SIEM REAP: Tourists will soon be able to enter Angkor Wat on the original main entrance path as the reconstructed bridge is officially inaugurated on November 4 under the presidency of King Norodom Sihamoni following seven years of reconstruction.
Spean Hal is the main stone bridge that enters the temple complex from the west. While most temples in the region face east, Angkor Wat is true to its Hindu roots in honoring Vishnu, who faces west.
According to the announcement of the APSARA Authority, bridge will be opened to tourists while the floating bridge that was put in its place during reconstruction will also remain as an exit from the temple.
This is the second time the bridge has been renovated since being made a World Heritage Site in 1991. The first renovation phase was from 1996 to 2007, while this second phase started in 2016 and will wrap up before the year’s end.
Spean Hal is 190 meters long, 11.60 meters wide and 4 meters high, built of laterite and paved with sandstone. It is decorated with unique dragon railings and is the main entrance of Angkor Wat.
