Angkor Wat is officially off-limits for drone enthusiasts.
The Apsara Authority, which manages the temple complex, announced the ban on the remote-controlled aircraft in a post on its website on Monday. The decision comes more than a year and a half after Phnom Penh authorities initiated a similar ban in the capital.
“To ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists, to prevent any harm to our temple, and to maintain public order, the Apsara Authority prohibits the use of any type of drone to photograph the temple,” reads the announcement.
According to Apsara Authority spokesman Chau Sun Kerya, drones had been used to photograph unsightly areas of the ancient temple, portraying the country’s prime attraction in a bad light. “We are [also] afraid of it falling on visitors’ heads,” she added.
The move was welcomed by Pok Samnang, operation manager of the Cambodia Tourist Guide Association.
“We mostly don’t see any tourists using drones. Those who do use them are archeologists,” he said. “This is an extraordinary, old temple, so people should never use modern technology in this ancient site.”
