Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. The ICC-ANGKOR 2015 report reveals that, since 1993, more than 36 countries, 12 intergovernmental groups and 38 international teams have contributed millions of dollars to conservation, restoration, research and sustainable development projects.

Image of Angkor's processional entrance. Courtesy of Vincent Ko Hon Chui, UNESCO.

Image of Angkor's processional entrance. Courtesy of Vincent Ko Hon Chui, UNESCO.

APSARA, the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap, is in charge of research, protection and conservation of the site, as well as urban and tourist development in  surrounding areas. This site and it's research teams are located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

 

 
Guardians of Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001.

Guardians of Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001.

The Bayon, within the Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001

The Bayon, within the Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001

Image of an Apsara in the Angkor temple complex, Image courtesy of SKH, 2001.

Image of an Apsara in the Angkor temple complex, Image courtesy of SKH, 2001.

Image of temple conservation ongoing within the site. Courtesy of Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO.

Image of temple conservation ongoing within the site. Courtesy of Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO.

Visnu in Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001.

Visnu in Angkor Wat. Courtesy of SKH, 2001.

The Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia 

Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site has been UNESCO World Heritage since 2008. This site is managed by the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV). In 2014, six years following it’s inscription, the country successfully delegated a coordinating committee for it’s protection; designated the ICC-Preah Vihear, it is co-chaired by China and India.

 

Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

Temple is undergoing restoration and conservation. Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

Temple is undergoing restoration and conservation. Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

Temple of Preah Vihear, Image courtesy of SKH.

On the Tentative list for World Heritage Inscription: Banteay Chhmar

 

The monuments of Banteay Chhmar spread across a large area, with artificial ponds strewn throughout the site planning. The central tower is surrounded by a moat 65 meters wide (and 3.60 meters deep), with eight secondary temples. In a brittle stage, a gallery completely encloses the temple in a rectangle of 250 meters by 190 meters. Banteay Chhmar temple has fifty six towers; many are embossed with beautiful iconography. This site is in need of funding for local field experts.

 
Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

Banteay Chhmar, image courtesy of SKH.

World Heritage: Sambor Prei Kuk 

 

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2017, this site is located on the eastern bank of the Tonle Sap, the central part of Sambor Prei Kuk is mainly divided into three groups. The southern and northern groups are thought to be from the seventh century with the Central Group constructed later. The square or oblong buildings are characteristic of the pre-Angkorian period. This collection of monuments is located southeast of Angkor Wat. Reliable field equipment, and a center for archaeology will be needed at this site. 

 

 
Local field guide at Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

Local field guide at Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

Restoration project ongoing at Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

Restoration project ongoing at Sambor Prei Kuk, Image courtesy of SKH

These copyright photographs were taken between 2000 and 2020 and are the property of Sarah-Kim Holma. If you would like to purchase one of these images, or discuss its provenience, please contact me directly at s.k.holma@hum.leidenuniv.nl