The Temples of Angkor and Tourism

Where is Angkor?

Situated near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Number of visitors
Approaching 2 million annually

The temples of Angkor

~ Majestic temples built in the 9th - 14th century, still standing today

~ Elaborate carvings and intricate architecture (Brick, sandstone and laterite were used in the building of the temples)

~ The prime attraction of all the temples is Angkor Wat - a temple complex built in the early 12th century. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become the symbol of Cambodia and appears on the national flag.

~ Ta Phrom - massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors. It was also used as a location in the film Tomb Raider (starring Angelina Jolie!)

~ People still come to the temples for religious purpose

Discovery and Restoration

In 1863, the posthumous notes made by French naturalist, Henri Mouhot was published, arousing Western interest in the wonders of Angkor. Many conservators took charge of restoring the sites. In December 1992, Angkor became a World Heritage Site.

Advantages of tourism in Angkor

~ Tourism has created many job opportunities for Cambodians. Many employees are needed in the hotel sector, restaurants have opened up, number of travel agencies have increased dramatically and many others have benefited as a result of tourism, even tuk-tuk drivers are able to earn more through tourism.

~ Jobs in the tourism industry has encouraged the Cambodians to learn the skills needed in the different sectors

~ Tourism also encourages the improvement of infrastructure - new roads are being built.

~ It is also one of the major sources of income for Cambodia

Disadvantages of tourism in Angkor

~ Large number of planes flying near the temples to the Siam Reap airport can cause irreversible strain and damage to the masonry.

~ Hotels pumping water from underground is causing the temples to be in danger of collapsing as the soil it sits on is sinking.

~ Leakage of income - major beneficiaries of the tourism industry are international hotels, foreign airlines, travel agencies and business companies based in other countries.

~ The increasing number of tourists exerts pressure on the archaeological sites at Angkor by walking and climbing on the (mostly) sandstone monuments at Angkor. This direct pressure created by unchecked tourism is expected to cause significant damage to the monuments in the future.

Working towards sustainable tourism

ICOM's Red List defining irreplaceable treasures of Cambodian heritage protected under law. Heritage Watch has contributed in working to preserve Cambodia's precious cultural heritage.

Heritage Watch's missions:

1. To study threats to cultural heritage, including the illicit trade in antiquities, the looting of archaeological sites, and loss of historic architecture;
2. To educate and increase awareness among the public of the profound importance of heritage resources;
3. To increase access to and awareness of national and international law affecting cultural property, while working with the proper authorities to implement, enforce, and improve it;
4. To promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that further cultural and economic development and encourage the tourism industry to support the arts, culture, heritage and development;
5. To foster communication between relevant governmental and intergovernmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.

Educational resources and training for local communities, tourism operators, and tourists are provided in the aim of preserving the Angkor temples.

In 2010, Heritage Watch is working to reinvigorate and strengthen its efforts to protect Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The Red List is a significant step towards promoting and achieving this objective.

My thoughts

My first and only visit (thus far) to Angkor left me breathless and astounded. The fact that it was built about a thousand of years ago, without the help of technology makes me wonder the sheer strength of the people and the form of technology that has existed back then. Yes, using rolling logs to aid moving a heavy object has been depicted in ancient times but who was the genius who came up with the idea? I am quite certain that Einstein was yet to be born then.

I have been encouraging people I know (and who would listen) to visit Angkor to experience the majestic beauty and calmness of it. Even I have not gotten enough of it and would love to visit again for a second time. However, with this entry, I have learned so many other factors that I have not considered and to be honest, have not even crossed my mind. The disadvantages of tourism and the sheer fact that we are causing more harm to the historical site has made me decide to put my second visit on hold.

It seems to me that we are so focused on developing (in this case, from Cambodia's point of view - economical development) but at the expense of causing so much harm to the beautiful nature around us. Is the development worth losing one of the world's greatest monument?

I do hope that the Cambodian government, with the help of Heritage Watch and other organizations, will come up with a way to protect the Angkor temples at the same time allowing tourists to visit the site. When that happens, I will be on the next plane to Siam Reap!

References

Claude J. & Michael F. (2003). Ancient Angkor. Bangkok, Thailand: River Books Ltd.

Angkor Temple Guide: Ta Phrom. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-taprohm.htm

Angkor (April 5, 2010). Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor#Construction_of_Angkor_Wat

Ta Phrom (March 25, 2010). Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Prohm

Tom F., Will Angkor Wat survive the invasion of mass tourism? Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from www.twnside.org.sg/title2/resurgence/207-208/cover10.doc

Erin L. Heritage Watch - Protecting Cambodia's Antuiqities (Feb 11, 2010)(http://www.devata.org/2010/02/heritage-watch-protecting-cambodian-antiquities/