PHNOM PENH, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Restoration work on the third terrace at the southwest corner of Bayon Temple in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park has been completed successfully, the APSARA National Authority said in a news release on Thursday.
Meng Sovanlylin, an architect in charge of the restoration work, said her team took four months to restore the terrace, focusing on repairing the damaged Naga balustrades, beams, and stone floors.
"The third terrace at the southwest corner is a significant area for tourists," she said. "Prior to the restoration, the structural integrity was compromised due to a broken beam and damage from tree roots, which posed risks of collapse."
Sovanlylin said the restoration aimed to reinforce the structure and prevent further damage.
"With the completion of this project, the third terrace has been restored to a strong condition, closely resembling its original form," she said. "This work not only enhances the site's safety but also preserves its historical significance for future visitors."
Built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century and early 13th century, Bayon Temple is one of the key temples in the 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country.
The ancient park attracted 898,339 international tourists during the January-November period of 2024, earning a gross revenue of almost 42 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.■