Angkor Wat’s Northern Pond Reopens to Visitors After Restoration
Angkor Wat’s Northern Pond Reopens to Visitors After Restoration
SIEM REAP, November 7, 2026 — The APSARA National Authority has reopened Angkor Wat’s Northern Pond to visitors following the completion of restoration work in late October 2026, allowing both Cambodian and international tourists to enjoy the iconic reflection of the temple in its waters.
The restoration project has addressed years of deterioration caused by age and weather conditions. Before the work, sediment had accumulated at the bottom of the pond, making it shallower, while several laterite stone foundations supporting the staircases had deteriorated. Many sandstone steps had also become displaced or showed signs of decay.
Ms. Phin Vicheasochara, a technical officer with the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology and project manager for the restoration, said the pond had been temporarily closed to allow technical research, infrastructure assessments and restoration work to be carried out in several phases.
She explained that the northern pond previously often dried up during the dry season, preventing visitors from photographing Angkor Wat’s reflection. Following the restoration, however, the pond is expected to retain water throughout both the dry and rainy seasons, offering visitors opportunities to capture the temple’s reflection year-round.
Dr. Hang Peou, Director General of the APSARA National Authority, said the reopening marked another important achievement in preparing Cambodia to welcome delegates attending the 20th Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie, scheduled to take place in Cambodia.
He praised the efforts of APSARA’s technical teams for completing the restoration ahead of the summit, saying the work would allow visiting delegates to appreciate the beauty of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The authority said final landscaping and beautification work was underway as part of preparations to welcome visitors and summit delegates.
On the occasion of the reopening, APSARA called on visitors to help preserve the site by avoiding littering, maintaining public order and keeping the surrounding area clean.
