Visitors enjoy the sunset at Phnom Bakeng in Siem Reap province recently. - Photo: Yousos Apdoulrashim
PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet has approved changes to the visiting hours of temples in Siem Reap province, particularly for watching sunrises and sunsets at the Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup and Phnom Krom temples.
At present, visitors are not allowed to enter Angkor Wat from 5.30pm onwards, but those who enter before this time can stay until 6.30pm.
Meanwhile, the Pre Rup, Phnom Bakheng, and Phnom Krom temples, which are also popular places to watch the sun rise and set, are currently open from 7am to 7pm.
For other temples in the Angkor area, visiting hours are from 7am to 5.30pm. These hours will also be adjusted.
In a special message to the public on Thursday (Aug 22) evening, the Prime Minister announced: “After discussions with experts and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, I have approved the adjustment of the entry hours for Angkor Wat from 5am to 5.30pm, to 5am to 6pm”.
“At Pre Rup, Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom, we will adjust the hours from 7am to 7pm, to 6am to 7pm. Other temples which are currently open from 7am to 5.30pm will now be open to the public from 6am to 6.30pm,” added Manet.
He noted, however, that these hours may vary depending on the season, as in some months, sunrise and sunset occur earlier or later.
Additionally, the prime minister mentioned that plans are being considered for improving the ticket purchase process for international visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Currently, visitors have their photos taken to create a unique identification card which grants access to the temples.
According to Manet, new options under consideration include using wristbands or QR codes on mobile phones that can be scanned when entering temples.
He explained that the proposed adjustments to the ticketing process aim to avoid disrupting the experience of tourists, as at present, officials must check their cards while entering or visiting the temples. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
