Since its recent introduction, a bridge across the moat surrounding the Neak Poan Temple has attracted more tourists to the site.

The Apsara National Authority (ANA) said on October 13 that Neak Poan baray – or northern reservoir – was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, almost one thousand years ago. The baray is 3,600m long and 930m wide.

The ANA said in 2005, a long drought gave them an opportunity to begin renovating the irrigation system, dams, and canals used to store water in the baray. In 2007, the ANA drained the water and brought the baray back to life.

The baray now plays an important role in supplying water for agricultural use and to people living near the Angkor Thom, Neak Poan, and Preah Khan temples, it said.

Vichet, a resident of Banteay Meanchey province, who was visiting the temple for the first time, said the new beautiful bridge had attracted his families’ attention.

He said they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the baray, the bridge and the majestic temple.

Separately, the ANA announced the completion of restorations to the East Gopura of Shiva Complex in Preah Khan temple. It said the gate will be reopened to tourists soon.

ANA archaeologist Chea Sarith said the restoration team had begun restoring the gate in early November last year.

He said the Shiva Complex has 24 pillars, which had almost all collapsed, weakening the structure. The restorations strengthened the foundation, and reassembled the pillars, beams, and roof.

The ANA said that the East Gopura of Shiva Complex was previously restored by French School of the Far East in 1928, who used concrete beams to support the structure. In 2002, the ANA determined that updated renovations were required.

“Now that the work is complete, the apsara authority expects to reopen the complex to tourists soon,” it said.