In an effort to increase tourist access and prevent further damage to the magnificent pre-Angkorian temple in the far north of Cambodia on the Thai border a staircase has been built adjacent to the ancient stone steps. Om Phirom, chief of the Preah Vihear Heritage Police explained, “We will have this wooden staircase along the old one for tourists to walk up to Preah Vihear temple”. He added: “Tourists, especially foreign tourists, like to do adventure travel, so they will be excited to walk by the ancient staircase.”

Chuch Phoeung, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said the idea for the staircase had come from UNESCO, which in July 2008 approved Cambodia’s application to make Preah Vihear temple a World Heritage site. The deputy governor of Preah Vihear province, said that he believed tourists would appreciate the different views afforded by the new approach. “When this stair construction is finished, it will give tourists a chance to see new views, and it will help attract more tourists to the site”.

For tours which include a visit to the magnificent Preah Vihear contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from the Phnom Penh Post 21-10-09