The APSARA National Authority (ANA) has announced plans to reestablish the Victory Gate as the primary gateway for tourists visiting Angkor Thom, the historic capital of the Khmer Empire. 

ANA director-general Hang Peou shared the future vision for this significant site at a press conference on the 46th Session of World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India on August 1. 

"The future goal of ANA is to turn the Victory Gate into an important gateway for tourists to visit Angkor Thom," said Peou. "The Victory Gate was the main entrance for the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk."

Research conducted by ANA revealed historical infrastructure around the gate, including a port, bridge and roads. 

"We have shown proof to tourists to encourage them to visit for a longer period of time,” Peou added.

He noted there is currently congestion at the Tonle Om, or South Gate, as tourists traveling from Angkor Wat to Angkor Thom predominantly use this route. He emphasised that the Victory Gate, also known as the East Gate, should be the main entryway.

"The Victory Gate has many things to attract tourists. First, the gate is the entrance to the Royal Palace, which was used by the late King Father," he explained. 

Peou said visitors will also gain insights into the historical routes taken by the late King when leaving the palace, including the port and the boat he used.

He continued, stating that ANA is developing tourist paths based on the new research findings. 

"The research team is studying the details of the routes for customised tours, determining which paths to take if visitors have half an hour to explore Angkor Wat and which routes to follow if they have an hour and a half," he said.

Additionally, tourists will have the opportunity to visit local communities, experiencing ancient village life and learning about the villagers' rituals and beliefs.

The Victory Gate, one of the five main gates of Angkor Thom, is a significant architectural and historical feature of the Khmer Empire's last capital. 

The gate is noted for its impressive structure, including a tower adorned with four faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, symbolising the king's authority in all four directions. 

Richly decorated with carvings and statues, the gate features depictions of the Hindu god Indra and celestial nymphs.

Archaeological work near the gate has unearthed significant artefacts, including the head of a deity statue, highlighting ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve the site's rich heritage. 

During a recent press conference, it was announced that several important ancient sites have been added to the tentative list for upcoming World Heritage designation by UNESCO. 

Chhum Menghong, acting secretary-general of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Cambodia National Commission for UNESCO, revealed that seven archaeological sites have been inscribed on the tentative list, including the Tuol Sleng Museum, Angkor Borei, Banteay Chhmar, Udong, Phnom Kulen, Preah Khan, Kampong Svay and Beng Mealea.

"We arranged this tentative list in 1993 and revised it in 2020," Menghong said. "In the future, the [culture ministry] will once again consider which major sites we should look for to be included in the list."

The technical team is considering additional sites, such as Laang Spean in Battambang and Phnom Chhnok in Kampot. For next year's inclusion in the heritage site list, the culture ministry is focusing on the Tuol Sleng Museum, Choeung Ek and M13 memorial sites. 

Menghong said these sites are unique listings for Cambodia in the upcoming year's meeting.

He said the ministry’s team is compiling documents for other sites, such as Banteay Chhmar, which may be completed by the end of this year and can be submitted in 2025, and Angkor Borei, which still needs more time.

The 46th Session of World Heritage Committee witnessed the addition of 24 new World Heritage Sites, including 19 cultural, four natural and one mixed property.