initial restoration attempts aided by France were launched as far back as the 1960s.
Mr Kosal says the only way to ensure the stone walkway is preserved for posterity is complete closure to allow the renovation to go ahead. He continued by saying the bridge would be closed in the first half of 2017 and visitors would cross the moat on a soon-to-be-built pontoon bridge.
Apsara Authority and the Sophia University in Japan are jointly funding the restoration project which is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Angkor Archaeological Park is Cambodia’s number one tourist draw.
The main gateway to the complex is around six kilometres from the town of Siem Reap. 12GO ASIA offers Angkor visitors the utmost convenience when travelling to Siem Reap. We offer flight and bus services from locations such as Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and the Thai capital of Bangkok.
Ancient bridge at Angkor Wat Temple to close for renovations
News in Asia
The management authority with jurisdiction over Cambodia’s historic Angkor complex says it will close the access bridge to the main temple for four years. Apsara Authority spokesperson Long Kosal told media sources the closure is necessary to allow essential maintenance and renovation to be carried out.