Cambodian archaeologists complete restoration of Neak Poan Temple's drainage structure in Angkor park

PHNOM PENH, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian archaeologists have completed the restoration of the western drainage structure at Neak Poan (the entwined serpents) Temple in the famed Angkor Archaeological Park, the APSARA National Authority (ANA) said in a news release on Monday.

Ich Sreng, a technical staff member at the ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said the ancient drainage system had suffered from age-related deterioration, water erosion, and the growth of plants within its structure.

"Our team has transformed the previously damaged structure into a strong and aesthetically pleasing feature," he said.

Sreng added that this restoration followed previous efforts to rehabilitate two other drainage structures on the eastern and northern sides of the Neak Poan Temple.

"With the completion of this project, experts anticipate that the restored drainage structures will not only be more resilient but also enhance the temple's appeal to visitors," he said.

Built in the second half of the 12th century, Neak Poan is a small temple that stands on an artificial island in the middle of the North Baray (reservoir) in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province.

The 401-square-km Angkor park, which is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country, is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

The ancient park attracted 474,810 international visitors in the first four months of 2025, making a gross revenue of 22.2 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise. Enditem