Siem Reap: There is a major restoration project underway at Angkor. The Apsara Authority is taking advantage of the lack of international tourists to carry out some much-needed renovations. It hopes to have the work completed before the Angkor Archeological Park is teeming with tourists once again.

The latest part of the park receiving attention is the famed Bayon Temple. The stones that have long laid around its moat are being relocated. Deputy Director of the Department of Conservation of Monuments at Angkor, Mr. Sim Thorn, says the stones have been scattered for hundreds of years and include nearly 3,000 pieces, many of which fell from the temple. They are being carted off for separate restoration work and will eventually be returned when the Bayon is restored.

Also under restoration is the famous Takao Gate at Angkor Thom, which visitors pass through on their way to the Bayon. The gate’s famous bridge and roadway are also undergoing repairs. While the pandemic has kept thousands of tourists away, it has allowed this work to be carried out uninterrupted. Officials hope to welcome tourists back by the 4th quarter of this year, with Cambodia’s vaccine rollout progressing so well. The focus will first be on the country’s regional tourism markets, most especially China and Thailand, with possible travel bubbles being discussed.